16 March 2018

Newsletter Articles

HAWKE WINS!

From Our Principal

HAWKE CAPTURE THE DOUBLE!

For the first time since 1990, Hawke has won both the swimming and athletics carnivals.

After languishing on the bottom for a number of years, it has been terrific to see Hawke gain momentum and become a sporting house to be reckoned with in recent years.

The day was conducted in good spirits and it was terrific to see students take on the ‘SunSmart’ message with gusto as they competed in warm conditions.

A new feature this year was the big screen - courtesy of the Kapunda Football Club.

A special thanks to our Sports Co-ordinator, Mr Mark Leslie, for his outstanding organisation. Events like this do not just happen and many extra hours were put in to make it a success.

Congratulations to all cup and medallion winners – there were some very tight fought tussles through the day. It was great to see a record broken on the day with Lane Curtis setting a new mark of 11.00 seconds in the Open Boys 100m.

RESPONDING TO BULLYING – EVERYONE’S BUSINESS

Today is the National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence.

In a survey of wellbeing and engagement undertaken by our Year 8 and 9 students in Term 4, it emerged that social victimisation was the most common form of bullying.

Being left out, people gossiping or spreading rumours was most frequently experienced by both male and female students.

This was closely followed by verbal victimisation – name calling, teasing and being humiliated. However, this was more likely to be an issue for females.

Physical and cyber victimisation was less common.

At Kapunda High School we have a clear policy which is available on our website. Furthermore, we have a bullying and harassment flow chart that outlines our response when issues are reported – see below. We follow this up with sessions in our extended home group programme.

But we cannot do it alone. As parents we also can support our young people to make good choices about how they communicate. We can teach them about empathy for others and question their motives and actions, rather than assuming that someone else must have caused it.

And if they are on the receiving end? Rather than condoning retaliation or getting involved yourself, advise them to not respond but to report it instead.

We are also encouraging students to report when they witness bullying – even if it doesn’t involve them.

Prefect Induction

Head Prefect, Jack Mace, Deputy Head Prefect, Courtney Loffler, Head Prefect, Abigail Lemar and Deputy Head Prefect, Joshua Pasfield

Prefects and Student Representatives for 2018 were formally inducted in a special ceremony on Wednesday, 7 March, in front of special guests, school families and the students and staff. The SRC mentors, Ms Alexia Champion, Ms Kathy Coombs and PCW, Mrs Felyka Leske led the Induction Ceremony, which began with the National Anthem, performed by the school concert band.

Principal, Kristen Masters welcomed guests to the ceremony and spoke of the importance and responsibility of the role of Prefects and SRC members. Our SRC contribute to decision making to effect changes and improvements in a number of focus areas in the school. She also inspired student leaders to be upstanding in role modelling the school values in the coming year.

Guest Speakers, 2008 Head Prefects, Sarah Hazel and Mark Heinjus, gave encouragement to students to embrace the opportunities in their role.

Sarah, who teaches at Orroroo Area School, reflected on the reasons she became interested in becoming a student representative during her time at Kapunda High School. She spoke of how she decided to ‘smile and change it’ rather than choosing to ‘grin and bear it’ by becoming a Prefect from year 11, to be able to have a say in decision making at school.

Mark, who is an instrumental music teacher based in Port Augusta, urged the students to get involved with school and community events and activities. He shared that while he hadn’t been good at some things whilst at school, he got involved anyway and this not only enhanced his school experience, but also gave him valuable skills for his future.

An enjoyable performance by the concert band and vocal group showcased the abilities and talents of students at Kapunda High School with the added bonus of Mark Heinjus’ impromptu performance, as he re-joined the concert band.

Head Prefects, Jack Mace and Abigail Lemar led the group in the ‘oath of office’ where all members vowed to take responsibility for student matters, including the organisation of student activities and helping with student welfare.

Following the ceremony, a morning tea prepared by the Year 11 Food & Hospitality class was enjoyed by guests, staff, Prefects and SRC members.

The following students will represent the Kapunda High School student body for 2018:

Learning Support Centre Pizza & Information Evening

On Wednesday, 28 February, we held our annual Pizza and Information Evening for families in the Learning Support Centre. Those who attended were: Principal, Kristen Masters, Assistant Principal, Liz Gary-Smith, Year 8 Managers, Dani Ryan and Mark Leslie, Learning Support SSOs as well as students and their families.

To begin the evening, each SSO gave an introduction on the programs we offer and how the Learning Support Centre operates. Families then enjoyed looking around our Student Hub and Learning Support Centre viewing many of our resources that we had out on display. We also shared information and gave support in the use of DayMap and the parent portal, responding to many different and varied questions around what we offer. After the formalities, our guests enjoyed some pizza and mingled.

This fantastic event has always a great success and this year was no different. Thank you to all who support the Learning Support Centre.

Doorways 2 Construction

The Doorways 2 Construction crew have been working on the restoration of the stone wall, which is part of the old stable(now the handyman’s shed) , situated along the Hawke Street boundary. As seen in the first photo, the wall was in great need of repair.

Students undertaking this course have successfully completed numerous projects around the school and their efforts are much appreciated.

Coles Sports for Schools

Spend and Collect for KHS

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.

BANNED: Spray Deodorants and Perfumes

Spray deodorants present a significant danger in our school environment to people who have asthma.

Strong smelling colognes and perfumes can also trigger a similar response, particularly when applied in confined places such as classrooms and hallways.

Unfortunately, some members of our community are still bringing them to school - perhaps under-estimating the impact that they can have on the health and well-being of others.

Spraying them in rooms or the vicinity of others is very dangerous as across Australia, on average, one person dies each day as a consequence of asthma.

First Aid and Medication at KHS

Student Medical Records

Regardless of whether a young person self-manages their medical condition, the school should be updated or informed of current medical conditions.

A child may be unconscious or incoherent during a medical episode and parent/caregivers may not be immediately available to provide important information - so KHS need to be in the loop! Health information is required not only by KHS first aiders, but also ambulance officers and paramedics in emergency situations.

Health Care Plans and Authorities

The Department for Education and Child Development require schools to have health care plans and other supporting documents in place to enable adequate support for young people in the education setting. This includes camps and excursions.

Health care plans should document recommended emergency, routine health and personal care support and are completed by a parent/caregivers and the child’s doctor.

Our records require updating annually and currently stored medication is checked as to whether it has expired. KHS staff are not permitted to dispense medication that has expired or without a medication authority in place.

Medication must be provided in the original pharmacist container, prescribed for your child and with directions on the label. Pharmacists can label over-the-counter medications such as anti-histamine tablets or Panadol.

Planning for Camps

Medication required only during a camp must be accompanied by a care plan and medication authority. This needs to be organised ahead of time. Medication stored at school can be taken on camp, provided it has not expired and the necessary forms are available.

Short Term Medications

Ideally, if your child needs to take short term medication such as antibiotics, the doses should be scheduled outside school hours. For example, medication that has to be taken three times a day should, where clinically possible and safe to do so, be taken before and after school, and before bedtime – therefore not be required at school at all.

If this is not possible, a Medication Authority must be completed by your child’s doctor. An interim 24 hour Medication Authorisation (click on the link below) can be put in place that requires completion by only parent/caregiver. This authority can be used where it is not possible to get an appointment with the treating health practitioner within this timeframe. This authority can be used for prescription and non-prescription medications which meet DECD policy (ie provided in original pharmacy labelled container for a specific child/student). This authority cannot be used for commencement of a new medication that the child/student has not previously taken.

For further information, please contact Ann Richardson at the school or email: ann.richardson395@schools.sa.edu.au

Creative Writing

In Year 9 English, students have been writing micro-stories of 50 words as part of their creative writing unit. Here are some of the stories Miss Champion’s class has come up with:

A fifty-word story. Those were the words which described the Chicago Bulls mascot’s triple-spin double-somersault slam-dunk during the pre-game show; the first time it was performed in the history of basketball… Unfortunately for Billy, it was also the first time the mascot had been stretchered off into an ambulance.

Jaydn

It was 2 am. The world was finally peaceful and it was just us with a can of Pepsi, complaining about our problems. And then, in the softest and most loving and nervous voice, the words I had been waiting to hear since we were children; “I think I love you.”
Nyree

“Christmas!” Billy and Jane shouted excitedly. After opening presents, they played and were having a blast. There was a scratch at the door: A kitten in a box with a note attached! “Please give me a loving home”. The children knew exactly what to do: Welcome it with open arms.
Brianna

His lip was quivering, he was scared.
He spoke with eyes filled with love and admiration.
Anxiety overwhelmed him. Terrified of her possible response.
The air was cold and she was shivering. He held her for warmth. He’s going to do it.
‘I love you.’
‘I know.’
‘Oh. Okay then.’
Chelsea

Materials & Services Charges 2018

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:

Be SunSmart!

INTERSTATE SPORTS NOMINATION PROCESS

Interstate selection information including trial details and the nomination process is available on each specific sports page from the website below. The nomination process must be completed before the sport’s first selection trial or by the date shown on the specific sports page.

Not all sports have an online nomination – make sure that you follow the correct process.

Who can nominate?

Nominations will only be accepted from schools affiliated with SAPSASA (Secondary School Sport SA).

13 years and older students nominate with Secondary School Sport SA.

Selection and trials

Nominees should possess well-above average ability and experience. Sports coordinators should give interested students the necessary information and talk about the strict selection requirements. Any selection in a team must have the principal's endorsement.

Nominations for state trials mean that you agree to attend the trials.

Students will be expected to attend trials in Adelaide at their own expense. Attendance for country students can be negotiated.

Attendance and travel

Students selected must pay for travel to attend required practices, airfares, accommodation, transport, food, uniforms and event levies.

All Secondary School Sport SA team members will travel and stay together as a team. Exemptions are possible when championships are hosted in Adelaide.

Nomination dates and forms are available from the above mentioned website.

Friday Activities

At recess time on Friday of Week 5, students were captivated watching former KHS Principal, Deane Rohrlach's Water Bottle Rocket.

They also won a prize if they could catch the plastic bottle as it came back down.

At lunchtime, a volleyball net was set up on the oval for all to use.

A group of Year 12 boys had some exceptional rallies in a few fiercely competitive encounters.

Community Notices

Youth Parliament

This is a great opportunity for anyone considering a future in politics, local council or law.

This year Light Regional Council are offering a partial sponsorship of $150 per student for one female and one male student Kapunda High School to participate in the 2018 SA Youth Parliament Program. The total cost per student to participate is $450 and the program runs from March to August.

For more information about the 2018 SA Youth Parliament Program please contact Jaedyn on 0402 290 741 or email: yp.comms@ymca.org.au

Program overview:

You can find the program application form here:

The team application form here:

And more general program information on the website.

Become a Student Ambassador AND have a chance to WIN!

Are you in Year 10, 11 or 12? Do you have a passion for social media?

Would you like to help promote Adelaide's leading Tertiary Studies and Careers Expo on Sunday, 8 April or Monday, 9 April?

Learn about jobs, training, career or studying after school during TSCEA. One lucky ambassador will win a $100 COLES MYER voucher and four runners up will receive a $50 EVENT CINEMAS movie card.

If you are interested in planning a career in marketing, events, media, PR, advertising or communications, this is a great opportunity and an invaluable reference to add to résumés and university applications. See Mrs Chancellor or click on the link below to find out more information.

Opportunity: Teen Fashion & Arts Festival

If you’re interested in fashion design – check out this amazing opportunity!