NURIOOTPA HIGH SCHOOL

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1 NURIOOTPA HIGH SCHOOL Tradition Relationships Excellence P F E - [email protected] W - COMING EVENTS FROM THE PRINCIPAL CELEBRATION ASSEMBLY A wonderful celebration of the achievements by our Class of 2016 was held on 17 February. Parents attended as our highest achieving students were recognised for their outstanding success. We thank our sponsors for their generous support and congratulate all graduates on their successful completion of year 12 and SACE. (please see full write-up and photos on pages 7, 8, 9 & 10). DAYMAP We encourage all families to register for the Daymap Parent Portal. Selected assessment items, assignments and feedback are recorded through this system and important information is conveyed through messages to parents/caregivers. Term 1 reports will include information on work habits and a progressive grade. Individual task feedback will be communicated through Daymap and parent interviews. If you haven t yet connected, please visit our website for information or contact the school. AGM The AGM for Governing Council will be held on Thursday 23 March, 7pm in the LOTE centre. If you are interested in nominating for the GC or a subcommittee, please consider completing the form on page 2, or contact the school on MARCH Buildings & Grounds 7 Y11 Outdoor Ed Aquatics 2 days Canteen Meeting Year Level Assemblies 13 PUBLIC HOLIDAY 17 Sports Day Wine Committee Finance Committee 7.00 Governing Council UNIFORM SHOP OPENING TIMES Every Thursday from 8:30-11:10am 1:10-3:45pm Our full uniform can be viewed by visiting the school website FACILITIES We are very pleased to be one of only 40 schools to receive a $250,000 grant to install solar panels and LED lighting. This will substantially reduce our power costs on an annual basis. This adds to our ongoing work as an environmentally conscious site. Our initial STEM development proposal has been submitted and we are waiting on the next stage of final design. This will require a redevelopment of our current weights/gym area so investigations are underway to consider how this may be included. EARLY CLOSURE Our Professional Learning sessions are providing staff with opportunities to upskill and learn new and innovative ways of presenting learning and following up on student wellbeing and work. Most students have been very responsible in their actions for the early closure. A reminder that if students are catching a 3.25/3.40 bus on a Monday, they are to stay onsite and report to the upstairs area. Once the Resource Centre is completed the supervision will move to this space. CAR PARKING & DROP OFFS Parents and caregivers are reminded that the Staff car park is not to be used as a drop off or collection zone. This is a very busy area at the start and end of the day and it is important that people are able to access their vehicles and parking spaces. Please use the sign posted areas on the road to avoid congestion and help with safety concerns. SCHOOL PHOTOS AND ID CARDS School photos and ID cards were completed early this term. Unfortunately there was a problem with the printing of the ID cards. A reprint has been ordered and we expect the cards to be delivered shortly. Students will be able to swap their card to ensure it works on buses and doesn t smudge. The photographer apologises for any inconvenience. Neil White Newsletter No.., Term.. Week, Page 1 Newsletter No. 2, Term 1 Week 5, 3 March 2017 Page 1

2 The Governing Council is an important decision making body for the school. It provides an excellent opportunity to learn more about the functioning of the school including policy, fund raising and strategic planning. Please consider nominating for the Governing Council or one of its subcommittees to be part of a dynamic team. (please return form to Front Office before AGM) GOVERNING COUNCIL AGM TO BE HELD ON THURSDAY 23 MARCH AT 7:00PM IN THE LOTE BUILDING ALL WELCOME The Materials and Services Charge for 2017 is $465 as set by the Governing Council and was due for payment on 10 February unless you had arranged to pay by instalments. The first instalment of $ was due on Friday 10 February, $ due on Friday 10 March and $160 due Friday 7 April. If you have not made an arrangement to pay outside of the above dates then payment of $465 is required. Pay by cash, cheque, Eftpos at the Finance Office, or by credit card over the phone. Finance Office opening hours are 8:30 am to 4:00 pm Monday to Friday. Pay via the school bank account BSB Account number using your family code or invoice number as the reference. Direct Debit click on Direct Debit on the school website to pay from your bank account or credit card. Individual payment plans can be negotiated, for further details please contact the Finance Office. If you are applying for School Card assistance please lodge your forms at the Finance Office. School Card forms are available on the schools website or at the Finance Office. Please contact us if you need any assistance. Nuriootpa High School is participating in the University of Adelaide s Meningococcal B Herd Immunity Trial. Consent forms have been distributed to students in years 10, 11 and 12. Year 10 and 11 students who have consent will receive their first vaccination on 6 April and their second on 11 May. For year 12 students the dates are 13 April and 25 May. Newsletter No.., Term.. Week, Page 2 Newsletter No. 2, Term 1 Week 5, 3 March 2017 Page 2

3 SIGNS WILL BE ON MURRAY STREET Newsletter No.., Term.. Week, Page 3 Newsletter No. 2, Term 1 Week 5, 3 March 2017 Page 3

4 YEAR 8 & 9 AGRICULTURE Year 8 and 9 Agriculture students have been busy establishing their garden projects. The Year 8 students are also required to establish a garden at home and maintain it as a practical and beneficial homework exercise. Students are provided with a variety of seedlings and seed which we are able to purchase at wholesale prices from businesses in Virginia. We drape bird netting over the garden plots to prevent the local Corella population treating it as a local salad bar! Fortunately due to Council and our groundsman s efforts the Corella population in our area has been significantly reduced and so far no losses of seedlings have been evident. EXPANSION OF POULTRY ENTERPRISE We were pleased to be able to source a second hand seven bay aviary complex which we will locate adjacent to our current poultry shed. We have ordered a state of the art RCOM50 egg incubator and this will enable us to incubate and breed various breeds of poultry and house them in the new aviary. We are keen to source fertile eggs of various pure poultry breeds to incubate. If you can assist please contact Josh Bottrall - Agriculture Teacher LIVESTOCK AND SHOW CLUB Students who are interested in this extra-curricular activity have met this week to register their interest in the preparation of our Merino wethers, Boer goat wethers and Led steers for the Royal Show in September. Students are planning to participate in the Angaston Agriculture Bureau Merino Hogget Competition, the SA Sheep Expo in the April holidays and the SA Junior Heifer Expo in the July holidays. FROZEN BARRAMUNDI We still have about 10 Kg of frozen barramundi available for the bargain price of $16 per Kg. [email protected] if you are interested in purchasing some. PROCESSED MEAT BIRDS & 8 WEEK OLD ISABROWN LAYERS Agriculture students have been monitoring the growth rates of meat birds fed different protein level feeds and Isabrown laying hens this term. The meat birds are due to be processed after 20 March and we are planning on selling the eight week old Isabrown pullets at the same time. The processed meat birds sell for $6.50 per kg and the Isabrown pullets sell for $10 each. They should commence laying from 18 weeks of age. Contact Gerald Wright (see above) if you wish to order either of these poultry. NURIHANNAM WINES - SMALL WINE MAKERS ROSTER AT CHATEAU TANUNDA We would appreciate offers of parent/caregivers assistance with helping at tasting days at our Small Wine Makers at Chateau Tanunda. We would like to organise a roster and if you are interested please contact Gerald Wright. It is an enjoyable experience and often a chance to meet tourists from interstate and overseas. Newsletter No.., Term.. Week, Page 4 Newsletter No. 2, Term 1 Week 5, 3 March 2017 Page 4

5 Last week a group of keen students converged on the shores of West Lakes for the annual Schools State Triathlon Championships. Individual athletes complete all three legs in their race (swim/ride/run) whereas team events require three members who each complete one of the legs. For a small group of students it was a very early start to be ready for the morning races - the State Individual Triathlon Championships. Their efforts were rewarded with some fantastic results: ~ 5th Jez McLennan & 10th Tom Martin (Senior Boys State Triathlon) ~ 16th Louie McLennan (Junior Boys State Triathlon) It was a lot tougher this year in the Team s events, with our best result coming from our Senior Mixed Teams who finished a fantastic 3rd (Jess Hahn, Dylan Sibley & Simon Furnell) and a respectable 13th (Beau Shinnick, Chelsea Mickan & Ryan Hoklas). In other results Senior Boys Team results: ~ 7th (Jez McLennan, Cooper Dahms & Ryan Hoklas) Junior Boys Team results: ~ 9th (Louie McLennan, Luca Whitelum & Finn Reed) Junior Girls Team results: ~ 7th (Jasmin Bevan, Maddie Cook & Reagan Schmitke) Overall, NHS finished an encouraging 18th from 24 teams. I would like to acknowledge the excellent support, encouragement and transport assistance from our families: Sandy & Neil Hahn, Jon Martin, Debbie Feltus, Rachel Koehne, Gail Cook & Kim Whitelum and student helpers Meikaela Milne and Chelsea Mickan. Without their assistance we would have all been exhausted just getting down there (running/riding)!! Yours in sport, Peter Welford - Triathlon Team Manager Newsletter No.., Term.. Week, Newsletter No. 2, Term 1 Week 5, 3 March 2017 Page 5 Page 5

6 Ms Barclay s Year 9 Maths class visited SEAM (Stainless Engineering and Maintenance) to discover why STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) is so important in the workplace. Students heard from John Evans - Manger and Jasper - ex-nuri high student, who shared their personal experiences of learning maths at school and the importance of it in their daily life. Students measured, calculated volumes and surface areas and learned about the costs associated with stainless steel and construction. Student reflections: It was good to get out of the classroom Eli It was interesting to see how tanks were made Tyson We loved the dog Lars Tayla Newsletter No.., Term.. Week, Page 6 Newsletter No. 2, Term 1 Week 5, 3 March 2017 Page 6

7 On Friday 17 February a whole school assembly was conducted to celebrate the achievements of the Class of Invited guests included parents, past students, staff, current students and the two major sponsors of the Dux awards: Mr David Slade from Tanunda Foodland and Ms Julie Donnellan from Soroptimist International of Barossa Valley Inc. Our SRC representatives, Isabella Eddowes and Whatu Gleeson were the hosts for the assembly and did an outstanding job of running the program in front of the entire school. Mr Neil White, Principal, and Mrs Kirsty Gebert, Deputy Principal, reiterated to students the important message of celebrating the success of past students and reinforced the message of goal setting, working toward and following dreams to the current year 12 cohort. NATIONAL ANTHEM Our thanks go to Ms Shelley Parker and the Senior Ensemble for their excellent performance of the National Anthem. SRC MEMBERS FOR 2017 The SRC were officially inducted into their new roles by Mr Daniel Searson and Miss Balin Powardy and were presented with their badges on stage. Members: Angus EDDOWES (9), Elliot FRICK (9), James MCDONALD (9), Thomas MCKINNON (9), Courtney SULLIVAN (9), Blake WALDOWSKI (9), Tess WARNEST (9), Amalia CANUTE (10), Noah EGGLETON (10), Tahlee HARRIS (10), Michael HORNE (10), Caitlin LANGMAIR (10), Abbey UNDERWOOD (10), Dawson CHEERS (11), Rachael GOLDER (11), Anna THIELE (11), Felicity GEBERT (12), Jaymie-Lee IRLAM (12), Craig SHIPWAY (12), SRC Executive: Serena LANGE (10-Secretary), Sophie HODGES (11- Secretary), Hayden MATERNE (11-Treasurer), Erin SCHRAPEL (11-Treasurer ), Whatu GLEESON (12-Vice-President), Mitchell GEBERT (10-Vice-President), Isabella EDDOWES (12-President ) 2016 VET Awards The following students were acknowledged for their successful completion of a VET Award: Ryan Lawson Cert II Underbody Servicing in Automotive Jasmine Fechner-Lante Cert III Aged Care Kimberley Hodges Cert III Early Childhood Education and Care Chelsea Brook Cert III Health Services Assistance Brooke Baird Cert III Health Services Assistance Jessica Davis Cert III Health Services Assistance Chloe Heslop Cert III Health Services Assistance Kimberley Little Cert III Health Services Assistance Calern Adams Cert III Fitness Jacob Harding Cert III Fitness Caitlyn McGregor Cert III Fitness Ella Spangler Cert III Fitness Bianca Sunman Cert III Fitness Emily Hicks Cert III Sport and Recreation Lee Sutton Cert III Sport and Recreation Danielle Sutton Cert III Sport and Recreation Ben Williams Cert III Sport and Recreation Amy Warncken Cert III Racing (Advanced Stablehand) Shannon Smith Cert IV Fitness Caitlin Heppner Cert IV Wool Classing CELEBRATION OF 2016 A+ ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS Mrs Gebert, on behalf of Mrs Anne-Marie Reichstein who was the year 12 Manager for 2016, acknowledged the students who achieved A+ grades for a subject in 2016, whilst their teachers presented them with their awards. Students Subject Teacher Rosemary Prider Visual Arts Ann Winters Elizabeth Watkins Systems and Control Products John Barkley Emilie Hanckel Chemistry Phil Thompson Newsletter No.., Term.. Week, Page 7 Newsletter No. 2, Term 1 Week 5, 3 March 2017 Page 7

8 CELEBRATION OF 2016 A+ WITH MERIT AWARDS Mr White had the pleasure of announcing the Merit winners from the class of These students received a score of 20 out of 20 for one SACE subject or subjects, which is an outstanding achievement that the school certainly celebrated. (Please see complete list of students on page 11 of this newsletter - Merit Ceremony). CELEBRATION OF THE TOP TEN STUDENTS FROM 2016 Mrs Gebert introduced the top ten students from the class of 2016 who achieved outstanding ATAR sores in their subjects. Mr White congratulated them and presented them with their certificates. Emilie HANCKEL 98.1 Madeline HEGARTY 97.5 Cadell CANUTE 96.2 Christina TAIT 95.9 Matthew SCHULTZ 95.8 Daniel ZADOW 93.6 Nikita SKUSE Tayla PUDNEY Rosemary PRIDER 87.5 Caitlin DUTSCHKE DUX AWARDS The final awards were announced by Mr White and presented by our major community sponsors. These prestigious awards recognised the dedication, persistence and excellence of the top Male and Female student at Nuriootpa High in Emilie Hanckel Matthew Schultz Soroptimist International of Barossa Valley Inc Tanunda Foodland The assembly was then officially closed by Whatu Gleeson and Isabella Eddowes. Overall, this assembly celebrated and recognised the dedicated work ethic and determination of the top students from the Class of 2016 at Nuriootpa High School. Chris Gambell Year 12 Manager 2017 Above - Merit Award Winners A+ Academic Achievement Awards (Elizabeth Watkins absent) Below - Top 10 ATAR Students 2016 Dux Award Recipients Newsletter No.., Term.. Week, Page 8 Newsletter No. 2, Term 1 Week 5, 3 March 2017 Page 8

9 To the class of 2017, You re only three weeks into your final year of schooling, yet you re probably already wondering what sort of a hellish year you re in for. I know that feeling. Today I don t want to deliver a speech with advice about a balanced lifestyle, or study tips which only worked for me. Because while all this and passing your subjects is important, it s not in my opinion what year twelve is about. Instead, it is an opportunity to challenge yourself and discover who you are. Year twelve is not easy. It requires a great deal of time, energy, persistence, and determination. It s likely you will encounter difficult times, and question your decisions and future. I know I did! But year twelve was also one of the best years of my life, because I learnt so much about myself, and the life that I want. These are what I believe are the two most important things to remember when tackling the monstrosity that is year twelve. Firstly, I learnt that if I was around negative people, that same negativity soon forced its way into my own mind. I became a person filled with self-doubts and reluctance, and I worried about other people s perceptions of myself. This creates a distraction from the factors that really matter, like taking advantage of new opportunities, trying your best, and discovering you. Remember to get rid of negativity, because you deserve so much better. And all that should matter is that you believe in yourself, your talents and your capabilities. Theodore Roosevelt once said that if you believe you can, you re halfway there. And it s true. Everything else will follow. While you may not realise it, there are people in your life who are there to help and support you, such as your teachers, parents, siblings and family. True friends will also make the effort to encourage you and build you up. It s important to build positive support networks for when you can t carry the load on your own. So, now I d like to thank the people who made my life so much better amidst the stress and work of year twelve. Thank you to: My friends for our deep conversations and banter during recess and lunch times. My bosses at the Nuri Newsagency, especially for understanding when I needed to take days off during exams. My extended family who were all so supportive and encouraging throughout my difficulties and my successes. All my classmates, and the 2016 SRC, as there were many times when I would enter classes and homegroups in a bad mood, but walk out smiling simply because of a bad pun, entertaining discussion or a friendly face. Miss Balin and Mr Searson for their advice, support and for being excellent SRC liaison teachers. My year twelve subject teachers Mr Gebert, Ms Ferrin, Mr Magarey, Mrs Nielsen, Mr Thompson and Mr Turnbull, you have all helped me to succeed way above what I could ever dreamt of. A special shout out to Cadell and Chloe for our failed Chemistry experiments and when we melted the numbers off a thermometer. And finally, to my Mum, Dad and sister Elizabeth, who were always patient, kind and supportive, even though they were required to live in the same vicinity as me last year while I was stressed to a maximum. Also thanks to Elizabeth for drafting this speech. I wouldn t have done it without any of you. There s one last topic I would like to address. And that is the importance of setting goals. Have you ever thought that your best was not good enough? I have, it s one of my most common doubts. But what is your best? I ve learnt that your best is like high jump. It is found when you achieve above a short-term goal. Your goal doesn t need to be to the extreme of getting straight A pluses, but it should provide a challenge for you. Once you ve cleared your first goal, like high jump, the benchmark, or goal, is raised just a little higher, and you aim higher. Through this continuous pattern, you will learn that your best consistently gets better. And this, is absolutely good enough. It s also okay to not know what you want to do after you leave school. I only decided in August last year. But long-term goals which stem from what you excel in, what you love, and even what you dislike, will help you decide your future. Everyone has a talent, or something that they are good at. Every person also has something which they are passionate about. If you follow these, you will find a pathway which is right for you. So, year twelves, and future year twelves. You re going to make a lot of big decisions in your final year, which determine your future. And it is here, and it is what YOU make of it. Lilly Singh, a person who inspires me, has a quote which has stuck with me ever since I first heard it. She said: When the time is 11:11, or when people make a wish on their birthday, or when people see a shooting star some people wish for their dreams. Other people work for their dreams. Be that person who works for their dreams. So, my advice is Work hard. Think positive. Challenge yourself. Set goals. Be ambitious. Thank you. Newsletter No.., Term.. Week, Page 9 Newsletter No. 2, Term 1 Week 5, 3 March 2017 Page 9

10 I want to begin by recognising that in giving this speech it does not escape me for a moment that although having exceeded my own achievement; Maddi, Cadell and Christina have not been awarded dux, however with tradition permitting I have something that I am incredibly humbled by and have worked towards and envisaged for so long now. Before I proceed with my message to the current year 12 s and all of the students present here today I would like to begin by briefly thanking a few people. Firstly; my family, particularly my mum and dad who have given me unwavering support in every facet of my life. I am so thankful to have them and grateful for the inquisitive mind that they have given me. I love you both. Secondly; a big thank you goes to every one of my teachers over the years for instilling in me a passion for learning, but specifically to my year 12 teachers Mrs Gebert, Mrs Bowley, Mrs Nielsen and Mr Tye for their dedication and encouragement in every aspect of my education, allowing me to fulfil my potential. And my last thank you is to my friends, for their steadfast support. I will be forever grateful for their acceptance, loyalty and faith in me when I lacked it in myself. Their value is beyond that of rubies. I would like to preface the remainder of this speech by first saying that I was most certainly not the perfect student, despite the number now placed beside my name. It does not reflect the countless nights of procrastination, the sometimes immense lack of motivation and the doubt that I would so often feel in my ability to succeed. What I have to say may not resonate with you all, however I hope that I can remind everyone of some universal truths that can so easily allude us. One of the most imperative things I have learnt in the past year is the idea of accepting imperfection. So many of us have a habit of scrutinising and critiquing everything that we and others do, inevitably leading us to lose focus of what we were attempting to achieve in the first place. Everyone has flaws that can be ironed out and improved upon, however no one is ever the epitome of perfection embrace your flaws and the mistakes you make. We are all human and we all have time to amend them and better ourselves. Hand in hand with this idea is one of perspective and comparison. It is so easy from an outwards view to perceive others as perfect, or so vastly better at any one thing whether it be academically, socially, physically or so on. With social media so blaringly present in all of our lives, people have the capability of portraying a life that is not always an accurate representation of their real life. Comparing yourself to that unattainable perfection is never the answer to improvement, change comes from an inward view of yourself. Plutarch, an ancient Greek biographer said, What we achieve inwardly will change outer reality. If you want to change, change because of you, not because of the perfection you perceive in others. In the past 2 years I have discovered more than ever the vital importance of people. The value of independence can never be understated, but having friendships and other people to rely upon at any given moment are the reason for my standing here today. I cannot tell you the number of times I was helped across the line by them for that I am forever grateful. Surround yourself with like-minded people, allow yourself the time to have meaningful conversations with them and be as open as you possibly can it is when you have these conversations that you find some of the most significant parts of your being. The environment within school can sometimes be one of stress filled anxiety, however remember this, stress is always temporary. Communicate with your teachers and learn to admit to yourself when you need help something that I often found myself struggling to do, yet when I did an immense weight was always lifted from my shoulder. Absorb the feedback and advice you are given. Never allow feedback to feel as if it is a critique on your person, it s not; it s simply an alternate guide to achieving a potentially better outcome. This period of your life will be over in a flash, immerse yourself in this wonderful time and always be compassionate towards others. Radiate positive energy and it will always be reciprocated. Value the opportunities and privilege that you have in receiving an education. You have every opportunity to succeed in life from this point, whichever direction you are headed, including if you haven t yet found that direction. I wish you all the very best of luck both now and for the future. Thank you. Newsletter No.., Term.. Week, Page 10 Newsletter No. 2, Term 1 Week 5, 3 March 2017 Page 10

11 On Tuesday 7 February I was very fortunate to attend the Merit Ceremony for Class of 2016 Merit recipients and their families which was held at Government House. There were five students from Nuriootpa High School who achieved this honour. STUDENTS SUBJECT TEACHER Cadell Canute Visual Arts Ann Winters Research Project B Jenny Howard Madeline Hegarty Psychology Kirsty Gebert Research Project B Louise O Halloran Nikita Skuse Psychology Kirsty Gebert Christina Tait Modern History Simon Baker Daniel Zadow Communication Products Mandy Calbert Cadell Canute and Madeline Hegarty received their merits on the main stage in front of a large audience in recognition of their achievements in two subjects in Madeline Hegarty also received her Governor s Award at the same time. She was one of 20 students who were given this prestigious award. I was very fortunate that I did see three of the students receive their awards but just missed seeing the other two. I needed to find the individual tents a little faster! Fortunately, we did find each together and were able to get some group photographs in front of Government House. Jenny Howard - SACE Coordinator Newsletter No.., Term.. Week, Page 11 Newsletter No. 2, Term 1 Week 5, 3 March 2017 Page 11

12 Since commencing in the Pastoral Care Worker Role at Nuriootpa High School this term, Rose Hegarty has actively sought to engage with the school and wider community to build upon programs that support the health and wellbeing of students including a breakfast program that first commenced at the school in 2015 with the then Youth Worker, and later with Pastoral Care Workers and Ms Barclay, Assistant Principal. Having experience as a Paediatric Dietitian, Rose knows the importance of a healthy breakfast to kick-start the day. Not only does it provide essential energy and nutrients for growing bodies, but research clearly shows a link between a healthy breakfast and educational factors such as punctuality, attendance, behaviour, academic outcomes, concentration, social skills and engagement with class activities ( ). So for the past two Monday mornings from 8.00am to 8.45am, Rose has been delighted to create some interest in breakfast with a pedal-powered smoothie bike. With the very generous support of Kick Start for Kids and Go Bananas, all the ingredients were laid out on the picnic tables under the trees near Open Space (Rooms 07 & 08) for students to make their own smoothies.and/or enjoy other breakfast foods such as Weet-Bix and Toast. The response from students, staff and parents has been very positive, and supports the decision to offer a regular breakfast program each Monday morning before school. Whilst students may come to school without breakfast for a number of different reasons, the aim of a regular breakfast program is the same: to equip students to meet the demands of the day by providing a healthy breakfast in a safe supportive environment. At this stage, the Breakfast Program will run each Monday morning but there may be the possibility to expand to other days depending upon additional support. If you are interested in donating your time to volunteer, and/or goods in kind (e.g. food, equipment), please contact Rose Hegarty on [email protected] or (08) on Mondays or Thursday afternoons. Nuriootpa High School is now part of the Safe Schools Coalition Act along with 304 other schools in South Australia. More information to keep you up-dated in coming newsletters. Newsletter No.., Term.. Week, Page 12 Newsletter No. 2, Term 1 Week 5, 3 March 2017 Page 12

13 2017 marks a significant milestone in Nuriootpa High School s rich 135 year history. The Department for Education and Child Development (DECD) has introduced 19 Music Focus Schools across the state of South Australia. NHS has been chosen to be one of those, injecting much needed funds into our school and for important recognition of instrumental music in the education system. Mr. Jacob Staehr, a Brass specialist, and I (a Woodwind Specialist) have been appointed to the school, making NHS our base. Our regular instrumental music teaching still occurs at various primary and secondary students in and around the Barossa Valley region, but we now call NHS home. We also welcome Mr. Chris Yeend as our Percussion teacher; Mr. Tim Hogan as our guitar and bass teacher; our vocal teacher Ms. Bec Peregi and Mr. Jay Tobin our keyboard/piano teacher. Back - Sydnee S, Anika M, Malory S Front - Jess D, Lucy D, Gemma L, Tahlia M, Miranda W Absent - Jazmyn H and Zarlee L After our musical production in semester one, the woodwind ensemble which includes Flute, Clarinet and Saxophone students from year 8-11, will hit the road and go on tour to play various concerts to primary schools in our region. We look forward to visiting these schools; to not only share our gifts and talents but to also promote music at Nuri HS. We are aiming to make the locals aware that NHS is the place to be if you are into music and want to learn an instrument to make our school a thriving hub of musical talents. Sonia Samain - IMS Teacher Newsletter No.., Term.. Week, Page 13 Newsletter No. 2, Term 1 Week 5, 3 March 2017 Page 13

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17 SLEEP ROUTINES AND STRATEGIES from Occupational Therapist DECD, Helen Pikramenos Going to school to learn is an important occupation for children and is a focus for occupational therapists. School enables children to learn, develop their identity, play and develop socially and emotionally. When children attend school, the demands on them are quite high. These demands include staying alert, listening, sitting, thinking, writing, reading, problem solving, learning new information, playing, socialising, organising their equipment, transitioning from topics and places. The brain and body needs to be an optimal state in preparation for all these demands. The brain needs movement, nutrition, warm social relationships, play and sleep. In addition, children thrive on routine and predictability and by having this as a basis, they can tackle other challenges and changes within their lives. Sleep is considered important for rest and restoration of the body and brain. See below how you can support your student to develop ways of learning how to get to sleep so they can practise these life- long routines. Evening routines: Establish a strict bedtime routine. The routine may include a warm bath, listening to a book, quiet music and finally lights out. Bed-time environment: Provide white noise such as the sound of a fan Dim lighting Soft music with repetitive rhythm can be calming and help induce sleep Provide soft bedding such as flannel or soft cotton sheets/blankets Some children prefer heavy blankets that are folded under the mattress for firm coverage Some children prefer sleeping inside a sleeping bag placed on the bed Some children prefer being surrounded by heavy pillow or large stuffed animals Avoid placing them in front of the TV or computer as this affects the melatonin or sleep hormone and be harmful in the long run. It is important that children learn how to cope with soothing themselves to sleep (self-regulation) by using routines and sensory soothing technique. Newsletter No.., Term.. Week, Page 17 Newsletter No. 2, Term 1 Week 5, 3 March 2017 Page 17

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19 COMMUNITY NOTICES Tutor Available Mathematics and Science Experienced high school teacher of Year 12 General Mathematics Year 12 and 11 Physics 8-10 Mathematics and Science Lives locally; 1 hour sessions ($40) at your house Sessions available 4:30pm and 7:00pm (neg.) Mob: (Michael Terwel, B. Sc., B. Ed.) Newsletter No.., Term.. Week, Newsletter No. 2, Term 1 Week 5, 3 March 2017 Page 19 Page 19