13 April 2018

Newsletter Articles

Open Day will be held on Sunday, 6 May from 1:30pm – 4:00pm. All welcome!

From Our Principal

SITE IMPROVEMENT PLANNING – KHS - LOOKING TO THE FUTURE

Last year’s external school review gave us important insights which have seen us set some new directions for the future.

To that end, we are focussed on creating a learning environment where all Year 8 to 12 students, with a full range of abilities, are challenged and supported to achieve excellence in preparation for a rapidly changing world.

As such, we have identified our priorities as:

• Improving student well being
  A number of our students report that they have low perseverance and emotional regulation, which impacts on their well being for learning.
  To that end there will be a particular focus on embedding character strengths and growth mindset into all learning areas. Additionally, we will be reviewing our behaviour code and time out processes throughout this year. We look forward to you having imput.
• Preparing students for contemporary life, learning and work
  The world of work is rapidly changing and all indications are that STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) careers will offer greatest growth going forward – yet few students persist with the higher level Maths and Science subjects to the senior years.
  As such, there will be a particular focus at KHS on increasing student engagement through the introduction of ‘real world’ tasks into STEM learning areas and implementing the career development strategy to ensure that our students are better prepared for the contemporary world of work.
• Increasing the proportion of students achieving excellence
  While the proportion of students achieving A-C grades at Stage 2 SACE is consistently over 97%, there is room for improvement in years 8 – 11.
  In 2018, there will be a particular focus on extending our use of high impact teaching and learning strategies through on-going professional learning in Differentiation and Formative Assessment. Learning Areas are focussing on increasing the proportion of students achieving A-C grades and A/B grades through a review of their learning design, assessment and moderation processes.

END OF TERM REPORTS

All students will be issued with a written report today. For the majority of subjects, the grades on the report are PROGRESSIVE and are an assessment of the evidence (the ‘work’ the student has submitted, the observations the teachers have made and the presentations/practicals the student has participated in) to date against the designated AUSTRALIAN CURRICULUM STANDARD or SACE PERFORMANCE STANDARD for the subject and year level.

What this means is that with the exception of a small number of Year 8 subjects, the grades on the reports are not set in concrete and will be finalised at the end of the course.

Since moving to continuous reporting via Day Map last year, it is important to remember that:

• End of term reports are only a summary; they should be read in conjunction with the information about individual assessment tasks that can be accessed by parents and students on Day Map.

All parents have been sent a Day Map login, but in case you have misplaced it, use the following instructions to get connected.

For many students the results will be similar to previous years. However, in a small number of cases, there may be some surprises - in both directions. In such situations, you are strongly encouraged to take advantage of the forthcoming parent-student-teacher interviews scheduled for the second week of Term 2 at Freeling Primary School and Dutton Park (Kapunda).

Parent/Caregiver, Student & Teacher Interviews

The online appointment booking process will be open from Monday, 16 April until Monday, 7 May. To book an appointment, follow the links from the Kapunda High School website labelled ‘Parent Teacher Interviews’ or go directly via the link below. You will need a code to create a booking and this will be included in a circular to all families and will accompany reports.

For students who are not at school on the final day of term, reports can be accessed in the following ways:

• By coming in and collecting from the Reception Office in Week 1 of the holidays (9:00am-3:00pm).
• By accessing electronically through DayMap.

Where they are not collected, ‘hard copies’ will be issued at the beginning of Term 2.

BYOD – A MASSIVE THANK YOU

As we come to the end of our first term of 100% BYOD, it is terrific to learn that 99% of our students are now organised with their own device so that they can learn anywhere and anytime.

This is no small thanks to you – the families of our students who have been pro-active in arranging for a device – either a recommended device from our partner company, LWT, or through a retailer of your choice. We’ve also been able to support a small number of families experiencing financial hardship with a long term loan device.

As we move forward, we’re offering a testing and tagging service so that students can re-charge their batteries at school at one of the charging stations if necessary.

We’ve noticed a small number of students are coming to school with uncharged devices, which has had a significant impact on learning. Please remind your child to charge their device every night. After all, they wouldn’t come to school with an uncharged phone!

UPCOMING OPEN DAY

Our annual Open Day will be held on Sunday, 6 May (end of week 1, Term 2) and prospective families and interested others are welcome to visit, attend an information session and view various displays at the school.

Assembly Fun

Jill Nash’s Year 11 Home Group class held a quiz during last Friday’s assembly, with three teams comprised of staff, year 12 and year 11 students. Year 12 students were victorious with the winning score.

Year 12 Information

Hot Cross Buns and Milo

Year 12 students enjoyed a morning tea with hot cross buns and milo last week.

Jack, enjoying his Milo

Holiday Study Program

Week 1

Week 2

External Assessment - Written Examinations Timetable

KHS Career Strategy: 2018 - 2020

This year, Kapunda High School applied for two grants to continue to develop our whole school Career Strategy and find more ways to assist students to consider their future pathways. We were very lucky to receive funding from both grants which will be used in a variety of way across the next three years.

The Career Strategy is a priority at Kapunda High School. We are committed to exploring ways to help students connect classroom learning to their future aspirations and endeavours. We are organising more guest speakers to share career experiences with students so that they can be inspired to consider the massive variety of occupations that exist in current workplaces. Current research shows that the workplace will change dramatically in coming decades, so roles that students will one day work in, may not yet exist.

Along with students connecting learning to their future through experiences like Mock Interviews with local employers, we are seeking to work closely with local employers and industries to explore other ways that students’ learning connects to their futures. The aim is to highlight the skills that employers will be seeking in future. A particular growth area will be STEM (Sciences, Technologies, Engineering and Mathematics). We are keen to encourage students to expand their problem solving and creative and critical thinking skills as these are employability skills that will be desirable in future.

If you have any ideas of guest speakers or interesting local projects, research or advancements that could help showcase the skills students will need as school leavers, we’d love to hear from you! Please send me an email at school ( Penny.Chancellor315@schools.sa.edu.au ) or leave a phone message with the best time to call you back.

Take a look at this video to see some ways that the world of work will be changing in coming years:

ADF Session

Today, Corporal Rhys McIntee and Corporal Brad Murphy from the Australian Defence Forces (ADF) spoke to our whole Year 10 cohort and interested Year 11 and 12 students to explain the benefits of and recruitment process for entering the ADF. The students listened respectfully and intently as the two officers regaled their experiences and shared how they balance their occupation and their personal lives, the travelling they have been lucky enough to undertake and the training opportunities they have been exposed to.

Some interesting facts from the presentation:

• Participants can attend ADFA (the Australian Defence Forces Academy) in Canberra and be paid to gain their degree – all university training costs are covered and students can live on site
• Alternatively, university degrees not offered at ADFA can be undertaken through other universities and paid for by ADF once enrolment into the forces is complete
• Students can complete a ‘GAP Year’ to explore what role they would like to undertake or if an ADF career is suitable for them
• There are nine main industry areas of employment, including:
  - Administration, Business and Education,
  - Communications, IT and Intelligence
  - Aviation
  - Engineering
  - Healthcare, Science and Chaplaincy
  - Combat and Security
  - Logistics, Hospitality and Support
  - Officers and Management
  - Trades
• Between the above industry areas there are over 250 different roles
• Superannuation is paid at 25% of wages
• There are apps available to develop aptitude test skills and fitness levels for the ADF
• There are special support teams for women in leadership and management and Indigenous Australians
• There are scholarships available for STEM applicants
• Salaries are competitive and can begin at $60 390 for an apprentice!

All this, and much more information is available from the website below. Do some research and if you have queries contact me for further information.

Penny Chancellor
Flexible Pathways Coordinator

JAPANESE HOST FAMILIES REQUIRED

We are seeking ten host families this year to accommodate visitors from Hachioji Junior High School in Japan. Hachioji students will arrive Wednesday, 25 July and leave Friday, 3 August 2018. Host families in the past have truly valued this experience.

‘It really was an invaluable experience for our family. We learned some of their language and culture and also shared our lifestyle and experiences with them.’ host family 2017

If you are interested in hosting a student or have any questions please contact Dani Ryan on 8566 2203 or via email Danielle.Ryan489@schools.sa.edu.au

DUKE OF EDINBURGH PROGRAM

A group of students are undertaking ‘Duke of Ed’ this year. Through an informal, relaxed and social environment and a range of activities students will develop skills in a range of areas:

• Service,
• Physical Recreation,
• Skills and
• Adventurous Journey

Regular attendance and commitment to the program will result in increased employability skills and students will also earn 10 SACE credits. Students will sometimes work on site but also in the community as they undertake a range of activities; the purpose being to increase their preparedness to try new challenges, develop social skills and work as a team member. The program is lead and delivered by Jake Smedley, a Youth Worker with Mission Australia.

Last week students made some delicious sausage rolls whilst they worked towards getting to know each other a little better. There was a great vibe of camaraderie as older students were role models to the younger students.

Look for more updates about the adventures and activities of the Duke of Ed students in future newsletters.

Duke of Edinburgh students

Art and Design

2018 SACE Art Show

Annie Pasfield attended the SACE Art Show opening on Monday, 19 March to celebrate her Year 12 Artwork Bloom of the Borderline being accepted into the show. Artwork accepted into the show is of high quality and it is a true achievement to be included where the work will be viewed by thousands of students and visitors from across the state.

Stage 1 Art and Design Excursion

The Year 11 Art and Design class explored the SACE Art Show and Art Gallery of South Australia (AGSA) on Wednesday, 21 March, and the day was thoroughly enjoyed. As a class, we visited Annie’s work and then explored the rest of the show. The students were generally impressed by the quality of the work produced by last year’s Stage 2 students and have a clearer idea of what is expected of them with their current and future work.

It was really great to see work of the previous Year 12s. It has helped me to develop a better idea of where I need to head with my current folio task. Until today, I never realised just how versatile SACE and Stage 1 and 2 Art allows me to be. Kasey Hancock

Annie Pasfield with her artwork at the SACE Art Show

The visit to AGSA and the 2018 Adelaide Biennial of Australian Art: Divided Worlds was a success as well with many students not wanting to leave at the end of the day, so that they could continue viewing the artworks. The exhibition had an array of work from large scale installations to small intimate pieces. The artwork was all encompassing; one installation we could walk amongst and underneath because of its scale, while another was a cavern with glow in the dark lights and video installation. The exhibition displayed current contemporary practices, which opened up the possibilities available to our students. Our only Stage 2 Art student this year, Gemma Brett, managed to find the artist that is inspiring her ‘mop’ paintings, Emily Kame Ngwarreye. Ngwarreye is one of the most famous contemporary Aboriginal artists whose work is based on traditional ceremony. Gemma appreciates her use of colour and line to tell a story.

Gemma Brett viewing Emily Kame Ngwarreye’s painting

Art and Design Classes

The Year 8 Art and Design class have been travelling well this term with many inspirational and aesthetic artworks being created. The class has finished the Art component and will be exploring Design for the rest of the term.

The Year 9 Visual Design class have created inspirational posters that will appear around the school soon. The students had to combine typography and imagery to emphasise the inspirational phrase chosen. Visual Design is in its second year at Kapunda High School and I will be show casing more work as the year progresses to give a better insight into this subject. Currently, both the Year 9 and Year 10 Visual Design classes are looking at graphic design to create posters. There are some fantastic ideas coming from the Year 10 class with students showing their strengths and interests across topics and mediums. The Year 10 students will be branching out into product design, looking at redesigning the classroom chair - more on this to come.

Fundraiser - Entertainment Books

Get your Entertainment Membership to support Kapunda High School - $13 of every membership goes to the school.

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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:

Learning Support Centre

Literacy Intervention at KHS

Tracy Wilson, SSO, with MacqLit students

Macquarie Literacy Program (MacqLit) is an explicit and systematic reading program for small groups of older low-progress readers. This program provides a comprehensive sequence of lessons which includes all the key components necessary for effective reading instruction: phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary and comprehension.

Students who are identified as low-progress readers or those that have gaps in their literacy skills undertake carefully selected placement tests to determine where they need to start in the program and which group they should be a part of.

All students participating in the program receive four lessons a week with regular monitoring to ensure progress is being made. A rotating timetable ensures the students do not miss a significant amount of time from any one subject. At the end of each term, a progress report is sent home.

Group reading is a major component of each lesson and carefully selected reading material ensures that students are being exposed to a variety of text that challenges and strengthens their reading skills. Students are encouraged to read at home for at least 10 minutes per night as this further assists the overall improvement of reading and literacy skills. Parents and carers are also encouraged to assist with home reading whenever possible by listening to their child read and asking questions to help build comprehension skills.

This year, in conjunction with the MacqLit program, we have begun a reading tutor program. A number of Year 11 and 12 students and teachers have volunteered their time to work with the Year 8 students who are participating in the program. This provides each student with two additional reading sessions each week. The Year 8 students read to their tutor for 15 minutes. At the end of the time, students are asked three to four comprehension questions. We have already noticed an improvement in reading fluency. Thanks, to our volunteers for their ongoing support.

We look forward to helping students achieve further success as they continue to work through the program and use these literacy skills across all areas of the school curriculum.

Tracy Wilson
SSO – Literacy Support

Social Groups

Cooperation, fun, decision making, communication are essential to The Dynamic Boys Group. A small group of Year 8 boys and Keven (SSO) meet during lesson 7 every second Friday. The goals of the group are to have social interaction as well as an opportunity to improve numerous skills, including decision making.

Their first task involved setting up and agreeing to a set of participation ‘norms’. They agreed to:

• Keven is the collaborative ‘boss’
• Positive language (no swearing)
• Great encouragement of each other (or be quiet)
• Hands and feet to self.
• Be brave
• Ignore the small stuff

At the first meeting they generated many ideas for activities. These included sport, social activities, community service and animal care, as well as the occasional chat and relaxation time. All activities have a component of cooperation, improving social skills and sense of belonging at KHS.

Unanimously, they decided that organising an aquarium of yabbies would be a great task to begin. They’ve decided on a timeline, location and necessary requests to different people within the school. The project has commenced with email requests to Learning Support Centre staff and the science faculty. Initial signs show that the group will be very successful.

Corey and Cody composing a letter to the Science Faculty and Shawn sharing the yabbie story.

Each fortnight a group of up to twelve girls gather for a ‘catch up’ session and enjoy various team activities to increase knowledge and skills used in daily life.

Our group havehas a passion for art and believe that it is a powerful tool which can not only be used for self-expression, but also as a calming technique when feeling anxious. Throughout the year, we will be looking to create many different art projects to show our teamwork skills and creative minds. To do this, we will need to negotiate as a team, our ideas and designs.

In the weeks leading up to Easter, we carried out an egg decorating task using shaving cream and food colouring. While the end product didn’t look as good as we had hoped; the group loved working with shaving foam!

Keven Dooley & Sarah Johnson
Learning Support

Friday Activities

Poison Ball activity

Poison ball was the recess time activity for last Friday’s activities. This was followed by another well attended outdoor concert on the lawn in front of Eringa at lunchtime.

Marisha & Kasey perform

Andrew Prior, playing electric guitar, songs by Kasey Hancock, accompanied by Marisha Hughes on keyboard, Sheridan McMahon, accompanied by Mrs Thorne and the comedy duo of Lane Curtis and Morgan Brown kept the crowd entertained.