12 April 2019

Newsletter Articles

Doorways 2 Construction students took time out from their training schedule to put our Open Day sign in place. Open Day will be on Sunday, 5 May.

From Our Acting Principal

Farewells and Staffing

As we come to the end of a long term, there are a number of staffing changes taking place for Term 2. Lexi Champion will be taking maternity leave from the beginning of Term 2. I would like to take this opportunity to wish Lexi all the best, as she begins the next chapter of her life as a mum. Replacing Lexi will be Alex Glen who has worked at Kapunda High School in a number of short term contracts over the past few years.

We will also be welcoming Sarah Molloy next term, who will be replacing Megan Samain while she is also on maternity leave for the remainder of the year.

Emma Aucote will be finishing at Kapunda High at the end of the term. On behalf of the broader school community I would like to thank her for her contribution over term one and wish her well for the future.

End of Term Arrangements

Assessment and reporting and Parent, Student and Teacher Interviews

Parent-student-teacher interviews are scheduled for week 2 next term. I would encourage all families to plan for this as it provides an opportunity to discuss in greater depth, the progress of your children with individual class teachers. Interviews will be booked through the school interviews website with details published below. Information will also be handed out on Friday with student reports.

Students are strongly encouraged to attend with their families to discuss their progress in different subject areas.

Appointment bookings can be made any time from Monday, 15 April, up until Monday, 6 May. To book an appointment, follow the links from the Kapunda High School website, Online Services, Interviews – Parent/Student/Teacher and click on the link or go directly to this link:

To log on, you will need to enter the unique code for either parent teacher location:

Last Day of Term

The final day of term is Friday, 12 April. Students will need to attend school on the last day of term to receive their report. If students are absent on the last day of term, the reports will be published on DayMap with hard copies available from the Reception office from Monday, 15 April. Where students are absent due to illness, parents are welcome to collect reports from the Reception office following the early dismissal time of 2:30pm.

SRC have organised a casual day on the final day of term. There will be a gold coin donation to support the Cancer Council. Students are reminded that appropriate dress and footwear is still a requirement for the day. The theme for the day will be movie / TV show characters.

Felyka Leske has organised local church groups to come in and support the DIY Breakkie Program on the final day of term. They will be offering free hot cross buns provided fresh from Lit’l Mo’s Bakery, prior to home group period between 8:30am and 8:50am to students who wish to be involved. There will be no religious instruction associated with this and students are not obliged to participate.

Well Being and Engagement Survey

All students in the past two weeks have undertaken the Wellbeing and Engagement survey. The survey has previously been delivered to year 8-9 students, however this year, the survey has been extended to include years 8 - 12. Data results are included in our annual report. They provide a valuable snapshot of the well being of young people here at Kapunda High School and are used to inform the implementation of programs relating to well being across the school.

Upcoming Open Day

Our annual Open Day will be held on Sunday, 5 May (end of week 1, Term 2).

An information session for prospective students will be held at 2:15pm where, in addition to learning about current programs, families will hear about how Kapunda High School is meeting the challenges of the future with the provision of contemporary learning spaces made available through a $15m Capital Works grant.

Various displays may be visited, and a guided tour of the refurbished, historical main building, Eringa will also occur at 3:00pm, followed by afternoon tea to conclude.

Principal’s Scholarship

We congratulate Abigail Lemar, KHS Year 12 student in 2018, on being selected to receive a University of Adelaide Principals’ Scholarship for 2019.

Abigail will be awarded the scholarship at the Scholarships Presentation Ceremony taking place on Monday, 13 May 2019 at the University of Adelaide, North Terrace Campus.

Tim Jones
Acting Principal

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, 24 July and leave Friday, 2 August 2019. 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 Kristin Hodge via email kristin.hodge993@schools.sa.edu.au.

Uniform Sale Continues

The following uniform items will remain on sale from Devon Clothing until the end of this term:

• KHS White Polo Shirts - $20 each
• KHS Zip Jackets - $40 each
• KHS Zip Windcheaters - $30 each

World Autism Day

On Wednesday, 3 April, KHS celebrated World Autism Day with staff and students wearing blue accessories to show support for those of us who are on the Autism Spectrum.

A sausage sizzle held outside the Learning Support Centre was generously cooked by staff members and enjoyed by nearly 200 students.

Learning Support Centre

Healthy Minds Program

Kapunda High School has been successful in being selected to work with Dr Tom Nehmy to deliver an award winning program to support the mental health and wellbeing of our year 8 students.

Beginning in term 2, all of our Year 8 students will be participating in the Healthy Minds Program. The program involves students attending a weekly session delivered by Clinical Psychologist, Dr Tom Nehmy for eight weeks. In between the sessions delivered by Dr Nehmy, trained Kapunda High School staff will deliver a classroom session that builds on the concepts that have been introduced.

Some of the topics that will be addressed throughout the course include:

• Where do feelings come from?
• The wellbeing wheel and perfectionism
• Understanding emotions and reaction urges
• Overcoming challenges and building gratitude.

In conjunction with the content delivered at school there are corresponding parent modules that will be forwarded weekly via email. If we do not have a current email address for you, it would be appreciated if you could contact the school and update your details. Dr Nehmy will also be conducting a parent seminar with the theme Seven Secrets to a Healthy Mind. I strongly recommend you attend this informative evening to learn about ways that you can support the well being of your child. Please see the flyer below for more information. Save the date in your calendar: Monday, 13 May at 7:00pm.

Please feel free to contact me at school if you have any questions or want to find out more about the program.

Lee-Anne Cummins
Well Being Leader

Art and Design

Year 11 & 12 Excursion

On Tuesday, 26 March, the Year 11 and 12 Art and Design students attended an excursion to the SACE Art Show and the Art Gallery of South Australia (AGSA). Students viewed the art and design created by Year 12 students from 2018. Viewing the folios is an important learning curve for many students as they see what is expected of them to be successful in the subject.

At AGSA, the students viewed the work of artist Ben Quilty amongst others. Many students found Quilty to be challenging, as the artworks are not necessarily ‘pretty,’ but rather bring to the forefront darker imagery and concepts that relate to Quilty’s time as a war artist, as well as political and psychological issues.

Kaileigh Hoerisch, April Ford, Ella Fiegert and Alethea Harris with artwork of Ben Quilty

What the students had to say about the SACE Art Show:

I learnt a lot about presentation. Everyone’s folios were set out uniquely and this is something I’d like to pursue. Kaileigh Hoerisch

Looking through all the different folios gave a different idea for my own work. Seeing everything put me into a different mindset. Louise Coulter

I learned how to properly design and make clothes, and how to choose the right fabric and colour. Tamika (focussing on fashion design)

It was interesting to see how others have put their ideas together, shows me that I need to be more creative with my own. Kayla Tidswell

This was a very interesting and inspirational excursion as it gave me an insight into Stage 2 Visual Art and Design. I particularly liked looking at the folios as they gave me an idea of an A grade example. Ella Fiegert

Num’s Workshop

The best way to learn is to teach others. Year 12 student, Num Kasing has been busy this term, planning a workshop for her Community Studies Art Project. Seven students participated in a workshop during two lunchtimes to create a dream catcher. Num instructed the participants how to weave the wool to create the intricate pattern that dream catchers are known for. The participants enjoyed their time and appreciated Num’s effort, especially because Num handmade each dreamcatcher ring in the Tech department so that the participants could keep their creation.

The dreamcatcher making was really enjoyable and I had lots of fun making them. Anika Ford

Click to view the Num’s workshop video

Jennifer Ahrens
Art teacher

Career Moves

What’s your next career move?

This was the title of the Tertiary Studies and Careers Expo at the Convention Centre, on April 7 and 8. As I made my way around the myriad of booths, collecting resources, ideas and contact details, I found lots of information that is helpful to young adults who are entering the world beyond school in coming months and years. I have pamphlets and further information in my office, so students can make an appointment whenever they need to find out more about:

• Getting a Tax File number, my Gov account
• Accommodation close to university
• Course guides for many local and national universities
• Apprenticeship pathway information (Check out skills.sa.gov.au for more information)
• Employment opportunities for people with disabilities
• Pathways that studying maths can open up
• Pursuing a career in the police force
• Opportunities to work in rapidly developing technological industries such as Virtual Reality, Special Effects and Game and Film development and animation.

I spoke to a young man who left home at 17, with an accommodation scholarship to move to Tasmania and study Maritime Engineering. He is absolutely loving it and so glad he made the move!

Recruitment Officers explained the positive impact of a young person making contact to find out information for themselves, rather than have a parent do it for them. They said this shows strength of character, confidence and a readiness for the workforce. They also discussed that having part-time employment history, such as working at a fast food outlet or in the retail industry provides evidence of developed employability also.

There is an incredible array of opportunities and pathways for our students to consider beyond their school experience. Going to events such as career expos provides a great opportunity to explore avenues and occupations they may never have considered and to speak to others who have recently, or are currently, taking the journey. They can speak to students about the positives and negatives, and different considerations in preparing for future endeavours.

ADF Information Session

I also attended an Australian Defence Forces (ADF) Career Practitioner Information Breakfast, which was really interesting. Next term, we have ADF coming to present information about career pathways to our Year 10 cohort and to other interested students. They will have information about:

• ‘You Sessions’
• Gap Year
• recruitment processes
• fitness requirements
• ADFA entry
• support programs for women and indigenous applicants.

There is an app (ADF Active), which provides information about fitness requirements so potential applicants can develop their fitness over time.

The ADF website found below has lots of information about the recruitment process and when to begin. Hint: ADFA applicants need to begin their application in Year 11! There are also practice aptitude tests online so students can prepare for the recruitment process.

One of the benefits for ADF personnel is receiving 17% superannuation rates! Whilst this may not mean a lot to students who haven’t yet learned about what superannuation is – working people recognise this is a fantastic future investment. The ADF Breakfast presenters advised that about 80% of those who participate in the Gap Year program stay on to pursue further employment in the ADF, so it is a great introduction without long term commitment.

They advised that there is an upcoming ADF Expo in Adelaide. As soon as I am given event dates, I will pass them on – the last one I went to was fabulous - very informative, hands on and inspiring. ADF offers over 280 occupation options, including working with animals and music career pathways, as well as medical, infantry, engineering, electronics, mechatronics. There are lots of options for developing leadership skills.

Save the date: Careers and Employment Expo on 10 and 11 May. This is a fantastic day; a great way to be inspired about future choices, options pathways. See further detail in Community Notices below.

Penny Chancellor
Assistant Principal (VET, FLO, Careers)

National Schools Constitutional Convention

Recently, I was fortunate to be chosen to attend the National Schools Constitutional Convention. The focus of the program was the Australian Constitution, and specifically, the preamble. Throughout the three days, students were situated in the Old Parliament House Building, where we did workshops to better our knowledge on such a complex topic.

I cannot articulate all that I got out of such a jam-packed program. We heard from experts and politicians, which expanded my knowledge on a topic I would otherwise not have considered. During this time, I met so many amazing young people. The amount of passion and knowledge between us all was inspiring. The program created a culture where all ideas were respected with plenty of robust debate.

It is clear to me that young people are passionate, intelligent and ready to make changes in this world. Overall, enjoying such an experience has solidified my belief: that young people are the leaders of now! This program gave a voice to 150 young people. Imagine if this was available to all young people; what a great society we would become?

Elijah Smith
Year 12 student

Athletics Report

Lower North Interschool Athletics

The last five weeks of term have seen many of our students represent our school in athletics carnivals. Following our school Athletics Carnival in week six, a team of 78 students travelled to Clare to compete in the Lower North Zone Interschool Athletics Carnival. Both our girls and boys teams finished second, with KHS finishing second overall. Only a couple of wins separated us from Clare, in first place. Our school placed well in the individual age champions at the end of the day, with four students either winning or coming runner up in their age group. They were: Aaron Fryer, Ella Leggett, Carissa Wood and Jayden Matz.

One of the highlights of the day was a new event that started last year, the Plains Producer Handicap Race. This race is made up of all the winners of the 100m races, from U14 to the Open age groups, including both males and females. Each athlete starts from a different position, depending on his or her 100m time. It was a great accomplishment for our school to fill all eight positions in this race. Jacob Marsden was hoping for the win, coming from the back marker after narrowly missing out on victory last year. However, he could not quite catch Matilda Gardner who held on in what was a very close finish.

Click to view the Handicap Race video

SANTOS Athletics

Earlier this week, 52 students represented our school at the State Athletics Championships at SANTOS stadium in Adelaide. This year, we competed in the C grade against seven other schools from around the state. After having moved up a grade each year for the past three years, our athletes soon realized they were up against some tough competition. However, many athletes achieved personal bests in their events and many also achieved top three placings. The girls finished the day in fourth place and the boys in fifth place, with our school finishing in fifth place overall. Certificates will be presented early next term to acknowledge anyone who finished in the top three for their event.

Congratulations, to all students who have represented our school in athletics this term. Once again you have all been impressive with your organization, your level of effort and competition and your willingness to fill in for others and help out.

A reminder to return your athletics uniforms to the Resource Centre if you have not done so yet.

Click to view the SANTOS Athletics video

Sports Science

Year 11 Physical Education students visited the University of SA, Mawson Lakes campus to engage in the Sports Science Looking at VX Sport GPS Technology, which is a Connect to Uni program. Students completed various activities whilst wearing a heart rate monitor and GPS tracker. Afterwards, they downloaded the date and analysed the results.

Click to view the Excursion Video

Mark Leslie
Athletics Coordinator

Year 12 SACE Examinations timetable for 2019

2019 Holiday sessions - Term 1

Entertainment Books – Available NOW!

Community Notices

School Holiday Training Opportunities

Light Regional Council, in collaboration with Town of Gawler and Barossa Council, are again offering subsidised accredited training courses for young people living in our Council regions

See the Youth Portal on the Town of Gawler website for more information, including age limits for each course - payment to be made at time of online booking. If a young person lives outside of the Light/Gawler/Barossa Council regions they are welcome to book, but full cost applies and no transport is available.

Adelaide Careers & Employment Expo

May 10 - 9:00am – 3:00pm
May 11 – 10:00am – 4:00pm
Adelaide Showground
FREE event

The Interactive Skills Zones at the Careers Expo presented by Government of SA - Department for Industry & Skills

The Skills Zones will be filled with ‘hands on’ displays, allowing students to experience SA’s Future Apprenticeship and Training Opportunities.

There will be Eight Interactive Zones featuring careers in:

• Creative Industries & Digital
• Defence, It & Cyber Security
• Construction, Mining & Energy
• Health, Fitness, Community Services & Disability
• Food, Wine & Tourism
• Transport & Manufacturing
• Business, Education & Services
• Agribusiness