Thursday 9th May 2013

7-12 NEWSLETTER

Thursday 27th October 2016

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT

BUILDING RESILIENCE There has been some interesting coverage in the media recently regarding the stress young people are exposed to in formal examinations. The discussion was prompted by the imminent examinations which some students in Year 12 will be undertaking. It is important to note that the examinations for SACE will only count for a percentage of the overall assessment for subjects such as Physics and English Studies, with the main assessments being for various assignments and course work conducted throughout the year. It is also worth noting that many students are studying subjects where

there are no final exams to sit and it has been that way now for many years. I would suggest that the balance is quite reasonable in this regard. However, all students will experience a range of formal assessments during their time at school and I am of the opinion that this is also appropriate. Young people do need to develop skills, strategies and resilience to be able to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding at particular points in time. This replicates what they will experience in a range of situations throughout their lives, such as job applications including interviews and trials for sporting teams, drama productions and so on. Our students have periodic tests such as NAPLAN to assess their progress in areas such as literacy and numeracy. They also learn how to make class presentations to various audiences and it is great to watch them overcome their nerves and proudly display the outcomes of their planning, research and practice. We have noticed that our EFS students are becoming increasingly confident and articulate from their early years in junior primary all the way through to Year 12. We have been operating under a framework of the Three R’s which for us are Relationships, Relevance and Resilience. It is resilience that is further developed as students successfully deal with the challenges of formal examinations.

YEAR 12 FORMAL

Speaking of things formal, it was a wonderful Year 12 Formal that was held last Friday night in Glenelg. Ms. Toy was ably assisted by staff colleagues and a most impressive group of Year 12 students who organised an excellent function.

The main event was preceded by a pre-formal function in our performing Arts Centre, which enabled family and friends to see and mingle with our students, who looked rather spectacular in their outfits. The event catering was provided by Ms. Gale and her Year 10 Food and Hospitality class. This is the fourth year we have had a pre-formal function and it is clearly much appreciated by our families.

Next year will certainly be a big gathering, as we expect to have 114 students in Year 12 in 2017.

The Year 12 Formal is a significant Rite of Passage for our graduating students and their families.

MATERIALS AND SERVICES CHARGES

Parents will soon be receiving information regarding the annual poll which must be conducted regarding the Materials and Services charges for the following year, which have been recommended by our Governing Council. I would make two observations about the proposed charges for 2017. Compared to all other public schools, our charges are at the lower end of the range. Secondly, Governing Council has endorsed my recommendation to not increase any of the charges from those which applied in 2016. Those parents eligible for the School Card are not expected to pay any further charges. If unsure of your eligibility, please contact the office staff at any campus.

PUPIL FREE DAYS 2017

Next year we have planned to follow a similar pattern for our staff professional learning days which are pupil free days to be entered on your calendars. The themes we are pursuing are very much aligned to our EFS School Improvement Plan.

Governing Council has endorsed the following program for 2017:-

Integrity Respect Responsibility Care & Compassion Cooperation Participation

Tuesday 24th

& Wednesday 25th January: General planning / preparation (students resume Monday 30th January)

Tuesday 14th March: Guest – Dr Jennifer Buckingham – Curriculum & Capabilities

Friday 9th June: Numeracy

Monday 24th July: Guest – Sheena Cameron – Literacy

Monday 4th September: Show Day holiday

Friday 17th November: Guest – Emma Goodall – Restorative Practices

11 Callington Road, Strathalbyn SA 5255 8536 2455 Integrity Respect Responsibility Care & Compassion Cooperation Participation

Pedal Prix

Eastern Fleurieu School took two teams to this year’s Australian International Pedal Prix 24 hour race in Murray Bridge.

11 senior students from Strathalbyn 7-12 raced in the newly built ‘Cobra’ and 14 primary students from Strathalbyn R-6 and Langhorne Creek campus raced in the ‘Dark Knight’.

After a wet start to the race on Saturday, the teams took turns to keep the bike moving throughout the night. Except for a number of flat tyres on Cobra, the teams avoided any technical issues or major damage and both vehicles ran smoothly.

The students braved the freezing conditions through dawn and finished the race at 12:00 on Sunday.

Cobra completed 364 laps (629Km) and finished 101 out of 202 overall (including open teams). Dan the fastest of the senior riders with a 2:30.491 on the 1.73Km track.

Dark Knight (in their first 24 hour race) completed 285 Laps (493Km) and finished 172nd overall (40th/ 59 in the Primary School Category). Jay was the fastest from the primary school team with a 3:02.842 lap.

The team took home some silverware; winning the “Bill Standing Innovation Award” for the design and construction of the senior vehicle ‘Cobra’. The bike was nearly entirely built from scratch onsite at the 7-12 Campus by teachers: Nick Pawlowsky, Dave Jennings, John Sellar and Students: Jaiden, Jeremy and Bill.

The Event was a great experience for all riders and staff and was greatly supported by parents and friends.

The Eastern Fleurieu Racing team would like to thank:

All the parents and friends who volunteered their time to assist in marshaling, pit changes and supervision.

Liz Kropp and Tanya Lyons for managing catering and event logistics

Jono Koutsikas and Rob Vrabec for managing Dark Knight

Nick Pawlowsky and Dave Jennings for building and managing Cobra

John Sellar for his technical support

Fleurieu Fitness and Health for providing training and facilities for senior riders.

Our Sponsors:

Garwood Earthmovers

JJ Remote Area Contracting

Daish Irrigation

Landmark Strathalbyn

Strathalbyn Churches Bookshop

IGA Strathalbyn

Maidment Meats

EFS Has

Talent

On the last day of Term 3, students, teachers and community members came together for the annual EFS Has Talent.

The night was hosted by Catherine Synnott through her Community Studies subject, and the World Challenge students who are attending Fiji later this year.

The night had a theme of around the world, which brought out a range of entertaining acts influenced from several different countries.

Students showcased their singing, dancing and musical talents, along with a very entertaining contortionist act.

In addition to these acts, the World Challenge students ran a canteen, henna stand, and raffles donated by community members and businesses.

EFS Has Talent was hugely successful, raising over $1000 to go towards the community projects to be completed by the World Challenge students in Fiji.

Willow took out first prize with his brilliant piano performance, however all performers deserved a prize for their amazing efforts.

Thank you also goes to community performer Maddie Garwood for gracing us with her talents, and the teacher acts for gracing us with their lack of talent. We hope that everyone enjoyed the night!

Natalie - Irish Dancing

Winner - Willow performing Fly by Ludovico Einaudi

Eva - Contortionist Genesis performing ‘Singing in the Rain’

Name all uniform items

so they can be returned

to the student if

handed in to

Lost Property

LOST

PROPERTY Don’t forget to check lost

property in the Front Office

for any missing/misplaced

articles.

The lost property box is

overflowing!

EFS Has Talent

CHECK TIMES ETC WITH HAYLEY OR

SHANE

Strath Neighbourhood Centre Inc 1 High Street, Strathalbyn

8536 2856

2016 Annual General Meeting and 1st Birthday event

The 2016 AGM for the Strath Neighbourhood Centre will be held at the Senior Citizen’s Centre on Friday 4 November from 1.30pm until 3pm.

This will also be a celebration of our 1st Anniversary and an opportunity to brag about our achievements since commencing on 1 September 2015.

With Mayor Keith Parkes and Rebekha Sharkie MP attending it would be great to have as many people coming along to demonstrate support for our Centre.

Please RSVP on 8536 2856 or strathnc@gmail.com

Christmas Decorations – program for adults

Includes creating beautiful string baubles and wrapped boxes of various sizes

When: Thursday 10 & 24 November 2016 Where: Strath Neighbourhood Centre, 1 High Street Strathalbyn Time: 10.00am to 12.00noon Cost: $5.00 Bookings: Phone 8536 2856 Melbourne Cup Project – Fascinators Galore

Make your own unique fascinator over two consecutive Thursdays - the design is only limited by your imagination and what you can find on “Pinterest”.

When: Thursday 20 & 27 October 2016 Where: Strath Neighbourhood Centre, 1 High Street Strathalbyn Time: 10.00am to 12.00noon Cost: $10 (includes both sessions) Bookings: Phone 8536 2856

BYO headband – available from your local ‘cheap shop’

Parenting Education Program

The aim of this five-week program is to encourage and support parents in their important role, through the education and discussion of family issues and skills in a relaxed and friendly environ-ment.

Content: Parenting styles Childhood development Relationship building Children’s resilience Discipline strategies Family growth

When: Friday mornings for 5 weeks

Commencing 28 October 2016

Time: 10am until 12noon

Venue: 7 East Terrace Strathalbyn (Previously Anglican Rectory)

Crèche: Available on-site

Cost: No cost

Bookings: For further information and bookings phone 8536 2856

Studnts

DATES TO REMEMBER

Friday 28th October Casual Day

Volleyball Quiz Night

Monday 31st October Yr 12 Activity Day

Tuesday 1st November Yr 9 Drama Performance

Thursday 17th November EFS Music Showcase

Friday 18th November Student Free Day

Thursday 8th December Transitioning Parent Information Evening

Friday 9th December Step Up Day

SA Public Holidays Australia Day 26th January Adelaide Cup 14th March

Good Friday 25th March Easter Monday 28th March

Anzac Day 25th April

Queen’s Birthday 13th June Labour Day 3rd October

2016 TERM DATES Term 1: 1st February - 15th April

Term 2: 2nd May - 8th July

Term 3: 25th July - 30th September

Term 4: 17th October - 16th December