2 February 2018

Newsletter Articles

Year 12 students, Erin Barter and Frazer Arbon welcome Year 8 students, Georgia Malkin & Sam Menzel

From Our Principal

WELCOME BACK

We have commenced the year with a total enrolment of 481 students, including approximately 23 Flexible Learning Options (FLO) students. This is very similar to 2017.

I would particularly like to welcome new students and their families to our school. We have 101 students commencing Year 8 and a small number of new students across years 9-12.

As I’ve visited a number of classes this week I have been pleased to see most students demonstrating a very positive attitude towards their learning and the year ahead.

CONGRATULATIONS, DARCIE

Year 10 student, Darcie Brown is the Light Regional Council Young Citizen of the Year. In addition to being an outstanding athlete across a range of sports (football, cricket, netball), Darcie is also coach and mentor to others.

At Kapunda High School, Darcie is also a leader. In 2017, she was a Junior House Captain and SRC Representative. She is also a diligent and conscientious student who is an outstanding role model for others.

Congratulations, Darcie. This award is well deserved.

BRING YOUR OWN DEVICE (BYOD)

The vast majority of students have arrived ready to begin the school year with their own device and have now commenced the process of connecting to the new wireless network and downloading the Office 365 and Adobe Creative Cloud software.

Where students haven’t made arrangements for a device for learning, we will be making contact with the families and discussing options. There are still a small number of long term loan devices available through the school for financially needy families. Application forms are available from KHS Reception.

You may have heard that the state government has announced that all year 10 students will be provided with a laptop. While this is exciting news, it is important to understand that:

• it is an election promise and will depend on the government being re-elected
• if re-elected, they will ‘roll-out’ from the beginning of 2019
• either way, students will still require a device for learning this year.

UPGRADE TO IT INFRASTRUCTURE

We’ve made a significant investment ($150,000+) in the IT infrastructure over the summer holidays with new switches and a new wireless network installed throughout the school. We anticipate that there will be far greater reliability for students and staff. While it is early days and there are still minor teething problems, all signs are positive.

Connecting students to the new wireless network commenced yesterday and our IT staff are busily visiting all classes to troubleshoot. Once connected to the network, the next steps are around downloading Office 365 and Adobe’s Creative Cloud.

PLEASING YEAR 12 RESULTS

Congratulations to the following 58 students who successfully completed their South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE) at our school in 2017:

Over 98% of students enrolled in a full complement of subjects completed their SACE.

Thirty students were eligible for an Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) with Katie Christian being the highest and thus DUX of the school.

Thirty six students gained a TAFE SA Selection Score.

98.8% of results were at A, B or C level. Congratulations to Katie Christian who achieved an A+ (merit) for the Research Project and has now been invited to the Merit Ceremony at Government House next week.

I would once again like to acknowledge the tremendous efforts of teaching and support staff who worked with students last year to achieve these results. Beyond the scheduled classes, many teachers offered out of class tuition, holiday seminars and supported out of-class Day Map contact.

I would also like to especially acknowledge the achievements of this group of students in the context of the tragic loss of their dear friend and classmate, Joel Broadhead, during the year. There is no doubt that so many of the group struggled significantly – particularly in the first few months following Joel’s death – and valuable learning time was lost. To their credit, they were able to ‘re-group’ and ultimately achieve success.

TERTIARY OFFERS

The majority of our students gained their first preference when the first round of university and TAFE offers were released several weeks ago. Sound Year 12 results meant that students were successful in obtaining offers for courses with high ATAR cut-offs.

Students have been offered places in a range of courses including Media Arts, Creative Arts (Fashion), Information Technology, Engineering, Design, Nursing, Education, Business, Psychological Science, Science, Health Sciences, Performing Arts, Criminology and Behavioural Science.

STAFFING NEWS

We welcome the following new members of staff this year:

• Gordon Lehmann – Assistant Principal, STEM, Science and Technology
• Jo Jaensch – Drama/English; Year 9 Manager
• Ashleigh Callins – Maths
• Jessica Cocks – Health and Physical Education/Maths
• Kathy Coombs – Science/Maths
• Sam Fetherstonhaugh – Home Economics
• Paul Johnson – Design and Technology
• Bethany Trigg – English/HASS
• Keven Dooley – Learning Support

Welcome back to:

• Elizabeth Gary-Smith – Assistant Principal, Learning Support/Learning Excellence/Pedagogy; HASS Leadership
• Lexi Champion– English, HASS, PLP

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF PARENTS

Please consider attending the AGM of parents on Monday, February 26 at 7:30pm. The main purposes of the evening are to report on the ‘health’ of the school through the presentation of the Annual Report and to elect the new Governing Council.

Ideally we would have a Governing Council that was representative of our school community with parents/caregivers from the Gawler, Roseworthy and Wasleys regions represented as well as Kapunda and Freeling. There is no reason why we couldn’t schedule several meetings ‘down south’ during the year to make things easier.

If you are interested in learning more about what Governing Council does and how it operates, please do not hesitate to contact me, our Administration Officer, Sue Coppin or our Governing Council Chairperson, Andrew Hayward.

Kristen Masters
Principal

Staff Roles for 2018

Learning Support Team

We welcome back Ms Elizabeth Gary-Smith, who will lead our team for 2018. Liz returns to us after working in DECD head office during 2017. Prior to this Liz had been working at Kapunda High School for a number of years leading the Learning Support Team. We look forward to working with her again in 2018.

This year we also welcome a new member to our Learning Support Team, Keven Dooley. Keven comes to us with great experience and knowledge in Learning Support and we look forward to him becoming a part of our team.

‘I’ve been living in Kapunda since 2002. During that time I was fortunate to meet Kaylene. We have 4 adult boys and one grandson between us. Two boys live locally and are at University; one in Adelaide and the eldest, and our grandson, in Sydney.

I’ve previously been involved with the local juniors in sport, but now enjoy simply spectating.

Education has been my employment for many years and I am excited by my appointment to the KHS Learning Support team.’

Swimming Carnival

Friday, 9 February (Week 2)

Best Dressed House

Reminders:

• SunSmart: hats, rashies, sunscreen, sun glasses etc
• School day starts at the pool and buses will drop students at Kapunda Swimming Pool.
• Races start at 9:00am

Parents are welcome to come along and watch.

Megan Samain
Whole School Sport Coordinator/PE teacher

Congratulations to House Captains for 2018

2018 House Captains

Be SunSmart!

Awards Evening

Kapunda High School Centenary Foundation Scholarship and Education Grant 2017 Award Evening is to be held on Thursday, February 8 at Kapunda High School front lawn of Eringa, 6:30pm - 8:00pm.

Come along and support our successful senior students.

School Photos

School photo day will be on Thursday, 8 February (week 2), with a ‘catch up’ session on Tuesday morning, 13 February (week 3).

Online ordering and payment may be made at the link below.

If payment is to be made by cash or cheque, students must hand their photo envelopes directly to the photographers on the day.

Sibling photos

Photo envelopes for sibling photos may be collected from the school reception office.

Friendship photos

Friendship group photos of no more than 10 students can also be arranged and photo envelopes are also available from the school reception office. A minimum of 3 orders (at $12 each) must be paid on the day to the photographers.

Please Support the Immunisation Program

Health and Immunisation Management Services, in conjunction with the Light Regional Council, will again be conducting the School Immunisation Program, this year.

The schedule will be as follows:

Year 8 Immunisation

Consent Forms

Year 8 families, please return the consent forms as soon as possible (sent home with students earlier this week), regardless of whether consent is given or not.

Please return your consent forms asap.

Preparation

Often, students feel anxious about having the immunisation and it is important to discuss this event with your child to help alleviate unnecessary fear. It has been noted that some adults refer to the immunisation as ‘getting stabbed‛ or ‘getting your needles‛ - this leads to unimaginable horror to some children and is quite unhelpful. Some may remain ‘wobbly’ at the prospect or may have had an adverse effect, previously. Parents may therefore, wish to support their child by attending an early session from 8:55am - 9:10am on the day. Please contact me at the school if you would like to do so. Anxious students can also attend this early session on their own to avoid waiting with their class groups. Students are encouraged to have the immunisation when their parents have given consent; however, they are never forced. If a student is unwilling, parents will be contacted later by the program nurse.

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

KHS Facebook

Keep in touch with the daily events at Kapunda High School via Facebook. Join over 1,701 ‘friends’ of Kapunda High and be connected with school life.

Teachers @ KHS

As well as our official school Facebook page a number of teachers have their own @KHS page to keep students and families informed about their subject areas. ‘Like’ their page to keep up to date.

In addition there are five more general pages which may be of interest:

Visitors to KHS

Visitors to the school are reminded to sign in at Reception on arrival.

It is an important process. (Our school staff and students need to be able to easily identify visitors to the school or indeed, intruders.)

It should also be noted that visitors are not permitted to attend the school for the purpose of socializing with students during the school day.

Year 8 & 9 Parents & Friends ‘Welcome and meet the teachers’ BBQ

To be held:
Wednesday, 7 February
5:30-6:30pm
top lawn in front of Eringa

To help with catering, please return expression of interest form to home group teacher by Monday, 5 February or email danielle.ryan489@schools.sa.edu.au, mark.leslie815@schools.sa.edu.au or joanne.jaensch556@schools.sa.edu.au

Stay around afterwards to have a brief 'crash course' in using DayMap to connect with your children's learning.

All welcome!

Dani Ryan, Mark Leslie - Year 8 Managers
Jo Jaensch - Year 9 Manager

YEAR 8 CAMP REMINDER

The first camp will be in Week 3, Monday - Wednesday 12 - 14 February.
The second camp will be in Week 3, Wednesday - Friday 14 - 16 February.
Please pay outstanding amounts to school Reception as soon as possible.
Students not attending camp are required to attend school as normal.

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 materials and services is FRIDAY, 16 FEBRUARY 2018.

Prompt payment of school charges ensures that all parents accept their share of the responsibility for the education of their students.

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:

Some families prefer to have an instalment plan booklet to keep track of their payments. If you would like a booklet, please click on the link below for a form or contact the Reception office before Friday, 16 February.

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.

OTHER CHARGES

Parents are advised that text books and materials issued to students remain the property of the school.

In addition you may need to pay for:

• replacement stationery, if the initial supply runs out
• additional Internet and printing after the initial monthly allocation is used
• excursions and camps, etc.
• materials for particular Design and Technology projects (invoices will be issued)
• materials for Home Economics sewing projects
• school uniform, including PE polo shirt
• a scientific calculator (available for purchase from the Reception office- $22)
• School Magazine
• Personal photocopying and printing - Copies will be 10 cents each

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.

DONATIONS

All families are invited to make a voluntary donation to the Kapunda High School to support a group or interest of your choice. You may like to consider contributing towards the program or activities that support the work of the PCW (Pastoral Care Worker). The PCW is at the school for 2 days per week and is available to all students during this time. Other programs you may consider are Pedal Prix, Youth Opportunities Personal Leadership Program and/or Australian Business Week. All of these programs benefit and encourage our students in a variety of ways and all contributions will be gratefully received and acknowledged.

Career Strategy

This year we have been lucky enough to secure another $20 000 grant to further develop our KHS Career Strategy. In 2018 we will be having a STEM focus, highlighting and exploring the skill sets that future employers will be seeking, futuristic jobs that might exist and imagining the changed world of work that our students will enter.

In the next 20 years, 44% of current ‘traditional’ careers will be at risk of digital disruption. The least at risk are sciences; doctors, nurses and engineering type roles, though these will evolve also. Most at risk are cashiers, administrative and accounting type positions – which will become more and more automated.

Our students will possibly change careers multiple times in their lifetime and indeed will likely be juggling a few jobs or roles at one time. They may work with more flexible work arrangements – from home or on the go.

There will be a range of learning opportunities for students to explore the graduate qualities and transferrable skills they will need in their future, and ways of developing and demonstrating them.

SACE Credits

Students are reminded that there are a range of Recognised Community Developed Programs they can engage with and which can contribute SACE credits also. If students have engaged with CFS, undertaking a Certificate in Basic Fire fighting, or have undertaken training with the Australian Air Force or Army Cadets, umpire in the SANFL, gained qualifications in Austswim or Royal Life Saving Society, they may be eligible to apply for extra SACE credits. Please bring copies of awards or certificates to Mrs Chancellor to find out more about the application process.

Some students participate in the Duke of Edinburgh program here at KHS. This also makes them eligible to apply for extra credits.

If you have any queries about whether something you are involved in can gain SACE credits, please ask!

Traineeships

We have a number of students already engaged in School-based traineeships and apprenticeships, and also undertaking vocational training and education. They gain SACE credits from the VET courses they are completing. However, there are many students who are undertaking traineeships through their part-time employment. For instance, KFC, Hungry Jacks, McDonalds, On The Run and Subway are just some companies who employ students as trainees. The student therefore undertakes a Certificate II or III in Retail. This certificate can also contribute SACE points. Any students who are undertaking such a traineeship and VET course should advise Mrs Chancellor so that we can record the units you have completed into the SACE database.

I look forward to discussing queries and ideas you have about career and future pathways with all members of our school community.

Penny Chancellor
Flexible Pathways Coordinator

Course Opportunity

Students interested in pursuing a career in the real estate industry may click on the links below to view course information and please contact Mrs Penny Chancellor via DayMap or email: penny.chancellor315@schools.sa.edu.au to discuss the opportunity.

University Survival Guide

CEF's 2018 University Survival Guide is now available!

As students across the country head off to university this week their minds will no doubt be racing with questions. This has the answers!

Inside the CEF 2018 University Survival Guide

• Tips on getting the most out of O-Week
• Checklists for what to pack, what to buy
• Where to find cheap textbooks
• Handy links for financial support
• Student discounts
• Staying healthy and having a good time
• Accommodation options
• Free weekly planner
• The right contacts for the right advice
• Parents and carers information

Download the 2018 University Survival Guide for FREE at the link below.

Governing Council AGM

Have you ever wondered why a decision was made about a certain issue at school?

Do you ever think there could be a better way of doing things?

Have you considered joining Governing Council and being part of the decision-making process?

There are a number of parent vacancies on Governing Council for 2018 and we strongly encourage you to think about nominating. There is a nomination form below.

In 2018, there will be approximately seven meetings – each of approximately 1 ½ hours duration.

The Governing Council shares responsibility with the Principal for setting the strategic directions of the school and contributes to policy development. Being a councillor is a good opportunity to contribute and shape the direction of the school. In 2017, Governing Council was involved in a process that has led to funding for new buildings, the development of a SunSmart policy and new processes around BYOD.

The Annual General Meeting will be held on Monday, February 26. Even if you don‛t feel you can commit to being on Governing Council, you are most welcome at this meeting. Rest assured, there will be no pressure to join Governing Council. At this meeting, we will formally present the Annual Report and the school‛s financial report.

Canteen Information

Kidman Kafé

How do I order my lunch from the canteen?

Recess and lunch orders can be made at the serving window of the canteen from 8:30am - 8:55am.

Your order can be collected at the window during recess or lunch time.

Canteen volunteers are always welcome – contact Canteen Manager, Deb Hook, Ph 8566 2203.

School Bus Bushfire Procedures

On days of forecast catastrophic fire danger rating for the Mid-North district:

Kapunda High School will remain open.

• All school bus routes travelling to Kapunda High School will be cancelled.
• Parents/caregivers of students who travel on school buses will be contacted via an SMS message to their mobile phone or a direct call to their landline (where a mobile has not been given to the school). This will generally occur the night before.

• Kapunda High School will additionally ‘broadcast’ using Facebook and the website www.kapundahs.sa.edu.au to remind families of bushfire procedures.

If a bushfire is reported in the area during the day:

• Affected bus runs will not leave the school until the roads are declared safe by emergency services authorities.
• Parents/caregivers will be notified and students will be supervised at school until buses can run, or until parents/caregivers are able to collect their children.

If during a bus run, the bus driver sights a bushfire and there is concern that it may affect the routes ahead, then the bus driver:

• Has the authority to abandon the bus run and return to school, or
• If safer to do so, drive to one of the pre-planned emergency areas (or CFS safer places) and activate the emergency bus procedure.

To support student safety, parents/caregivers are requested to:

• Ensure that Kapunda High School is informed of any changes to phone numbers
• Follow weather announcements through the media.
• Ensure that they do not put themselves at risk when coming to collect students from school.

Absences from school

Parents/caregivers at our school are informed by mobile phone Short Message Service (SMS) each time their child is away from school.

At Kapunda High School, student attendance and safety is a high priority.

We know that students who attend regularly are more likely to be successful and safe at school. To support this, we inform parents/caregivers about any unexplained absences for their child.

The school expects parents/caregivers to contact the school in advance if they know their child is to be absent.

An SMS text message is sent to the mobile phones of parents explaining that our records show that your child is absent from school. The message will read as:

Kapunda HS records show JANE JONES is absent 29 January. Please reply with Student Name, reason & date or Phone 85662203

Options for notifying the school of absences

• Parents can reply to the absence notification text by pressing the reply option on your mobile phone when you receive a message from the school and add your son or daughter’s name, year, date of absence and the reason they are absent or late. e.g. Steven Scott, Year 11 was sick yesterday (Tuesday 15 November)
  Text version: Steven S yr11 sick Tues 15 Nov

These phone numbers should not be used to send messages or contact the school at other times as this system works on a one on one reply basis from randomly generated phone numbers (e.g. absence messages from different days may appear from a different number) and any subsequent messaging may not be seen by the school.

• Phone the school office
• A note sent with your child, explaining the absence.
• Notify the school by clicking on the Absentee icon on the eNewsletter app, SZapp (free to download to smart phones).

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.

Thanks For Your Support

During the Christmas holidays, I took all the shoes and spectacles donated by KHS families to Port Moresby when I visited family living there.

Port Moresby is the capital city of Papua New Guinea and has a population of just over 310,000. With less than 10% employment and no social security benefits, the people struggle to survive. Even those who do have employment can expect to earn about K3.5 per hour (less than $2 per hour).

Many of the people in Port Moresby have been displaced from their lands where they were hunters and subsistence farmers. Due to the tribal fighting, increased population as a consequence of improved infant survival rates, and loss of land due to the increase of mining and palm oil plantations, they moved into Port Moresby. Costs in Port Moresby are very high and many families are homeless and live in poverty.

Whilst people living in remote PNG do not, and have no need, to wear shoes, footwear is essential in a Port Moresby, a large city. I squashed one and a half suitcases full of shoes and glasses weighing in at nearly 30kg. The shoes were distributed by my daughter’s house cleaner to her family, friends and people from her church.

Out of Port Moresby, the people of PNG lead a largely traditional lifestyle. They live in traditional thatched roof huts with wooden walls huts made from local trees. They speak their own language and have very little knowledge of English. All are great bush people, with children as young as four able to climb tall coconut palms, manage outrigger canoes, use large sharp knives for bushcrafts, weave baskets, plates etc. and carry the heaviest of loads on their heads.

Papua New Guinea is an exciting unexplored country with virtually no tourism. It is a third world country where the population strives to do their best in very difficult circumstances. Please check the attached photos to get a little more understanding of our closest neighbour.

Jeanette Venhoek