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NEWSLETTERTerm 22019
FRom ThE pRiNcipaLANITA ZOCCHIOur Term 2 newsletter will reach you just as the Year 11’s are commencing their second semester at USC and our Year 12’s continue to work on their assignments and head towards mid-year examinations. As a school focused on assisting young people to reach their potential, we are working to support student’s academic progress while also providing opportunities for them to develop a range of personal skills and capabilities.
At the conclusion of the Semester One examinations, the Year 11 students were involved in a two day program, with activities centred on PERMA+ (Positive Emotion, Engagement, Resilience, Meaning and Accomplishment) and future pathways with the University of Adelaide. These activities are designed to support students along their academic journey but are not intended to be finite in themselves.
As we know, practising PERMA+ is not always easy but it is a useful framework designed to maintain positive mental health. We hope that students revisit these concepts in the future. As a school we revise these concepts with our students over time in the hope that practising PERMA+ becomes more natural to
them. I share this with you in the hope that we are able to reinforce to young people that strategies such as PERMA+ are designed to be used in everyday life.
This term I have worked to develop empathy in myself and in others through my involvement in the Vinnies CEO Sleepout. I wanted to draw our community’s attention to a group in our society who are doing it tough on a daily basis. Being located in the city, USC staff and students see firsthand those who sleep out on the street night after night. For the last 5 years, I have participated in the CEO Sleepout. Since joining USC, students and staff here have helped me raise awareness and funds with activities such as our annual ‘PJ and Onesie Day’. It is fundamental for a healthy society to have the ability to think of others less fortunate than themselves. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the USC community for donating to the cause.
As we head towards the Term 2 holidays I hope that students are able to rest and recuperate, and then bring some attention to their goals. Reflecting on personal achievement is important and essential for individual wellbeing. Likewise,
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planning for future steps is also beneficial to provide direction and drive. Balance in both of these areas is critical in order to keep things in perspective and USC is here to assist our students to become the best version of themselves.
Regards, Anita
Students and staff participating in ‘PJ and Onesie day’, supporting the Vinnies CEO Sleepout.
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From the Principal 2Important Dates 3From the Year 12 Dean 4University Senior College Open Day 5From the Year 11 Dean 6USC Lunchtime Choir 6Pre Election B.B.Q. 7 Knockout Soccer & Basketball 7From the International Dean 8Women in Mathematics 8Semester 1 Intensive English Graduation 9Year 12 Drama Performances 9From the Counsellor 10Life Happens: Moments of Loss 10World’s Greatest Shave 10Positive Education: Acts of Kindness 11Student Agency at USC 12Thinker, Tinker, Maker Group 12Designers Visit JamFactory 13Economists visited by RBA Representitive 13Tai Chi Workshop 13USC Photo Album 14Parent Night 15Headspace and Grief Information 16
June 2019
21 Year 11 Reports Distributed
27 Parent Evening - Safe Practices
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ImpOrTANT dATes
July 2019
3 Year 11 Mentoring - Driver Education & PERMA+
3 Year 12 Mentoring - Exam Preparation
5 Last Day of Term 2
august 2019
1 SMS Maths Exam
7 Year 12 Exam Reports Distributed
8 Parent/Teacher Interviews
22 Term 3 Commences
22 Year 12 Exams Commence
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Year 12 Exams Conclude
Year 11 Mentoring - Interviews
14 Year 12 Mentoring - SATAC
14 Year 11 Mentoring
22 Parent Evening - Careers/Partners Pathway
25 USC Open Day
26 Year 12 Mentoring - Interviews
28 Year 12 Mentoring
28 Year 11 Mentoring
30 Wear it Purple Day
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FRom ThE YEaR 12 DEaN
It is hard to believe that we are now just past the halfway mark of Year 12. The pace of learning and assessment is becoming more intense however, the majority of our students are progressing well and focussing on personal achievement. In the short term, a continued, steady effort during the remaining weeks of term and during the break will consolidate your child’s learning in preparation for next term and their examinations.
Year 12 exams are an important milestone for your child, marking the end of their formal schooling and their leap into adulthood, but exams can be meaningful for parents too. After 13 years, which have probably passed exceptionally quickly, you have almost made it to the end. You may have more children to follow, or perhaps you have been through this journey already with older children, but getting each one through their senior years is an accomplishment.
However, remember that studying for and sitting the exams are your child’s achievements. For now, your role is to take a step back, be a supporter on the sidelines and help them reach their final hurdle.
There is often huge pressure on adolescents in the final years of their education. They may bring it on themselves, but they also feel pressure from parents and teachers. Some students fear failure and worry about job prospects if they don’t achieve good results. It may seem the biggest cliché when it comes to Year 12, but it is the truest; the ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank) will not make or break their life. It is not an IQ score. It is not a measure of how well they will succeed in life, and it certainly isn’t a one-way ticket to a fulfilling occupation.
As parents we must try hard to stay calm, be patient, help when asked, and stay away when told. Continue to encourage your son or daughter to see their friends,
ANNA BAssANIto study together and to seek help from their teachers. Please don’t underestimate your role, your support is important to them.
Much like the advice in the baby books you probably read many years ago, this is yet another stage that passes far too quickly.
To help us in this process of understanding the stresses that our children face, I am taking this opportunity to invite you to hear what will be said to your child in our Mentoring session in Week 10 of this term. The emphasis will be on the indicators of distress and eustress in adolescents. Dr Victoria Branson, from the University of Adelaide has researched assumptions about stress and its effects on healthy adolescent development. Victoria is specifically looking at the positive effect stress can have on young people. This will be the focus of our third parent evening, which will be held on Thursday June 27 at 6:30pm in the Jordan lecture theatre on level three. Bookings can be registered via trybooking, please refer to the link that has been emailed to you all. It is an excellent opportunity to hear from the experts.
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FRom ThE YEaR 12 DEaNANNA BAssANI
USC OPEN DAYSunday 24 March at 2.00pm The Braggs Lecture Theatre, The University of Adelaide Register online: usc.adelaide.edu.au/opendaysEnrolling from Year 10 in 2020
Tour our campus within the University of Adelaide to learn more about our unique partnership, and visit our New Arts and Drama spaces in Gawler Place.
Apply now for a 2020 Scholarship Online Applications: usc.adelaide.edu.au/scholarshipsFor further information, or to discuss your options, please contact our Enrolment Officer, Michelle Giavis on (08) 8313 4988 or email [email protected].
USc open DaySunday 25 August at 2.00pm The Braggs lecture theatre, the University of Adelaide Register online: usc.adelaide.edu.au/opendays
Enrolling Year 10 from 2020
Tour our campus within the University of Adelaide to learn more about our unique partnership, and visit our new Arts and Drama spaces in Gawler Place.
Apply now for a 2020 Scholarship Online Applications: usc.adelaide.edu.au/scholarshipsFor further information, or to discuss your options, please contact our Enrolment Officer, Michelle Giavis on (08) 8313 4988 or email [email protected]
Mid-Year Examinations
The mid-year exam programme will run in Term 3, from Week 1, Monday July 22 to Friday July 26. In the event of illness during the exam period, please contact USC promptly to advise of your child’s absence. Please be aware that if a student is unwell and unable to sit an exam, USC and the SACE Board require a medical certificate to validate their absence. Only after the provision of the certificate, and if it is practicable to do so, will the College reschedule an examination. Should this situation arise, it is the student’s responsibility to contact Simon Sypek, Dean of Accreditation and SACE, as soon as possible to organise the rescheduling. The mid-year exams will be held in our Gawler Place campus.
University Admission
The 2019 SATAC Guide (South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre) will be distributed to Year 12 students at a Mentoring session in early Term 3. The session will also assist students with the procedures for university application in South Australia. Please note in your diaries that the University of Adelaide 2019 Open Day is Sunday, August 18. Information regarding entrance to all university courses in South Australia and across Australia is also available online.
Partner’s Pathway
Finally, Partner’s Pathway applications will be completed and submitted by students on Friday September 6 (Term 3, Week 7). The students will be supported by their Mentors and the University of Adelaide’s Future Student Advisor who will offer one to one interviews to
any of our students who need greater clarification on program pathways.
The Partner’s Pathway applications are evaluated according to each student’s demonstration of engagement with the USC program. In addition, the University of Adelaide’s cut off for entry to all programs is an ATAR of 65. Most of the programs at the University of Adelaide are available via the Partner’s Pathway, however, there are some preclusions:
• Bachelor of Medicine/Surgery
• Bachelor of Dental Surgery
• Bachelor of Oral Health
• Bachelor of Veterinary Bioscience
• Bachelor of Innovation and Entrepreneurship
• Music Degrees
In most cases, interviews or auditions are required as part of the evaluation process for entry into these programs. Our aim is to have the recommendation process completed by the end of Term 3 and each student will receive a letter informing them of the outcome of their application.
Unfortunately, not all students will have demonstrated the study behaviours and academic achievement to receive a Partner’s Pathway recommendation, however all students are able to apply through the SATAC pathway for programs at each of the South Australian universities.
If you have any concerns or questions regarding any of the above, please don’t hesitate to contact me at the College.
Anna Bassani
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FRom ThE YEaR 11 DEaN
What a fantastic term the Year 11’s have had. With exams beginning in Week 7, the students got the chance to demonstrate their ability to handle multiple assignment deadlines while still maintaining their study habits. The Research Project students in particular, have been working very hard to meet the SACE deadlines and should be commended for their efforts. The exams, which occurred in Weeks 7 and 8, signified an important milestone in the student’s transition through our program and they should feel proud of the way that they conducted themselves throughout the exam period and of the results they have achieved. Year 11 students will receive their Semester 1 report at the end of Week 8 and families will receive a copy in the post. For the vast majority of students, their Semester 1 results have demonstrated engagement with their learning and commitment to their studies.
The Year 11 students have just completed a 2 day Mentoring program, the first day being a full day PERMA+ wellbeing event. Students had the opportunity to develop skills in Active Constructive Responding, character strengths and mindfulness as well as taking part in a ‘Recharge’ session, which saw them donate money to various sections of the Adelaide community. We also held a Future Pathways day, where the students engaged in inspiring lectures and programs with academics from the University of Adelaide. Lunch was provided on this day, which as always, was well received by the cohort! These two sessions are always a highlight of the Year 11 calendar.
I encourage all students to take some time out over the school holidays to reflect on their progress at USC so far. What is going well? What needs work? What new strategies could be put in place to ensure that they are getting the most out of their time at the College? I know that many students have put in a considerable amount of hard work and effort to achieve their results and I look forward to seeing this effort and success continue in Semester 2. If students or parents have any questions, please make contact with Mentors or subject teachers via email, or feel free to speak with me directly by calling the College during business hours.
Corey Barrett
UsC Lunchtime ChoirThroughout Term 2, staff and students have enjoyed the opportunity to be involved in the Lunchtime Choir. Run and directed by Music teacher, David Garwood, the group has been practising their part-singing and harmony skills. The choir currenly have three songs ‘on-the-go’, the jazz standard, “Dream a Little Dream of Me”, Eric Clapton’s “Tears in Heaven”, and a medley from the musical Les Misérables. The introduction of the lunchtime activity has been received positively, with attendances increasing each week. USC’s Lunchtime Choir is looking forward to their first performance in September at the USC Annual Music Concert.
COrey BArreTT
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Knockout soccer & Basketball
Two groups of students represented USC for the first time in School Sport SA’s Knockout Soccer and Basketball competitions this term. This was due to the strong interest students showed in representing USC by competing against other schools.
In May our soccer team rallied after an initial loss to ASMS, winning their second match against Blackwood, 3-2 after being two goals down at half-time. However, ASMS won against Blackwood in the final game and therefore USC did not progress to the next round. Thanks must go to coach and Year 12 student, Georgia Giavis, who managed the team on the day.
pre election B.B.Q.
On the Friday before the recent election, our Intensive English students went to Murlawirrapurka Park (formerly Rymill Park) to have a B.B.Q. as part of their Australian Studies program.
Students organised the menu, did the shopping, the cooking and the cleaning up afterwards. They agreed it was a wonderful experience in the beautiful park landscape.
Damien Coghlan
“Everyone work for different things on Friday, for example, girls buy food from the supermarket and take B.B.Q. tools from Jordan. We also cook food for all of us... Maybe boys should do the cooking.” ~Iris
“ In this activity, we not only enjoyed a delicious lunch, but also saw the beautiful scenery. Such activities help us get to know each other, promote the friendship between classmates, and a team spirit.” ~Camille
“It was a wonderful day. Because everyone had their jobs and helped each other. And new classmates joined our class, so it was a good time to talk and play with them. Although we are a new group, it’s a unforgettable experience for us.” ~Lily
In June our basketball team played their first-round matches at Cedar College. The first match against the hosts was a nail-biter but Cedar College came out strongly in the second half, taking the lead and winning the first match. ASMS played well in the second match but USC proved to be the superior team, gaining a lead and winning their second match.
A big thank you must go to the staff who supported the students on both days; Adrian Di-Nino who ran lines for the soccer games, and Bryant Pan who lent his expertise as coach of the basketball team. Congratulations to all the players; the students’ enthusiasm to be a part of both competitions drove this initiative. Kelly Keeling Biology Teacher
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michaelJacobsen
FrOm THe INTerNATIONAL deAN
Following the completion of their exams in Week 7, the Intensive English students enjoyed an end-of-term excursion to Glenelg. We caught an early tram from Rundle Mall to arrive at Glenelg just after opening time at The Beach House. After purchasing our ‘Winter Warmer Tickets’ we headed straight for the dodgem cars to see who could “drive in an anti-clockwise direction”; a hilarious start to our 90 minutes of fun! After checking out the pinball machines, basketball hoops, video games, the carousel and putt-putt golf, a train ride completed our Beach House fun.
Once we had well and truly worked up an appetite we ‘ambushed’ a great Thai place for lunch, taking up every seat in the café. Anderson’s Ice Cream provided one more treat before we caught the tram back to school. It was a relaxing and fun excursion in the sun (at times!) at Glenelg beach. Thanks to Damien and the students for being a part of it.
Women in mathematics
In May Year 12 Mathematics students, Rachel, Grace, Sascha and Charlize attended the 2019 Women in Maths Workshop at the University of Adelaide.
“It was an amazing experience, and a great way to learn more about the variety of jobs available in mathematics. My favourite activity from the workshop was being taught about fractals and using a computer program to create my own fractal. It was a very enjoyable experience. I expanded my horizons by listening to current and past university students who spoke about the variety of opportunities they have been offered through mathematics.” ~ Rachel
“The Women in Mathematics workshop was an incredible opportunity to be surrounded by like-minded young women from across Adelaide. We engaged in some activities that got me thinking of the ways in which mathematics stretches beyond the classroom and monotonous textbook exercises and enters the real world. Hearing from current and graduate students from the University of Adelaide highlighted the innovative ways in which maths is transforming industries that impact how we live. It also highlighted how wide and varied the scope of mathematics is and the numerous fields you can enter with a background in mathematics.” ~ Grace
Lisa Lanchester Maths Coordinator
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year 12 drama performances
USC’s Year 12 Drama students recently performed two plays at the University of Adelaide’s Little Theatre as a part of their Year 12 SACE assessment. Two very different plays, ‘The Shape of the Grave’ and ‘Property Rites’ allowed the ensemble to study and perform in different styles that have influenced modern theatre.
The first of the one-act plays, ‘The Shape of the Grave’ explored the experiences of two Northern Irish sisters in the 1990’s and their family’s involvement with the Irish Republican Army.
Somewhat contrastingly, their second play, ‘Property Rites’ took place in the future, and followed the plight of a man attempting to sell an art installation of humanoid robots who begin to become sentient.
While the two plays seem to be diametrically opposed in terms of content, both stories held a common thread: asking questions about the attitudes that humans hold towards the value of life.
All performances, including the costume and set design, were well received and thought-provoking. The group came together in a true ensemble, working to support one another and problem solve over the last terms, and are congratulated on the final result.
Lynn Jackson Drama Teacher
semester 1 Intensive english GraduationAt the conclusion of their Intensive English Program our international students participated in a very memorable Graduation ceremony.
This semester’s group were outstanding, demonstrating their growth and readiness to progress to Year 11 studies with their fantastic ‘My Story’ PowerPoint presentations and music performances.
We heard 12 great stories in addition to performances of songs in Japanese (Kataomoi), Mandarin (Hostage) and English (Wish You Were Here and High & Dry) as well as solo instrumentals on piano and acoustic guitar. All performances were wonderful to watch.
The graduating students have been a joy to teach, to get to know, and to share new experiences with.
Many thanks to Damien, (Auntie) Tash and all the International staff for attending the ceremony and supporting the students throughout their time in the Intensive English Program.
IE Students performing at their recent Graduation ceremony.
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Life Happens...moments of Loss
During our lifetimes we all experience some form of loss. Grief is a natural emotion we may feel when we are working through a loss. There are many forms of loss and, while grief is a natural experience, it can sometimes affect our engagement in daily life.
Throughout the school year members of our college community may be affected by loss. While there is no set time someone is ‘supposed’ to grieve, especially for a loved one, if prolonged grief negatively impacts your child’s wellbeing or learning and social connections, please reach out for help. Your child’s Mentor, and the teaching and non-teaching staff at USC are here to help. Your child’s wellbeing is our priority.
If you have any concerns you may also find it helpful to connect with external organisations, websites and help providers such as:
FRom ThE coUNSELLoRNAdIA LOveTT
- Your GP - The GPs at the University Health Practice - Headspace - Lifeline 13 11 14
Attached to this newsletter is some reading material about young people and grief and how Headspace can help.
If you have queries about any of the points in this article please make contact with me.
World’s Greatest shaveLate last term some brave USC staff and students coloured or shaved their hair as part of the Leukaemia Foundation’s ‘World’s Greatest Shave’. Fourteen staff members and students took part in the event. Seven team members shaved their heads while the other half cut their long hair or coloured it. Our team, ‘The USCdyeableshaveables’, raised over $10,000; smashing our original goal of $5000! The whole College attended the lunchtime shave and students raised additional money by holding a Bake Sale. Visitors from the Leukaemia foundation joined the event
and a group of talented student musicians provided extra entertainment. The College was particularly humbled by the attendance of Michael Doukas’ family, a 2008 USC Graduate, who passed away from Leukaemia in 2011. University Senior College wishes to thank all those within our school community and beyond who made a generous donation, your support will help give families facing blood cancer the emotional and practical support they need, and fund vital research to help more people survive blood cancer.
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FRom ThE coUNSELLoR NAdIA LOveTT
positive education: Acts of KindnessResearch suggests that practising acts of kindness increases feelings of wellbeing. Irrespective of whether the circumstances are random or planned, when applied regularly the effect can increase positive emotions in both the giver and the receiver.
During their recent PERMA+ Mentoring day Year 11 students and their Mentors spent time in the Adelaide community engaging in planned acts of kindness. Some Mentor groups decided to donate funds to different causes; some of these charities included Guide Dogs
Australia, the Women’s and Children’s Hospital and The Big Issue. Meanwhile other Mentor groups undertook kind acts such as creating toiletry packs for the Hutt Street Centre, who support people living rough in Adelaide, and backpacks for BackPacks 4 SA Kids, a charity that supports South Australian foster children.
It is evident that the acts of kindness demonstrated by our students and staff have contributed not only to their own wellbeing but have also provided some assistance in the lives of many others.
Members of Michael’s Mentor group making a donation to Guide Dogs Australia.
Heather and Andrew’s Mentor groups after delivering their donation to the Women’s and Children’s Hospital.
Kate and Zoya’s Mentor groups making toiletry packs for the Hutt Street Centre.
Lynn and Magda’s groups creating packs for BackPacks 4 SA Kids.
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Thinker, Tinker, maker GroupThis year presents exciting new opportunities for the Thinker, Tinker, Maker Group, with a new space and new equipment to support their projects. Students have been excited to learn how to use the 3D printers, 3D scanner and laser cutter alongside students in the Art and Design faculties.
Our first project saw students gain skills in soldering though the assembly of laser radios developed by IPAS at The University of Adelaide. Developers, Dr Ben Sparkes and Dr Chris Perrella from the University joined in on a number of Thursday lunch time sessions to assist students in assembling their Laser Radios and troubleshooting issues with electronic components. This also provided students with the opportunity to network with researchers from IPAS.
Within the group there has been significant interest in programming this year, with Lego Robots providing the perfect platform to assemble custom robots and program their functionality. Kelly has led the robotics and coding opportunities through connections with the University of Adelaide.
Through a partnership with VAF Research, Glen has established an exciting collaboration with one of Australia’s leading speaker and electronics manufacturers. In a joint project, members of the TTM Group and the Year 11 Design class will be researching, developing and building a speaker using 3D-printing technologies. One of VAF’s award winning speaker designs is being adapted with the full support of their chief designer and acoustic and electronics engineers. Students will be undertaking industry visits and working in collaboration with VAF and members of the University of Adelaide to CAD design, 3D-print, build crossover circuits and test their creations to industry standards.
This project will provide a real-world opportunity to explore many future pathways in engineering, mathematics and the sciences, while providing skill development and exposure to industrial design.
Kelly Keeling and Glen Arthur Biology and Chemistry Teachers
student Agency at UsCSince the beginning of the year the College’s leadership team (Principal, Deputy Principal, Counsellor and the Deans) have been involved in a project let by AISSA (Association of Independent Schools of South Australia) that focusses on Student Agency. This is a three-year project being led by English Professor, Charles Leadbeater, who has been visiting Adelaide each term to lead the eighteen schools who are involved.
Student Agency is not only about providing students with a voice in their learning, it is about being able to take on a more active role in their education by working with peers, their teachers and their Mentor to shape their learning and assessment. It also allows students to identify and potentially pursue a range of co-curricular opportunities.
The inaugural ‘Young Catalysts’ group are one example of students who are leading the way. ‘Young Catalysts’ is a group of about 15 Year 12 students who have been trained and now meet regularly to plan activities and opportunities for their peers at USC. Recent activities have included a ‘Have Your Say’ lunchtime workshop, a film screening fundraiser and a vintage fashion pop-up event. Several other initiatives are being planned for Term 3.
Thinker, Tinker, Maker students utilising the new STEM space in Gawler Place.
Members of USC’s ‘Young Catalysts’ group.
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designers visit JamFactoryOur Year 12 Design students recently visited the JamFactory to tour the Metal Studio and Jewellery Workshop. They were fortunate to interact with contemporary jewellery designers; Sarah Rothe, Zoe Grigoris and Danielle Barrie, who provided an insight into their unique methods, materials and techniques.
Students benefitted by engaging with practising designers and observing designers working with resin, titanium and silver. They also visited Gallery One to view ‘Materials Matter: A Bauhaus Legacy’ which highlighted the influence of the Bauhaus School and its philosophies on the JamFactory and the thriving design culture in South Australia.
University Senior college old Scholars’ association is raising
funds!
Help us raise funds for our College by buying an Entertainment Membership,
and you can enjoy value the whole family will love these school holidays.
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and help our fundraising at the same time.
Jewellery designers, Sarah Rothe and Danielle Barrie, the Metal Studio, JamFactory.
Tai-Chi WorkshopThe Tai-Chi workshop at USC has been running for almost two months now, and it’s great to see the group getting bigger.
Held on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at lunchtime, the workshop is run with assistance from Cherry, a Year 12 international student. They have been joined by Year 12 students wanting to relax their bodies and minds in the midst of busy daily schedules, and some keen staff who enjoy learning more about Tai-Chi. People who have participated have agreed that the sessions help them to adjust their breathing and body movements. They have managed to relax and get their energy back for a more focused and productive day.
We would love to see more new members join us after school holidays! Please come and visit us for a demonstration during lunch time from Tuesday Week 2, Term 3.
Joyce Chen Chinese Teacher
economists visited by rBA representitiveReserve Bank of Australia representitive, Matt Carter, recently presented to our Year 12 Economics students on current monetary policies and conditions. It was a very useful experience for students, with Lleyton finding the presentation “informative”, and Mihai “insightful”. Our students expressed the view that hearing what was happening in the real world from an experienced practitioner really enhanced the theory of the classroom.
Di Averis Economics Teacher
This experience enriched Year 12 Design students’ Visual Studies and Folio work, whilst also providing ideas for presentation in the final Visual Arts exhibition in November.
Michele BlackmanVisual Arts - Design Teacher
Staff and students enjoying the ‘relaxing’ atmosphere at a lunchtime Tai-Chi workshop.
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University Senior College The University of Adelaide North Terrace Adelaide SA 5005
Telephone: +61 8 8313 4988 Facsimile: +61 8 8313 4887Email: [email protected]
