17 May 2019

Newsletter Articles

Dr Tom Nehmy with Halle Butcher, Riley Norfolk, Jayden Webb & Madison Muir following a Healthy Minds group session.

From Our Principal

Supporting our Students to Develop Healthy Minds

As an educator of over thirty years, I’ve seen a significant increase in the number of students experiencing anxiety to the point where it impacts on their daily living. I’ve also seen very able students ‘crippled’ by perfectionism – afraid to submit assessment pieces for fear of not being ‘good enough’. I’ve also seen students afraid to even start something for the same reasons.

This term, our Year 8 students are participating in the ‘Healthy Minds’ programme, which has been developed by Clinical Psychologist, Dr Tom Nehmy and is funded by the Federal Government.

While the programme has previously been available at a cost, Kapunda High School is one of ten schools across Australia selected to participate in a free trial of the programme in government schools with the view to ‘roll out’ more widely.

Each week, Tom leads a whole group session with our students which is then followed up several days later by trained Kapunda High School staff members who work in class groups to re-visit the week’s concept.

Tom refers to the programme as psychological ‘immunisation’ suitable for all. It is about teaching healthy thinking skills.

Parents are also integral to the development of ‘healthy minds’ and as such, each week they are emailed a summary of the information covered in the programme which supports them to reinforce at home.

On Monday evening, Tom offered a session for parents and it was good to see approximately 15 families come in and learn about the ‘Seven Secrets to a Healthy Mind’.

Some key points that emerged during the presentation included:

• It is not normal to feel happy 24/7
• A life free of stress and discomfort is also a life devoid of personal growth. It is our job as adults to coach our young people to expand their comfort zones. We inhibit their growth when we allow them to ‘opt out’ of the hard or uncomfortable ‘stuff’
• Realistic thinking is the key – again we can support young people to see a situation more realistically through our questioning
• Self-compassion is far more important than self-esteem as it is an important antidote to self-criticism
• Unhelpful perfectionism and unrealistic media ideals can inhibit achievement and we as adults once again have an important role to play in modelling this.

I’d especially like to acknowledge our Leader of Well Being, Lee-Anne Cummins, who successfully applied for our school’s inclusion in this programme and also the staff who underwent training with Tom so that they could deliver the programme.

Improving Attendance

Good attendance is the foundation of school success. It doesn’t guarantee success but without it success is so much harder to achieve.

Students who are regularly absent from school;

• miss valuable instruction from their teachers and are more likely to have difficulty understanding important concepts. Over time, ‘gaps’ appear in their learning.
• often shut off options for higher level maths and science subjects.
• are less likely to gain A or B grades.
• are more likely to leave school without finishing their SACE.
• are a risk for a prospective employer.
• struggle to maintain relationships with their peers.

The Education Department has identified 95% attendance as the goal for every student – ten or less days absence for each student across the year. (Please note, attendance at TAFE or other VET courses through the Trade Training Centre or other school activities is not counted as an absence).

There are occasions where students are ill or there is a family bereavement and obviously we have a small number of students with chronic health issues. In such circumstances, absences are perfectly acceptable, but do consider the wisdom in:

• staying away to celebrate a birthday
• staying away to go shopping
• staying away to avoid doing something or resolving an issue
• staying away to catch up on school work – it’s a double-edged sword (think what explicit teaching your child is missing)
• staying away on the last day of term (just because…)
• senior students staying away on days when they have a number of study lessons (what about the lessons they are missing?)

Attached is a copy of the flow-chart we use to follow up absences at Kapunda High School.

Where your child is absent from school, parents are legally required to provide an explanation. There are a lot of ways this can occur:

• written note
• telephone
• email or DayMap
• Response to SMS sent
• SZ App for Kapunda High School – Absentee

If you are struggling to get your child to school, please seek support earlier, rather than later. Year Level Managers, along with our Leader of Well-Being, Lee-Anne Cummins are your first points of contact.

Public Education Awards

Consider nominating a member of the Kapunda High School staff for a 2019 Public Education Award.

At Kapunda High School we have some outstanding teachers and support staff who ‘go the extra mile’ to provide a quality education to our 480 students.

Show your appreciation for the extra efforts they make by visiting the link below.

Focussing on Effort

At Kapunda High School we have a strong focus on effort and acknowledge this through our end-of-term ‘Personal Best’ awards for students who demonstrate excellent effort in all or most of their subjects.

We encourage students to give of their best – to persist and persevere – even when things are difficult.

Earlier this week, some Year 9 students were asked what ‘excellent’ effort looks like and sounds like. Here are some responses:

“Excellent effort looks like a person trying their best at everything. Even if they are bad at a certain type of Maths, they still give it a go”.

“Someone who is always on task and gives something they don’t understand a go. If they are still stuck then they would ask the teacher. When they aren’t at school, they make the effort to talk to the teacher and catch up on their work in their own time”.

“Excellent effort looks like someone who concentrates in class and doesn’t get off track or muck around. It could also mean someone who gives it their best shot and gives up their time to get a good grade”.

Below shows the distribution of effort ‘grades’ for Term 1:

Kristen Masters
Principal

Advanced Warning - Pupil Free Day – Friday, June 7

On Friday, 7 June, our teachers will be combining with staff from Eudunda Area School and Nuriootpa High School to engage in Collaborative Moderation of Student ‘Work’. The purpose of this is to ensure consistency of standards, review assessment tasks and discuss teacher approaches to support all students to be successful.

Learning Support Centre Report

Volunteers

As part of the MacqLit Program, students are expected to spend time reading 4 - 5 days a week. In order to provide opportunities for students to read, we have invited volunteers to assist. Volunteers listen to two students read for a lesson, following the 'pause, prompt and praise' method.

Our volunteer reading tutors are a combination of senior students, staff and community volunteers.

If you are interested in volunteering as a reading tutor, we will be running a second intake in term 3. Please contact Tracy Wilson (SSO/MacqLit Coordinator) on 8566 2203 to discuss further.

Volunteer Reading Tutor and Year 12 student, Ashly with Zac

Social groups

In the last week of term, our Dazzlers social group participated in an Easter egg hunt throughout the school grounds. The group worked together to locate all the eggs and ensured fairness. It didn’t take long for trades to begin and ‘demolition’ of the eggs took place. Yum!

First week back saw this group in the kitchen testing their cooking skills. On the menu was pancakes and chocolate milkshakes. This seemed to be a favourite amongst the group as it didn’t take long for them to be devoured, whilst reflecting on our work in the kitchen.

The social groups have been having some great positive interactions and are showing growth in their teamwork and social skills. We look forward to what the rest of the term may bring.

SSO Training and Program delivery

In week 1, Meagan Menzel and Sarah Johnson along with several teaching staff, took part in the Healthy Minds Program training. The program is being presented to year 8 students during home group over the next eight weeks. Meagan and Sarah will participate in these sessions and will also use their knowledge of the program to assist students’ well being in the Student Hub.

School Services Officers (SSOs) will also be supporting teachers in Year 10 long home group time on Wednesdays, with the delivery of the Coaching Young People for Success (CYPFS) program in the coming weeks. Several of our SSOs are trained in this program, which is a valuable resource used during mentoring as well.

Volunteers Needed

We are seeking volunteers to work at the Kapunda Trots on Monday, 3 June. Two people willing to contribute 15 sandwiches each would also be helpful.

If you are able to help, please contact Sam Fetherstonhaugh at school or send a message to Ms Fethers at KHS on Facebook.

Immunisation Session – Year 10 & 11

The first immunisation session for year 10 and 11 students, receiving the Meningococcal B (Bexsero) vaccine will be on Wednesday, 29 May (Week 5).

There are a few outstanding consent cards, and these may still be returned in time to either receive the vaccination or register non-consent.

Information about the vaccine was provided with the consent card, but if further clarification is required, please contact Health and Immunisation Management Services (HAIMS) on 08 8152 0363.

Ann Richardson
Administration

Recognising the Power of Perseverance

This month at school, we are shining the spotlight on the character strength of perseverance/persistence. Sometimes this trait is also referred to as grit.

Perseverance falls under the virtue category of Courage. Courage describes the strengths that deal with overcoming fear.

Perseverance is a very important character trait for us to be successful in life. It means determination at working hard, regardless of any odds or obstacles that may exist. It is to insist and to be firm on getting something done and not giving up. It is being prepared to have a go, make mistakes, learn from them and have another go.

In life, we will not always have things going our way all the time; sometimes we will falter or fail at completing a task or getting what we want. However, by persevering and sticking to the task, we can eventually overcome obstacles and be successful.

Throwing in the towel is never a good answer; however, persevering to the end usually reaps great rewards.

Who am I?

I was born in 1935 in America. My family lived in a shotgun house for several years until hard financial times forced them out due to an inability to maintain the payments.

In 1948, at the age of 13 years old, my family moved to Memphis, Tennessee from our home in Mississippi. We lived in boarding houses, which were temporary rooms that could be rented in a larger home where the common areas were usually maintained, before being able to afford a two-bedroom apartment in a public-housing complex.

In 1953, at 18-years old, I walked into Sun Records, where I recorded a demo disc. Nothing came of it. One year later, in 1954, I walked back into Sun Records to record another demo, which also failed to make any traction. The same year, I failed an audition to become part of a vocalist quartet called the Songfellows. When asked by my father what had happened, I stated, “They told me I couldn’t sing”.

I was so frustrated, that I decided to take up a job as a truck driver. Through a friend named Ronnie Smith, I met Eddie Bond, who led a professional band. Turned out they were looking for a vocalist. They arranged some more recordings, which nothing came of until months later when I randomly launched into “That’s All Right”, Arthur Crudup’s 1946 Blues number. That got the attention of a professional DJ, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Who am I?

I was born on the 31 July, 1965. I grew up in England and became known as a girl with a vivid imagination, who loved to write stories. After a failed marriage, and experiencing clinical depression, I moved to Scotland to be closer to my sister. After several failures in my life, I realised failure taught me things about myself I could have learnt no other way. I discovered I had a strong will, and more disciplined than I realised. I realised that by emerging stronger and wiser from my setbacks I would forever be secure in my ability to survive. I wrote extensively while living in a small flat, supported by the government. My book was rejected by 12 different publishers. When a publisher did finally print 1000 copies of my book about a young wizard, he told me to get a day job, because I probably wouldn’t make a living as a writer. The incredible success of my book series means I am now one of the wealthiest women in the world.

Answers – 1. Elvis Presley. 2. J.K. Rowling

There are many more examples like these of ‘famous failures’. Imagine if all of these people had given up and not persisted, what things we may not have the chance to experience.

Yes, life can be tough and obstacles can get in our way, but it is our ability to see things through and finish what we started, that can help us believe that we can do difficult things and increase our capacity to perform. The sense of pride and self- satisfaction we feel by completing something challenging provides motivation to face the next one.

Next time your child says “this is too hard, I’m giving up” or “I can’t do this”, encourage them to have a go, take a risk and never give up.

Lee-Anne Cummins
Wellbeing Leader

Bus Information

What should I do if the bus doesn’t turn up on time?

If the school bus doesn’t arrive at the bus stop at the scheduled time, students should remain at the bus stop. If a bus has for instance, a mechanical issue, arrangements will be made to send another bus to collect students per Department policy.

School Musical Production: SPOTLIGHT!

Spotlight! is this year’s school musical production.

Interviews with cast members

Why did you want to be involved in the school production this year?

I have always been interested in music and drama. After twice seeing my brother in a school musical, it made me really want to be a part of one as well. Aneisha Whitmore

I wanted to be involved in the school musical because I love theatre and I would do anything to be able to perform. I would like to do musical theatre as a job in the future. And I enjoy performing it makes me feel ‘alive’. Taya Vardon

Which character do you play - tell us about them?

The character that I play is called Dani Diamond. She is one of the lead singers at Max’s Manse and feels threatened when someone comes and starts taking over. Dani is self- centred without realising it. Aneisha Whitmore

I play the character of Shannon. She is a stage manager and a shy person who doesn’t really like talking to people. All she wants, is her shot on stage to show what she can do. Shannon wants to be included with the rest of the group. Taya Vardon

What are you looking forward to most?

I’m looking forward to being able to perform in the musical with all the other cast members. They’re lovely people and I’m sure with them, the musical will be enjoyable and fun for everyone. Aneisha Whitmore

I am looking forward to opening night and being able to sing my heart out and have a great time. I'm also looking forward to the crowds’ faces when we first come out on stage, as well as the clapping and laughs throughout the performance. Taya Vardon

Student Illnesses

From time to time, common illnesses become prevalent amongst our students. Though the school promotes regular attendance, if a child is unwell, and particularly with communicable diseases such as gastroenteritis or influenza, parents are encouraged to keep them at home.

This will help prevent other students and staff from becoming unwell. It will also reduce discomfort for your child, as there are limited facilities at the school to care for them.

If a child is ill while at school, parents will be contacted.

Thank you for your support with this matter.

Reporting a hazard

Kapunda High School is keen to provide a safe environment for staff, students and visitors alike. As with all workplaces, KHS must comply with Work Health and Safety legislation, policy and guidelines. As such, our school staff use a particular process to report hazards within the school, so that issues may be addressed to prevent accidents and injuries.

Our wider school community is also encouraged to report any concerns within the grounds. Hazards may be reported to the school Reception office and staff will follow on from there.

Should students mention that they have noticed a hazard, parents/caregivers should direct them also, to the school Reception office to share this information.

Visiting the School

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.

Japanese Host Families Required

We are seeking five 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.

Sammy D Foundation Visit

Last week, we were fortunate enough to have Neil Davis from the Sammy D Foundation come along and speak to our year 9 students. Neil's son, Sam was tragically killed by a punch to the head at a friend’s party in 2008. He was a talented sportsman whose life was cut short. Soon after the incident Neil and his wife, Natalie, set up the Sammy D Foundation in his memory. The foundation aims to prevent similar incidents and eradicate drug and alcohol fuelled violence, as well as bullying in schools.

Neil visits schools and speaks to young people about his family's experience with the hope that he can prevent other families having to deal with the same thing. In the time the Foundation has been running, he has delivered over 2000 presentations and spoken to over 80,000 young people and parents. His message was powerful and emotional, and hopefully our young people took on board the key points about looking after your mates and safe partying.

Open Day

Community Notices