Issue 27 2017

Term 3 Week 6

30th August 2017

www.hccs.sa.edu.au

teachers providing clear statements that explain what success looks like

all students actively engaging in thinking processes and tasks instead of being passive recipients of information

providing space for student ‘experts’ to peer teach and mentor others

encouraging students to drive their own learning rather than relying on the teacher to drive the learning environment

provocations and problems to keep kids thinking

providing students with a framework and encouraging personal responsibility and accountability for their learning

student voice to shape the learning environment

providing students with opportunities to communicate with their teacher

providing students with an authentic audience to communicate and share their learning

creating communication and feedback opportunities for parents to strengthen home-school relationships

students identifying for themselves the quality of work that they have produced and setting goals for what they would like to achieve ‘next time’.

With over 30 teaching staff committing themselves to an action research process, it is estimated that approximately 500 hours of professional learning and conversations have taken place at HCCS during 2017.

This is an outstanding effort and commitment that our teaching staff have invested into helping children learn and grow to achieve their potential.

Mark Grant and Andrew Wishart

(Key Teachers – School Improvement)

In 2017, our staff took a step further in their professional learning by participating in an action research project with the purpose of developing their understanding and implementing one of the Assessment for Learning strategies within their teaching practice.

Teachers were required to collect evidence of improvement in student achievement and present a summary of their research to the staff. We were very appreciative to Sandy Scott (SA- CEO Christian Schools Australia) and those Board Members who were able to join us for these presentations.

We can affirm the quality and commitment of the teaching staff to the parent community of HCCS. The presentations were outstanding and communicated a great number of key ‘take-away’ messages for further discussion and implementation that have the capacity for improving the learning experiences for the students of our School. The ideas shared come from the core of an amazing team of educators who are passionate about students reaching their potential.

A summary from the five action research projects include the importance of:

students being able to clearly identify what they are trying to learn and not regurgitating task instructions

students being able to use feedback as a way of improving their learning

providing students with a framework and language to examine examples of work so that they can critique, compare and evaluate their own levels of success

using a variety of strategies to elicit and acknowledge the importance of student ideas and involving them in classroom discussions

PO BOX 120 VERDUN SA 5245 Email: enquiries@hccs.sa.edu.au Phone: (08) 8388 7811 Fax: (08) 8388 1308

Playgroup ~ Early Learning Centre ~ Primary ~ Secondary

'A Christian school community, helping children learn and grow to achieve their potential'.

What teachers do matters – a professional learning story. Part 2

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praise God for dads and grandads

pray for the Fathers’ Day celebrations at HCCS on Friday

pray for the Year 7 Leadership Day tomorrow at Kuitpo Forest

pray for those who have been affected by the storms in Texas

Prayer & Praise Points

Year 5 - TOP 10 NATIONALLY What an amazing achievement!

This is an incredible achievement, as the competition was tough! There were more than 3000 schools with over 400,000 students competing. Over the course of the competition, a staggering 130 million words were built!

Congratulations HCCS

PLEASE RSVP to: dfrahn@hccs.sa.edu.au

Due to the Adelaide Crows playing their first final on

Thursday, September 7th, HCCS is changing the date

to the night before, Wednesday, September 6th!

Inviting parents of Verdun to an INFORMATION NIGHT

about HCCS Secondary.

WEDNESDAY September 6th

Multi-purpose Room rear of Oakbank Area School

This informal chat is for PARENTS OF PRIMARY

SCHOOL AGED CHILDREN prior to the Principal’s Tour on Wednesday 13th September.

7.30pm—8pm

wine and cheese Tony Fielke will also be present during this time.

8pm—8.30pm

“ Why consider HCCS Secondary?” Chat with Chris Riemann and Donovan Shaw.

PRINCIPAL’S TOUR

WEDNESDAY

SEPTEMBER 13TH 9.30am—11.00am

Oakbank Campus

Year 8 —Year 12

Please tell your family and friends!

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.

Quality Gift Bags

All $5.50 each

Go to https://www.trybooking.com/308830

to order online (30c surcharge applies).

Online orders will remain open until

Wednesday night.

Friday,

September 1st

is Fathers’ Day

at HCCS!

Friday September 1st Dads and 'Stand-in Dads' (grandad, uncle,

special friend) are warmly invited!

8.00am Breakfast in the Hall

9.00am Time in classrooms To give Dads / special friends a chance to visit the

School, connect in a different way with their children

and be affirmed in their imperative role.

A message from Tony Fielke

HCCS Principal in 2018 It is with great pleasure that I introduce myself as the incoming Principal of Hills Christian Community School from 2018. I have been working in Lutheran Schools for 27 years and am currently the Head of Middle School at Unity College in Murray Bridge. I am also the current A Grade Football Coach of the Nairne Bremer Football Club as well as undertaking some work as a professionally accredited Executive Coach. These roles provide me with a very fulfilling work life. However, I felt a genuine call from God to leave a comfortable and satisfying work environment to accept the position of Principal at HCCS and build on the outstanding work of Chris Riemann.

Three critical points stood out in considering the position.

The strong sense of community at HCCS. Being brought up on an isolated farm there was a strong reliance on your local community. Church and sport brought the community together and helped develop a strong set of core values that are still evident in my family life today.

The focus on outstanding teaching practices. I believe strongly that students are too important to be taught by substandard teachers. The current quality of teaching at HCCS should be celebrated far and wide. All teachers should aspire to be brilliant and it is the job of the Principal to remove any barriers that may stop this from occurring.

The strong presence of Christ within the school. Many schools proclaim to be based on Gospel principles but fail to show this in their day to day interactions with students. Our students are blessed to be surrounded by staff who are living their faith daily. I am keen to continue to develop the school as a place of extraordinary grace.

My overall observation of HCCS is that it is a school that the whole community should be extremely proud of. I would hope the school would grow and flourish under my leadership and indeed by seen as the first choice destination in the Adelaide Hills for any family wanting their child to be provided with a world class education in a Christian environment.

With the blessing of Chris, I intend to have some limited presence in the school community over the remainder of the year. It is important that Chris be allowed to complete his Principalship without interference from his successor. It should also be a time for celebration in recognizing the wonderful gifts and talents of an extraordinary leader.

Looking forward to meeting many of you personally over the coming months.

Yours in Christ,

Tony Fielke

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Space so many planets to see

big exploding stars

from the sun to the Moon

black holes going deeper

the biggest to the smallest from them all

Space

earth is our favourite of them all

telescopes exploring the whole universe

rockets flying away to be amazed

walks along the moon

finding new planets

Space

Hope Eden

(Catalogue poem)

Sun red and hot

burning fire

big and round

sends out light

bright and life giving

Sun

love it for warmth

couldn’t live without it

need it

too hot to go near

astronauts exploring it

Sun

By Tessa

(Modified Cinquain)

Space beautiful stars

big spinning planets

never-ending wondrous

galaxies

endless

Kara Scarborough

(Cinquain Poem)

The Year 5 Learning Team has been investigating our

Solar System in their Integrated Studies unit this term,

so we headed off for a Space Walk along Grivell Road. The scale used made the sun the size of a basketball, and Pluto 1000m away.

Students used various objects to create their planets: Mercury – the stem of a sewing pin; Venus – a peppercorn; Earth – a peppercorn; Mars – pin stem; Jupiter – 10c piece; Saturn – 5c piece; Uranus – 9mm button; Neptune – 8mm …………. ; Pluto – a pin prick and our moon – a pin prick.

This exciting activity helped students see and understand the scale of our solar system.

Mrs Boucaut and Mr March

Planets big, vast and homeless

dangerous and beautiful

filled with amazing colour

poisonous, hot and icy

craters leave huge dents

Planets

rovers explore

rockets land on them

satellites take footage

telescopes gaze upon them

men long to walk on them.

Planets

Angus Crawford

(A Catalogue Poem)

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I liked the process of making my egg drop and dropping it off a high point. Did it go to plan? No! It cracked all in my bag that had foam in it. Oscar H.

What was hard about making my parachute was making the platform of the egg weigh less than the parachute. The parachute was made of popsticks, foam, fluff, string and plastic. What was interesting was how the parachute held up the platform and the egg because it was heavier than I thought. Cooper F

When I opened it to see if my egg drop had worked, my hands were shaking! It survived!!!Jacinta

In Design & Tech this term, we were asked to design a contraption to stop an egg from breaking if we dropped it off Mrs O’Rourke’s balcony. We could only use recycled materials or every day household items. The materials I used were string, a garbage bag, a box, bubble wrap and stuffing. I attached the bag to my box with string (like a parachute). The box was covered in bubble wrap filled with stuffing. When I dropped my egg off the balcony, it survived! I believe it survived because the stuffing inside was very cushioning. I found connecting the parachute hard as getting the string stuck down was difficult. Bethany H

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Mrs Zecchin has been working at HCCS in Special Education, Secondary Art and regular relief work for the last 12 years. Recently, Mrs Zecchin was unexpectedly diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. While the doctors are optimistic, she has had to stop work immediately to undertake intense chemotherapy. The staff at HCCS would like to help support Mrs Zecchin and her family through her ‘Go fund me’ page. Sponsor your teacher! Enjoy your teachers’ CRAZY hair! Ms Nicholls, Mr Carter, Mr Grant, Mr Wishart, Mr Taylor and Mr Lloyd will all SHAVE their hair! The following teachers will either CUT or COLOUR their hair: Mrs Shepherd (Silver+Purple), Mrs Harvey (Cut/Pink Hair), Mrs Boucaut (Pink), Miss Phillips (Cut), Mrs Kelly (Red), Miss Mayne (Colour) and Mr Riemann (Purple). How to sponsor your teacher / staff member: Head to Mrs Zecchin’s ‘Go fund me’ page https://www.gofundme.com/jzp75-help-support-jasmin-and-her-family Click ‘Donate’. In the comments section write #hccscrazyhair * If you donate anonymously your comments will be hidden.

Mon, 4th — Fri, 8th September

Sustainable products can be bought from parent Danielle McBeath from Teeny Tiny Things stocks Yumbox, Thermos Containers, Insulated Lunch Bags. Enter code PICKUP

to remove shipping fee if you would prefer to pick up at HCCS or Verdun Park Wines. www.teenytinythings.com.au

Less to Landfill Challenge! All classes have been invited to try to fit the entire class’s daily landfill waste from lunchboxes into a mini plastic bin. As part of the Challenge, all ELC-7 classes are holding a ‘Nude Food’ week to focus on minimizing food and packaging waste, which is the main component of school waste that has to go to landfill. This is where you can help!

A Waste-Less Lunchbox

Please try to pack:

snacks and drinks in reusable containers. This

includes zip lock bags which can be washed

and reused many times

reusable utensils when needed

a reusable lunchbox or backpack

Please try to avoid:

a disposable lunchbox

lunches packed in plastic bags or cling wrap,

foil or wax paper that cannot be reused

disposable forks and spoons

pre-packaged single-serve snack items

Come and join us! “Friends of HCCS"

HCCS PLAYGROUP Fridays in the Beaumont Building

9.30am—11.00am

Cost $2 (bring your own water bottle, fruit/snack )

9.30am play and craft

10.15am pack up and story/songs

10.30am outside play at ELC

If you have any questions, please contact the School on 8388 7811.

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National Science Week ran from

12th—20th August. Students explored this

year’s theme, ‘Future Earth’, by engaging

in some activities within their Specialist Science

lessons.

Middle and Upper Primary students responded

to the question; What’s the one thing

you would do to change the world

to make it more sustainable?

Junior Primary students responded to the

question; How can you help the world?

We were amazed at the variety, creativity and

depth of thinking the students displayed.

Unfortunately, the rain has ruined parts of the

display, but you are welcome to read what

HCCS believe will help our world for future

generations on the fence between Asphalt

and the Oval. We hope their responses

challenge your thinking too!

Karina Herbert and Sarah Rolfs

(Specialist Science)

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2017 DATES TO REMEMBER

AUGUST

Wed 30th PRIMARY OPEN MORNING

(Guided tours at Verdun) 9.30am -11.00am

Subject Counselling for 2018 Year 12 students

Thurs 31st HCCS Prayer Group 9 — 9.30am in the Board Room

Year 7 Leadership Day Kuitpo Forest

SEPTEMBER

Fri 1st Fathers’ Day Breakfast

Playgroup 9.30am -11am Father’s Day craft

Lunch Orders

AHC Mobile Library

Royal Adelaide Show commences

Assembly 2.50pm — Year 6 Team

Mon 4th Devotions 9.05am — HCCS Secondary

Tues 5th Reception Excursion to Cleland National Park

Wed 6th HCCS Secondary Information Night for Primary families Thurs 7th HCCS Prayer Group 9 — 9.30am in the Board Room Primary School and Family Photos Fri 8th Lunch Orders

Playgroup 9.30am-11am Painting with Stamps

Assembly 2.50pm — Year 2 Team

Royal Adelaide show concludes

Sat 9th German Exchange students arrive

Mon 11th Devotions 9.05am — Year 6K and Dave Shepherd Tues 12th ELC / Secondary / Catch—Up School Photos Student Led Conferences (1.30pm to 6pm) ELC Parent/Teacher Interviews (3.45pm – 6pm)

Wed 13th Second Hand Uniforms 8.30am — 9am

PRINCIPAL’S TOUR SECONDARY

(Guided tours at Oakbank) 9.30am -11.00am ELC Parent/Teacher Interviews (3.45pm – 5pm) Student Led Conferences (3.45pm – 6pm)

Thurs 14th HCCS Prayer Group 9 — 9.30am in the Board Room

Fri 15th Lunch Orders

Playgroup 9.30am -11am at the Property

AHC Mobile Library

Assembly 2.50pm — Germany Day

Sat 16th HCCS Netball Presentations 10am

Secondary Bonfire Night

Mon 18th Devotions 9.05am — Rec C and Leigh Philp

Year 9 Mission/Outdoor Ed Camp commences

Year 10 Work Experience

Tues 19th ELC Wheel-a-thon

Year 9 Mission/Outdoor Ed Camp

Year 10 Work Experience

Board Meeting

Wed 20th Year 9 Mission/Outdoor Ed Camp

Year 10 Work Experience

Thurs 21st HCCS Prayer Group 9 — 9.30am in the Board Room

Year 9 Mission/Outdoor Ed Camp

Fri 22nd ELC Wheel-a-thon

Lunch Orders

Playgroup 9.30am -11am Playdough Fun

Assembly 2.50pm — Year 7

Year 9 Mission/Outdoor Ed Camp concludes Tues 26th Year 7 Musical Day Performances Year 10 Bushwalk Camp (Outdoor Ed)

Mon 25th Devotions 9.05am — Year 3G and R & C Saldanha

Year 10 Bushwalk Camp (Outdoor Ed) commences

Year 3 Travel Expo Wed 27th Year 7 Musical Day / Night 7pm Performances Second Hand Uniforms 3pm — 3.30pm Year 10 Bushwalk Camp (Outdoor Ed) Thurs 28th HCCS Prayer Group 9 — 9.30am in the Board Room Year 7 Musical Night Performance 7pm Year 10 Bushwalk Camp (Outdoor Ed)

Fri 29th Last Day for Term 3

Casual Day

Lunch Orders

Playgroup 9.30am -11am Teddy Bear Picnic at the Property . Bring your teddy and a plate of food to share!

AHC Mobile Library

Assembly 2.50pm — Operation Christmas Child Year 10 Bushwalk Camp (Outdoor Ed) concludes

We hope all these people enjoy their birthdays this week: Isaac Fox, Riley Hough, Matthew Karetai, Addie

Lancaster, Mackenzie Lloyd, Johnny Martin, Delsie Whetter, Harriet Williams, Atalanta Yates, Alfie Young and James Young.

PRIMARY SCHOOL PHOTOS and FAMILY PHOTOS

THURS, 7TH SEPT

ELC and SECONDARY PHOTOS and CATCH-UPS TUES, 12TH SEPT

student photo envelopes were sent home last week

ONLINE payment is the preferred option

FAMILY PHOTOS will be taken on Thursday, 7th September. Envelopes will be available on request from the Front Office

students are required to wear their FULL WINTER UNIFORM with their JUMPER and TIE

An added incentive for our families is that MSP now offers a 10% discount for all family orders above $90.00 a family.

Student photo envelopes were sent home LAST WEEK.

Tuesday, September 12th

1.30pm until 6.00pm

Therefore, the school day will finish at 1.00pm and children will go home with parents unless they have a Student Led Conference early in the afternoon. Please be aware that families will need to make other arrangements for the afternoon to supervise their children.

Wednesday, September 13th

3.40pm until 6.00pm

OSHC (Out of School Hour Care ) will be open on Tuesday

from 1.30pm. Students who normally attend OSHC on a Tuesday will automatically be booked in from 1.30pm.

Bookings CAN NOW BE MADE electronically via the Website under the News & Events tab.

If you have difficulties, please contact the

Front Office and the School can book for you.

Scholastic Book Club orders are due back on MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 11TH. Orders are to be placed via the LOOP system or through the Front Office.