Murray Bridge High School

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1 Murray Bridge High School Principal: Jim Michalanney Chairperson Governing Council: Keith Simmons It is through working together, with respect, that we can achieve excellence From the Principal Jim Michalanney Welcome back Welcome back to the 2016 school year. It was pleasing to see that students and staff returned refreshed and ready for the many challenges for the year ahead. Everyone seemed to settle into the daily routines without too much fuss and a really positive tone was evident throughout the school. The first term is generally a busy one where we establish effective and personalised learning programmes. We will also be having School Photos in Week 2, Sports Day in Week 6, interspersed with the Adelaide Cup and Easter holidays. Automated Threats Unfortunately our school was targeted, along with many other large regional schools in the state, with an automated threat to student safety. While this was a disruption to our learning time I can report that we have very effective processes where a lock down of the school was carried out whilst Police and senior staff ensured that there was no threat to students or staff. It seems that some parents did not receive the initial SMS message explaining events, sent out to the 850 or so listed recipients, in a timely manner. We are investigating what the issue was with the SMS company who were responsible for the delay and we apologise for any inconvenience or concern caused. The Year Ahead I am very privileged to be leading this school as Principal after so much good groundwork has been done in the past few years. I aim to be working diligently with our school staff and broader school community to continue to provide the best learning outcomes possible for our students. Over the last 20 years I have been fortunate to have worked in a number of schools as Principal including Lock, Ardrossan, Roxby Downs, the Open Access College, Parafield Gardens and most recently at Ceduna in the Far West. I look forward to meeting the many challenges of the future with a strong focus on maintaining a strong partnership between the school and the home. I also look forward to meeting you all personally at some stage throughout the year ahead. Year 12s Achievements Congratulations to all of our Year 12s who did so well last year. Particular congratulations must go to the five students who achieved in excess of 90 in their ATAR. A special mention goes to Reece Waltrovitz who scored a school high of Well done to both students and senior staff for doing so well. Ms Barb Quast has further information elsewhere in this newsletter. New Staff This year we welcome Mr Lochlann Dwyer (IT), Ms Tracy Fitzsimons (Eng/History/Psychology), Ms Elyssa Kreher (Art), Ms Jingjie Li (Chinese), Mr Dave Roe-Simons (Science/Agriculture), Mr Simon Roos-Freeman (Geography/.Work Ed), Ms Taryn Schiller (Home Ec) and Ms Cheryl Wouters (Maths). We look forward to these staff contributing positively to our school community in many ways. Strategic Directions for 2016: This year we will continue the strategic directions of the school and look to review and reflect upon their effectiveness in providing for improved learning outcomes for our students. They are as follows: High Quality Effective Professional Practice Excellence in Learning Numeracy Across all Learning Areas Literacy Across all Learning Areas Developing a Culture for Learning This year staff will be involved in training in Instructional Coaching which aims to continue to encourage and embrace good teaching practice. Main Challenges for 2016 As I can see our main challenges will be to ensure the continued provision of: Quality Teaching and learning, particularly in Literacy and Numeracy. In Literacy we will focus on Reading and also Numeracy across all learning areas. The Australian Curriculum Implementation where Years 8-10 are required to plan, assess and report on all learning areas. Effective learning Plans for Students with Disabilities and Special Needs. Effective Digital Technologies to enhance the learning experience. Other areas of challenge will include a focus on student and staff Wellbeing, Attendance and/or Lateness, improving student Engagement and retention, Aboriginal Education, and Consistency in approaches across the school. We look forward to working with all in the school community to provide the best learning opportunities possible. Excellence, Respect and Working Together Tel: Fax: dl.0785.info@schools.sa.edu.au Website:

2 Mon 8 Feb CALENDAR TERM 1 Aboriginal Power Cup Launch Wed, 10 Feb PHOTO DAY Years 8-11 Tue, 16 Feb PHOTO CATCH UP + Year 12 Finance Committee pm Year 8 Parent Evening 6-8pm Tue, 23 Feb Mon, 14 Mar Mon, 21 Mar Tue, 22 Mar Fri, 25 Mar Mon, 28 Mar Tue, 29 Mar Wed, 30 Mar Mon-Fri, 4-8 Apr Sun-Mon, Apr Mon-Fri, Apr Mon-Fri, Apr Tue, 12 Apr Parents & Friends pmpm Governing Council 7-9pm ADELAIDE CUP HOLIDAY Harmony Day Finance Committee pm EASTER FRIDAY EASTER MONDAY Parents & Friends pm Governing Council 7-9pm Year 8 Immunisations Year 10 Work Experience (10 A, B, C, E) Careers Expo Adelaide Year 10 Work Experience (10 U, V, W) SAASTA Block 1 TAFE Youth Opps Graduation 3.30pm New Staff to Murray Bridge HS We welcome new and returning staff to Murray Bridge High School in They are: Lochlann Dwyer Information Processing Tracy Fitzsimons English/History/Psychology Elyssa Kreher Art Jingjie Li Chinese/EALD Dave Roe-Simons Science/Ag Simon Roos-Freeman Geography/Work Ed Taryn Schiller Home Economics Chery Wouters Maths/Science Leon Mickan Groundsperson (English as an Additional Language) Lochlann Dwyer Tracy Fitzsimons Elyssa Kreher Jingjie Li, Dave Roe-Simons Simon Roos-Freeman Fri, 15 Apr Last day of Term 1 2pm dismissal STUDENT FREE DAYS 2106 Term 1 date still to be confirmed Tuesday, 14 June (Staff PD) Friday 12 August (Aust. Curriculum) Friday, 25 November (Aust. Curriculum) Taryn Schiller Cheryl Wouters Leon Mickan School Prefects 2016 We welcome our new school Prefects for They are: L-R: Jayden Thomson, Hollie Carson, Karley Smith and Walter Harris. We look forward to working with them in REMINDER Uniform Shop Opening hours Monday, Wednesday, Friday am 2

3 Well done Class of 2015 by Barb Quast, Assistant Principal, Senior School MBHS would like to share with the community our delight with the results achieved by our SACE students in Five students earned ATAR s over 90 with Reece Waltrovitz scoring The other high performing student s with commendable ATAR s were Courtney Afford (95.70), Ryan Varga (95.60), Nicole Foster (91.10) and Cedric Garcia (91.00). Congratulations to these students for their outstanding results. Please read the comments from two of our students about their Year 12 experience, which are full of sensible, helpful advice for the Year 12 s of However these students are only a part of the outstanding achievements from the 2015 group as a whole. We would especially like to congratulate Katrina Arnold for receiving a Governor s commendation for excellence in the modified SACE. Katrina was part of the cohort who achieved 100% SACE completion in the modified SACE. Other targeted groups also achieved excellence; with 100% SACE completion by all aboriginal students and English as an additional language speaking students as well. Murray Bridge High School also runs a number of alternative programs off-campus and again students attending the Independent Learning Centre and the Learning Together program achieved exceptional outcomes, with 15 and 6 students completing their SACE from those two programs respectively. Again students who incorporated VET results into their SACE performed outstandingly, MBHS registered 44 completed Certificate III s as part of students SACE completion. While we have mentioned specific students and groups, it is pleasing to report the success of many of our students in accessing the University and TAFE courses of their choice. Forty-two students have received offers and 33 of those were for their first choice. This year our students will be studying Design, Veterinary Science, Marine Biology, Journalism, Architectural Design, Radiation Science/Nuclear Medicine, Physiotherapy, Law, Commerce, Nursing, Teaching and Business to name just a few. We wish them well in their further studies. We would like to thank the staff who supported our students to achieve so well and who worked so successfully with the diverse range of students who attend Murray Bridge High. We look forward to our 2016 group working hard and continuing to achieve excellence this year. Courtney Afford Year 12 was a rollercoaster ride. There were some times when things were easy and also times when I was 6 feet under in work and felt like quitting. Getting the ATAR I did was a massive weight off my shoulders. It just showed that all the commitment, late nights, staying in on some weekends, and even some of the stress was worth it. My time management skills aren t the best hence why I always had so much work to do! So one tip I used towards the end of the year is to set aside at least 2 3 hours each week night to do assignments/revision and also do about 3 6 hours on Sundays. But don t forget to give yourself a break - sport really helps to get your mind off of school! Teachers are a big help especially when it comes to exam prep so make sure you use them! I wouldn t have done anywhere near as well in my exams if it wasn t for their help. This year I m taking a gap year and working locally at NHD. I ve been accepted into my first preference (Bachelor of Veterinary Science) which I have deferred and will commence next year. To the Year 12 s this year, make sure that you remind yourself throughout the year, no matter how hard it seems, that you are almost finished. You ve already done 12 years, how hard can one more be! Never lose focus and try your best. If you don t get the score you require to get into your Uni course it s not the end of the world - there are so many other opportunities and ways for getting into those courses nowadays. Cedric Garcia Year 12 was the most challenging aspect of my schooling career and I have to admit that the final term catered the most stress during my studies. Achieving the ATAR for you future career can be a daunting task; however it doesn t have to be. To put it simply, hand in all your assignments well before the due date, review and process the skills after classes and try not to taper your efforts near the exams. Personally, I (and many others) found that procrastination can hinder your progression towards the success you wish to achieve, thus bring you down to your lowest. Take the words of the wise and do not hold back your abilities. Go strong all the way and don t stop until you have reached your destination! 3

4 World Challenge trip to Borneo by Taylah Edwards Year 11 In December of 2015 a group of students from Murray Bridge High School along with a group from Glenunga International High School had the incredible opportunity to participate in a World Challenge expedition to Borneo. World Challenge is all about challenge, participation and environment. The trip encompasses so many values such as responsibility, leadership, decision-making, teamwork, problem solving, money management, goal setting and so many more! Upon arriving in the country we began phase 1 of the trip - the acclimatisation phase. We spent the first few days in the country in the city of Miri, adjusting to the culture shock and especially the humidity. We then left Miri to travel to an Iban village to begin our project phase. We spent our time in the community helping the people build an archway at the entrance of the village and donating school uniforms and supplies to the local primary students. After four days in the village we said good bye and headed to our first trek at Lambir Hills. This was a challenge for us all, both physically and mentally. We were all very tired and it was extremely wet but being able to see the amazing waterfalls that the National Park had to offer was amazing! Upon completing the trek we headed to our main trek at Kawang Forest. We stayed overnight in the forest which was very tough with the weather once again not agreeing with us; cooking out in the rain was challenging but we all thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Our final phase of the trip was rest and relaxation. We went white water rafting, snorkeling, zip wiring, visited an Orangutan sanctuary and had the chance to do some shopping at the night markets for gifts to take home for our families. 4

5 Year 12 student, Cheyanne Richter Uren selected for 2016 Speedway Rising Star Program by Josh Coulter, H&PE Coordinator Lower Murray Trade Training Centre by Greg Fulwood The rising star program is associated with Speedway Australia. The rising star program began in 2007 and has given the nation s best young drivers the opportunity to participate in their junior driver development program. The speedway Australia rising star program gives the opportunity for young drivers to improve themselves in a range of areas including fitness training, psychology and marketing and media training which will assist them in formulating a pathway to achieve their speedway dream. To be considered for the speedway Australia rising star program, drivers between 16 and 23 years of age are required to submit a detailed application addressing stringent selection criteria. To be selected, competitors need to display a record of high achievement in speedway and have a long term goal in the sport. This year there were 14 drivers selected for the program. They will participate in an intensive 3 day camp at the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra, as well as receiving marketing and press support from speedway Australia, networking opportunities and much more to assist in developing their profile and racing career. I am one of the youngest drivers selected to participate in this course. Knowing I was selected was very surprising as many drivers do not get chosen at the age of 16. My car is a Datsun Sunny, my section is Junior Sedans, colour of the car is orange and purple and my number is SA15 Cheyanne. We are extremely proud of Cheyanne s efforts and achievements to date and wish her all the best with this fantastic opportunity. Roxanne Rowland, Helen Wilden and Greg Fulwood would like to welcome all trainees who are starting a new VET course through the Lower Murray Trade Training Centre (LMTTC) this year or continuing on from One course has already started in Week 1 with most beginning during Week 2. If you are unsure as to when your VET course is starting or you require any help at all with information regarding your involvement at LMTTC please come over to the reception area at the Centre and someone will help you out. Courses being run for trainees this year include: Doorways to Construction Doorways to Construction Plus (second year trainees) Electro Technology (first & second year) Automotive (first & second year) Children s Services Police Studies Media Studies Aged Care Music Tourism/Travel Cert 3 Beauty Cert 2 Hair Dressing Interior Design There will be a number of short courses available as we progress through the year. Any students who would like to participate in these courses can lodge their interest with Helen at the LMTTC and detail as to when, where and cost will be advised when this information becomes available. Courses are as follows: Barista Responsible Service of Alcohol Engineering (welding) Styles for Success (Hair & Beauty) National White Card Training (for those interested in a career in the Construction Industry) 5

6 Year 8 Parent/Caregiver Information Evening I would like to take this opportunity to welcome all Year 8 students and families to Murray Bridge High School. It was fantastic to see all students eager and ready to begin their high school journey on the first day of school. All parents/caregivers of Year 8 students are invited to an information evening and welcoming to Murray Bridge High School on Tuesday, 16 February commencing at 6pm. The evening will begin with a sausage sizzle in the quadrangle and an opportunity to speak to the teachers of your child/children. We will then proceed into the Drama Workshop for an information session including a welcoming from Principal Mr Jim Michalanney. The evening will conclude at 8.00pm. We look forward to meeting you all and wish our Year 8 students a fantastic year of learning. Helen Partridge, Year 8 Coordinator The Chaffey Learning Exchange is doing a road show commencing Monday, 8 th February throughout the Murraylands and Riverland region! The road show will provide information to school leavers and parents, current students, people who would like to start studying and people who are thinking about their options for online study, about 2016 university courses, online learning and Chaffey Learning Exchange study support. Each session will focus on: Study support within the region for people who have a university or TAFE place What s available in Foundation or Tertiary Entrance programs for people who want to study but need to update their skills beforehand Charles Darwin University and TAFE course that are still available for 2016 and how to enrol The Chaffey Learning Exchange is helping people in the Murraylands & Riverland to access higher education without leaving home. APPRENTICE PANEL BEATER required by Graham Edwards Crash Repairs Murray Bridge Must have a genuine interest in motor vehicles. Mechanical knowledge would be an advantage, but not a necessity. Please forward resume in person or to gecrsharon@internode.on.net or phone for more information. 6

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