14 February 2018

Newsletter Articles

Principal, Kristen Masters, Year 8 students, Jed Peake and Acasia Nyland-Campion with Cybersafety expert, Susan McLean

From Our Principal

VISIT FROM CYBERSAFETY EXPERT

Last week renowned cyber safety expert, Susan McLean visited our school for a series of workshops with students and staff.

This was made available by a grant from the Office for the E-safety Commissioner – distributed by DECD.

Susan is a former police officer and not only conducts presentations in schools, but works with AFL clubs, Cricket Australia, Tennis Australia, government department and child protection agencies to provide advice on a range of related issues. She is regularly seen in the media providing advice on cyber safety issues.

Some of the key messages Susan had for our students included:

• Nothing online can ever be fully deleted and despite claims, you are never totally anonymous. Police have the ability to forensically recover records of all text messages, all emails and all social media posts – if they need to.
• Digital Reputation matters. When you apply for a job, employers will make judgements about your email address (often culling those with sexual connotations or just plain silly) and often pay experts to screen your activities on social media. What does your profile photograph say about you? (explicit or flirty photos are probably not going to reflect well)
• You can be charged with a criminal offence if you take a nude, semi-nude or sexually explicit photo of a person under the age of 18 – even if they agree to the photo being taken or you take it of yourself. This also applies if you forward such a photo onto someone else. See attached information from Susan.

• Online predators are reasonably common and there are many examples of young people being persuaded to share ‘nudes’ with strangers, thinking that they are a 15 year old boy or even Justin Bieber! These predators are not only on social media sites but also connect with young people through online games and ‘groom’ over time. See information below.

• Cyber bullying results can have huge consequences. As well-publicised cases have shown, in some cases, it can have a tragic impact.

Here are some of the key messages from Susan for parents. If your child is being harassed, insulted or humiliated through electronic mediums such as social media, SMS, messaging, chat-rooms, web-sites, emails or the playing of online games.

• Take screenshots as evidence
• Help your child to block and delete the bully from all contact lists
• Use the ‘report abuse’ button which all social media sites have. They are obliged to investigate.
• Report to the E-Safety Commissioner (via their website below)

• Encourage your child to have some ‘down time’ without their devices.
• Get a new phone number if being harassed via your phone. Report the problem to your phone company and insist on a new number for free.
• Let the school know so that we can monitor the situation.
• If it is ongoing, report it to the police. Each state has a law that prohibits online bullying and stalking. You don’t have to put up with it.

SWIMMING CARNIVAL – HAWKE GOES BACK TO BACK

The Kapunda High Swimming Carnival is one of the highlights of the school calendar and so it was disappointing that for the second year in a row, we needed to put in a modified programme to minimize exposure to the heat.

Nevertheless, enthusiasm and team spirit was high and for the second year in a row, Hawke emerged victorious with some outstanding individual and team performances.

I would especially like to acknowledge the organisation of Mrs Megan Samain and also the support she received from other staff in the lead up to the event – particularly our grounds staff.

The team has been chosen for the interschool twilight meet at Balaklava on Monday evening and we look forward to an enthusiastic team performance.

Hawke Captains celebrate!

(back row– front row, L-R) Ezra Trimboli, Aaron Hayward, Nicole Kruse, Amy Wilsdon, Kim Schwarz, Chloe Dabrowski, James Prior, Samuel Woods, Cameron Gerhardy, Harry Wuttke, Tara Hayward, Darcie Brown, Toby Woods, Noah Ralph, Poppy Brady & Ailee Craig

CELEBRATING THE SUCCESSES OF THE CLASS OF 2017

(back row, L-R) Member for Stuart, Mr Dan van Holst Pellekaan, Zoe Sinclair, Jaimie Hayward, Aidan Fox, Alec Wendt, Molly Ellis, Logan McInerney, Ben Weichert & Principal, Kristen Masters (front row, L-R) Cameron Anderson, Morghan Prior, Elise Prior, Ashleigh Ruediger, Katie Christian, Sharna Grant, Taylor Jones & Daniel Wilsdon

Last week, Katie Christian and her family attended the Year 12 SACE Merit Ceremony at Government House. Katie obtained a merit for Research Project B.

To get a merit, students must achieve an A+ and have their work judged as outstanding. Across all subjects, approximately 1-2% of all grades are A+. Not all A+ grades received merits.

I was delighted to be part of the Kapunda High School Centenary Foundation’s award’s ceremony last Thursday evening.

I would especially like to acknowledge the outstanding work of the Foundation to support our students as they make the transition to tertiary study and further training. Over the past nine years, over $160,000 has been made available to students graduating from Kapunda High School.

As a member of the selection panel I was once more impressed with the young people who ultimately gained scholarships and awards. What was so apparent during the interview process was how much they appreciated the support of their teachers throughout their schooling.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF PARENTS

You are warmly invited to the AGM of parents on Monday, February 26, commencing at 7.30pm in the Kidman Room in the main building.

Apart from the election of Governing Councillors, we also present an Annual Report, which highlights how well our school is performing.

In the report we provide data and information about:

• Student achievement – especially literacy and numeracy and senior school results
• Progress in relation to our school improvement priorities
• Attending the AGM does not mean that you will be coerced into joining Governing Council. It is simply another opportunity to learn about how the school is ‘travelling’.

Nevertheless, we are certainly keen to hear from parents interested in joining our Governing Council. Somewhat of a weakness, in my opinion, is that we have tended to be rather Kapunda ‘centric’ as far as representation goes. This year 62% of our students live outside of the immediate Kapunda district. There is no reason why we can’t hold some of our meetings outside of Kapunda to support ‘southern’ members.

We will be having approximately 6 meetings across this year. While they have been held on the fourth Monday of the month, this can be altered to suit the elected members. Meetings are generally one and half to two hours in duration.

Parent representatives are not required to have any particular knowledge about how schools are run or any specific expertise. The day-to-day management of the school is the responsibility of the Principal and staff. Governing Councillors, however, offer the perspective of parents on a range of matters relating to strategic directions, policies and budget decisions.

In 2017, the Governing Council had input into the Learning Environment Opportunity Study (LEOS) which ultimately resulted in the new building project; the BYOD policy and the SUNSMART policy. Overseeing the budget, Governing Council approved the $150,000 that has been recently been spent on upgrading our wireless network.

If you would like more information about being a Governing Councillor, please do not hesitate to contact one of the following: Andrew Hayward (Chairperson), Sue Coppin (Administration Officer) or Kristen Masters (Principal).

Materials & Services Charges 2018

The materials and services charges for 2018 are $440.00. This is used for the purchase of loan text books, equipment and materials used in the delivery of the curriculum. A basic stationery issue is supplied (which is GST Free) which includes an ID card and monthly printing and internet allocation.

The due date for payment of the materials and services charge is FRIDAY, 16 FEBRUARY 2018.

From time to time, families have difficulty meeting their financial obligations. Should this happen, please do not hesitate to contact Sue Coppin, KHS Finance Officer and she will assist you in setting up a manageable payment plan to avoid an inevitable referral to the Debt Recovery Unit as required by DECD process.

Please be aware that if no prior arrangements have been put in place, unpaid monies can be forwarded to the DECD Recovery Unit at the conclusion of Term 1.

Options for payments

Payment may be made by cash, cheque, EFTPOS, Visa, MasterCard or by Direct Bank Deposit (see details below) Students are to make payments prior to the start of the school day (8:50am) to avoid carrying around large sums of money through the day. Parents/caregivers may make payments anytime from 8:30am to 3:30pm.

Have you considered scheduling payments using online banking to meet this financial obligation? Some families have found that being able to set the amount and regularity suits their needs well.

Instalment options - suggested payment dates:

SCHOOL CARD SCHEME

If you think you may be eligible for School Card please complete the application form and return it to the office prior to Friday, 9 March, 2018 or go online (see link below) and complete the application.

Learning Support Team

NEP Meetings

It is our aim to complete Negotiated Education Plan (NEP) meetings with families according to the schedule below. The learning support team will contact families in due course to make meeting arrangements.

Term 1 - Year 12
Term 2 - Years 8/9
Term 3 - Years 10/11

In the meantime, should you have any concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact Elizabeth Gary-Smith, Learning Support Coordinator.

Conference: Supporting Pre-teens and Teens on the Autism Spectrum

‘There is so much support for early childhood and lower primary age children on the Autism Spectrum. Yet, as they get older, resources and services become scarce. Children in the pre-teen years can find experience challenges socially, in class and as they approach puberty. This presentation will give you many practical ideas on supporting your pre-teen child on the autism spectrum to flourish, not only at home, but at school and in the lead up to transitioning to high school. By embracing the strengths within your child on the Spectrum or the students you have in class, you can support them and set them up for success in this season that is packed with change and adventure!’ Visit the following website for further information:

Be SunSmart!

Year 12 students, Lane Curtis & Ezra Trimboli are ready for the sun, while Josh Pasfield is staying the shade of the Moreton Bay Fig trees

Matthew & Zoe visit Year 12s

Matthew Bell and Zoe Sinclair visited the Year 12 cohort to share their experiences and offer some guidance for studying, communicating with their teachers and coping with stress. Students found their insight helpful and their visit was much appreciated.

Year 12s with Matthew and Zoe

School Magazine

There are still some copies of the full-colour 2017 school magazine that are available for purchase from the Reception office at $20.

The magazine is not included in the Material and Services Charges. If you would like to order the limited edition 2018 School Magazine, please complete the order form below and return to school or alternatively, contact the Reception office.

Coles Sports for Schools is back!

Spend and Collect

Every $10 spent at Coles during the program, will earn a Coles Sports for Schools voucher. The more vouchers our school collects, the more gear we may receive. Please bring your vouchers to school reception.

Year 8 Immunisation - Reminder

Consent Forms

Year 8 families, please return the consent forms as soon as, regardless of whether consent is given or not.

The schedule for 2018:

Information Session

In an effort to provide information and alleviate anxiety that some students may feel, a representative from Health and Immunisation Management Services (conducting the Immunisation Program at our school), is providing an Information Session for Year 8 students on Friday, 2 March (Week 5) at 9:10am. Parents/caregivers are also welcome to attend (please register your attendance at the school Reception office). The session will offer information about the immunisations and the procedure on the day; and aims to answer any questions our students may have. With the information given and the opportunity to ask questions, it is hoped that students will feel more comfortable about what to expect during the sessions.

Influenza Vaccinations

Influenza Vaccinations will also be for senior students. Consent forms, which will become available in due course from KHS Reception office, are to be returned on the day with payment ($22 - TBC).

Ann Richardson
Administration

Student Driver and Parking Information

Providing Information & Gaining Consent

Students driving or riding vehicles to and from school must complete an Information/Consent Form, available from the school Reception office. If circumstances change, the school must be notified.

Students must not transport other students as passengers without the knowledge of the Principal and a written consent from the parents of both driver and passengers. Students bringing their vehicles to school must have a note from their parents notifying the school of this arrangement. A permit is then issued.

Parking Areas

Students have access to public street parking on Hawke Street (at rear of school) and on High Street (opposite entrance of the school). Parking along West Terrace, directly in front of the fence line of the school, is by local council permit only and therefore not available to students. The opposite side of the road is an area for ‘drop off’ and ‘pick up’ during school hours only.

It is expected that students obey the road rules with regard to parking near neighbouring residents’ driveways and also show consideration to areas where their refuse collection takes place.

Parking on school grounds is generally not permitted.

Disability parking is available just inside the main entrance and to the left.

Caution

The beginning and end of the school day is a busy time, particularly on West Terrace and drivers are urged to drive with caution at the limited speed of 25 km/hr in the school zone.

Any accidents must be reported to the police and also the Principal. The Bus Coordinator is on hand in the bus parking area at the beginning and end of the school day and support can be sought, if required.

Incidents of vandalism may be reported to the police, and the Principal should be alerted to the situation.

Friday Activities

The Willow Whack

On Friday of Week 1, our school activities co-ordinator, Drew Mickan, organised a big hitting competition called The Willow Whack.

Students and staff had the opportunity to see how far they could smash a cricket ball.

The girls had a go at recess time and Darcie Brown hit a ball 44 metres, (one metre short of the girl's record of 45 metres, set by Darcie last year).

The boys really got on to some big hits at lunch time with Hunter Hemsworth being the eventual winner smashing the ball 68 metres. The record of 84 metres set by Trent Hunt in 2016 still stands.

Both Hunter and Darcie received a brand new cricket bat courtesy of the school's sports suppliers, Hughes & Loveday.

Smash hits by Hunter and Darcie