5 February 2016

Newsletter Articles

A MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL

The 2016 school year has started extremely well, and I would like to especially welcome our incoming Year 7 students. Our Year 7s have set an exceptional standard in terms of their uniform, behaviour and motivation for learning. At Shailer Park High, we welcome our Year 7s with open arms and look forward to sharing six successful years with them.

By now, many parents would be aware of the success of our 2015 senior cohort. This group has set standards that will no doubt rank amongst some of the best in Queensland. Highlights for our 2015 seniors include:

• 100% of students achieving either a QCE or QCIA
• 87% achieving an OP from 1-15
• Three students achieving an OP 2
• 100% achieving an OP from 1-17

The 2015 seniors have set the benchmark high and we will continue to set high expectations for all our current students. The students of Shailer Park High are all encouraged to be ambitious for their future and to believe in themselves, knowing that they can achieve anything if they are willing to work hard. I am very excited about 2016 and the many possibilities that lie in front of us.

There have been many exciting additions to our teaching and leadership teams this year. We are thrilled to have been joined by Cheryll Koop, who has relocated from Blacktown Girls High in Sydney to join us as our Reading & Writing Coach. Cheryll is a nationally recognised expert in the Reading-to-Learn program and is a truly world-class educator. It has been humbling to learn from Cheryll who is slowly sharing all that she knows about how students learn reading and writing. As a school, we can be very confident that we are emerging as a great school when people of Cheryll’s stature choose to join our team.

There are two major messages that I will refer back to continuously throughout the year as I believe they help to underpin our success. The first is the importance of wearing the correct uniform proudly, including black, leather, lace-up shoes. Taking pride in our appearance precedes us taking pride in our schoolwork, our results and the results of our classmates. It shows that we care about who we are and how we present ourselves.

The other key message is attendance and the importance of attending school each and every day. Study after study shows the link between high attendance and high achievement at school. Every Shailer Park High student is expected to be at school each-and-every day, except in the case of genuine illness. By attending school every day we allow ourselves to learn to our maximum.

I am very much looking forward to the 2016 school year and to working with all our students as the year unfolds.

DEPUTY PRINCIPAL: YEARS 10, 11 & 12

What a great start to the year we have had. Some information for the Senior school.

The Formal this year will be held at Sirromet Winery. Remember to receive an invite you must have no suspensions, attendance above 85%, and all assessment handed in.

We welcome our 2015 graduates next week for our first ever alumni parade. We will be recognising their acceptance into further study at universities and TAFEs.

Our QCS students and families are invited to the meet and greet info evening Monday 15th Feb.

Remember attendance is so important for Grade 12 students. We ask families to plan vacations during the school holidays so students do not miss school.

Year 12 OP Information Session

Shailer Park will be holding an OP (Overall Positioning) Information session on Monday the 15th of February at 5:30 pm. The evening will commence with a free sausage sizzle, which will be held in the Junior Secondary eating area (between G and N Block, behind Administration) Parents will have the opportunity to meet their child’s teachers and key staff, as well as clarify expectations and requirements for this program.

Students will have received a slip for parents to complete and return to their Roll Class teacher before Friday the 12th of February, to indicate how many family member will be in attendance (for catering purposes). We look forward to meeting you and your family on Monday the 15th of February.

DEPUTY PRINCIPAL: YEARS 7, 8 & 9

I would like to welcome all students and parents from Junior Secondary (Years 7, 8 and 9). We have made a great start and I would like to commend you all for being at school on time (school day starts at 8.50am, therefore students should arrive at school by 8.30am to ensure they are not late). All students were given an assessment planner on their first day of school. This planner shows the dates that each of their assessments will be due for this term. We encourage families to put this planner on your fridge at home to assist your child with meeting deadlines. Copies of the Assessment Planners can be found on our website.

Uniform

Students look fantastic in their uniforms. Please continue to ensure that your student wears:

• Black leather lace up shoes
• White socks (visible over shoes)
• Formal uniform (every day except for the day they have PE prac) – every student MUST wear their formal uniform every Monday without fail.
• Minimal jewellery (as per diary only) – under no circumstances will any student have any facial piercings

Meet and Greet for Year 7 and 8 parents

On Monday 15 February the school will be holding a Meet and Greet for all year 7 and 8 parents. We encourage parents (and other family members) to meet in the Junior Secondary eating area (between G and N Blocks) at 4.45pm for a tour of the Junior Secondary classrooms which will begin at 5.00pm. Teachers and the Principal will then give an overview of our teaching staff and what will be coming up in the year for year 7 and 8 students. This will be followed by a sausage sizzle BBQ for you and your family. During this time you will be able to meet and speak with your child’s teacher. Students were given an information letter on their first day of school which includes a slip to return to their Roll Class teacher indicating if you will be attending and how many from you family will need to be catered for. We look forward to seeing you on Monday 15 February. Please contact the office if you have not received a letter.

Champions Cup – lunch time activities

Champions Cup is an initiative that has been introduced to meet the social and physical needs of our Junior Secondary students. Each lunchtime, students are encouraged to participate in a class verse class competition to win points for their class. Each fortnight the game/activity will change to keep the students interested. Mass participation is the goal as these activities will give the students the opportunity to interact with their classmates in a fun team building environment as well as interact with their Year 12 Mentor who will be encouraging all students in their class to participate and will be refereeing and encouraging their class. Please talk with your student about Champions Cup and encourage them to join the fun at lunchtimes and build some class spirit.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY/SENIOR SCHOOLING

My name is Anita Winkeler, and I’d like to introduce myself as the new Head of Department for Senior Schooling at Shailer Park SHS. It is a privilege to be working at such a supportive, forward-focussed school, and there has been much to celebrate in the achievements and accomplishments of students here recently. I look forward to working with your students in the coming terms to see them ‘Achieve with Dignity’ in their chosen pathways. What an outstanding, relevant, guiding motto.

Growth Mindset and Senior Schooling

Senior years are crucial for future success in life. How well we achieve now, how we apply ourselves, the Big Plans and Bold Ambitions we make for ourselves in Year 10, 11 and 12 are vital. One of the best indictors of success is our MINDSET.

The growth mindset says that our qualities, traits and behaviours can be cultivated through our efforts. Although we can differ in terms of our aptitudes, interests or temperaments, we can change and grow in most areas through our efforts and experiences. Students with a growth mindset are more motivated to learn and exert effort, and outperformed those with a fixed mindset. (Blackwell, Trzesniewski and Dweck, 2007).

I encourage all seniors to model the way in their behaviour, attendance and achievement. Keep improving, keep persisting, keep growing. Embrace changes, persist in the face of setbacks, see effort as the path to mastery, learn from criticism and find lessons and inspiration in the success of others…. You will achieve better, you will your best, you be will continue to grow.

Important in this is ATTENDANCE. Students and parents/carers must remember that to be in school, in class every day, students will be well on the way to doing their best! Important in this is ATTITUDE. With focus and determination attitude (and a growth mindset) is key in determining success.

HEAD OF YEAR 12

Year 12 Head of Year Report

Welcome back to what will be a very exciting year! It is hard to believe where time goes. It does not seem that long ago that this cohort of students were the fresh faced Year Eights brimming with the excitement of coming to high school. Before we know it, this year will be over and our students will all be moving on to bigger and brighter futures; this year will certainly be one to remember.

We encourage and expect all Year Twelve students to do their utmost in achieving the very best results they are capable of, irrespective of whether they are OP eligible or taking on a vocational pathway. In order to do this, full attendance is a must. I encourage you to support your sons and daughters to meet this expectation.

This year will be filled with many events, both academic and fun. I encourage all students to take part in as many as possible so that they may look back at their final high school year with fond memories. I am looking forward to a wonderful year.

Anne-Maree King

HEAD OF YEARS 9

Head of Year 9

Welcome back to Shalier Park School for 2016. My name is Steven Hill and I am the Head of Year for students in Year 9.

My role is to support the students to maximize their learning potential, through monitoring behaviour, monitoring uniform and also general day-to-day school interactions. I will be the person who attempts to take care of all the little things so that we don’t have to worry about big issues.

I am located in the Multi Fac staffroom and students are invited to come and see me there with any concerns they may have. Parents you are welcome to contact me, either via the school office or my e-mail sghil0@eq.edu.au

It was fantastic to see all the Year 9 students at the first parade of the year and I would like to commend the 98% of students who were turned out in perfect uniform. The remaining 2% of students will be monitored by me and sent to the office to be given correct school uniform. I will be in contact with parents of repeat offenders to see if it is an issue we can support you with.

The school is organising lunchtime activities for the Year 9 students to help them stay engaged and active. I encourage all students to go down and participate, or just go down and be supportive. Students can see their Roll Class teacher for details about what’s on and when.

With the hot weather we are having at the moment I would suggest that all students are turning up to school with a water bottle and that they have this with them in class – staying hydrated is really important and will help with any heat related illnesses from arising.

On a final note, with the change in period structure at school I would encourage parents to make sure your child has a good breakfast as the next opportunity to eat is at first break, which isn’t until 11:20am. Students who are hungry find it difficult to stay focused and are therefore not maximising their learning experience.

HEAD OF YEARS 7 & 8

Welcome to Shailer Park State High School for 2016. I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself to the year 7 and 8 students, parents, family members and the wider Shailer Park State High School community. My name is Melissa Pilcher and I am the Head of Year for students in years 7 and 8. My role is to make sure students are settling in and supporting them with any concerns they have. I am located in S Block staffroom and the students in years 7 and 8, who are always welcome to come and see me with any questions, queries or concerns they may have. Parents please remember my door is also always open to see you as well, so please feel free to contact me at any time, either via the school office or email me at mspil0@eq.edu.au.

As always the beginning of the year is an exciting time and students have settled in well during the first few weeks of school. They have had opportunities to see old friends, meet new friends and get to know their new teachers. I encourage our new students to continue to meet new people and a good way to do it is during the lunch breaks. We have numerous activities running at lunch times for students to participate in and I encourage all Year 7 & 8 students to get involved. Please see your roll teacher for more information about the lunch time activities for your class.

There will be a Meet and Greet Evening for the parents of Year 7 and Year 8 students on the Monday 15th February. I hope to see as many parents there as possible to forge and sustain open lines of communication between the School and home, so that we can work together to get the best possible outcomes for your child. Please return the attendance slip students received on their first day by Friday 12th February for catering purposes.

Don’t forget students are permitted to have water bottles with them in their classrooms. Whilst the weather is so hot, the school strongly encourages ALL students to have a water bottle with them so they can stay hydrated and maximise their learning outcomes.

CREATIVE INDUSTRIES

The Creative Industries team is well into work; preparing students for another successful and busy year. We welcome Ms Kylie Walls as a classroom Music teacher and are happy to announce that Ms Brita Denton is back three days a week, sharing with Ms Walls. The rest of the team are Dance teacher Ms Shae Westerveld, Drama teacher Ms Cecelia Hall, Instrumental Music teachers Ms Dianne Alley, Glen Gourt (Coordinator), Visual Art teachers Ms Shelli Dunbabin, Ms Anne-Maree King & Ms Simone Filippow (Head of Department).

In recognition of those students who would like to extend themselves by learning the Piano and further develop their singing ability through voice training we have engaged the services of Ms Janette Kircher who will be available on Tuesdays. On Tuesday’s first break Ms Kircher will be working with the Vocal Group. If your student is in the least bit interested in singing we encourage them to participate in this group. Students who wish to participate in the 2016 Showcase Event will also have access to Ms Kircher’s services. Please contact me on fili7@eq.edu.au if interested in Piano Lessons, Vocal Group or Voice Training.

Ms Denton is scouring the school seeking students interested in forming Rock bands. We hope to hear and see these groups performing throughout the year.

Dance Squad Information Evening was held on 4th February in the performing Arts Block.

Instrumental Music Information Evening is on Wednesday 17the February at 6.30 in The Performing Arts Block. We hope that all parents of students in the program are able to attend.

HELP!

Music Support

For those, whose students are in the Music program, the first meeting of the Music Support Group is on the 10th February in the Performing Arts Block at 6 pm. The success of this program is due to the passion and drive of Glen and Dianne as well as the committed parents and friends. We look forward to welcoming you to this group on Wednesday Night. A little bit of help goes a long way in ensuring the continuation of the many special features of our program.

Dance, Drama and the Visual Arts

In order to further promote and support those students, parents and friends interested in these areas of the arts we are looking for parents who would like/be able to help us extend your student’s experiences in these subjects. If you are able to help us please email me at fili7@eq.edu.au. Hope to hear from you soon.

Simone Fillipow
Head of Department

Junior Secondary Dance

A warm welcome to all Junior Secondary dance students.

To all of our new and year 7 students, I hope that you have transitioned well into the school community and have enjoyed your first two weeks of lessons.

This semester in dance, Junior Secondary students explore safe dance practices, are introduced to the skeletal and muscular systems of the human body and learn about the dance genre ‘Funk’.

In class time, students will learn a teacher devised dance which they will perform, for their peers, for assessment, as well as have the opportunity to choreograph their own ‘Funk’ dance.

I look forward to seeing all dance families at Gala in term 2.

Shae Westerveld
Dance Teachers

Senior Secondary Dance

Welcome back Senior Secondary dancers.

2016 is an exciting year for you as you challenge yourself to reach your full potential. Throughout the year you will study complex topics and tackle complex choreographic pieces. Your understanding of dance as an art form will broaden as you work through each unit of work.

Year 10

Our year 10 students have hit the ground running studying a ballet unit titled ‘Straight to the Pointe’. In this unit, students learn the history of ballet and develop ballet technique on the barre and in the centre. Ballet exercises learnt so far have proven to be quite challenging to many students as they manipulate their bodies in ways they haven’t before. Many students have expressed a new found appreciation for the genre.

For assessment, students will learn a teacher devised ballet dance and will analyse dance components and skills from a live ballet production.

Year 11

Unit one in year 11 dance is ‘Stars and Sequins’ – Musical Theatre genre. For assessment, students will learn a teacher devised dance to Ease on Down the Road (The Wiz) and will then choreograph a dance to a musical of their choice.

Our year 11 students are extremely eager to begin learning the dance and have shown much excitement towards the topic.

Best of luck year 11 as you move through the first year of senior schooling.

Dance Academy

A reminder to all Dance Academy (formally known as Dance Squad) families that there will be an informal information evening, in the Performing Arts building, this Thursday the 4th of February from 5:30pm.

Looking forward to seeing you all there.

Shae Westerveld
Dance teacher

HEALTH, PHYSICAL EDUCATION & SPORTS

2016 is an exciting year for Sports Academy!!

The Shailer Park SHS Sports Academy is an Excellence Program that offers elite training and competition for our gifted and talented sporting students. This program focuses on developing the athlete as a holistic approach through not only their physical and skill performance levels, but also with their attitude, behaviour, academic results, and achieving their dreams.

Shailer Park State High School Sports Academy had an awesome year in 2015. Our Academy students really worked hard in trainings, competitions, and also their academic studies….

For a sporting Excellence Academy that has only been up and running for less than 18 months now, we had many fantastic achievements at district, regional, state and national levels.

Team orientated:

• BRONZE Medal with 15 Girls Volleyball at Australian Schools Cup (Melbourne)
• 5th Place for 15 Boys Volleyball at Australian Schools Cup (Melbourne)
• 3 Gold Medals, 2 Silver Medals at the Gold Coast Volleyball Finals
• 6 out of 8 Pacific Rivers District Volleyball Championships
• SPSHS finished 19th in Queensland as a school for Volleyball (out of 98 schools)
• 15 Girls Football won first 2 rounds of Bill Turner Cup

Individual:

• 1 National Futsal Representative
• 3 QLD Futsal Representatives
• 5 South Coast Regional Volleyball Representatives

Academic:

• 2 x Year 10 Volleyball Students were awarded automatic entry into University of Queensland
• Year 9 Volleyballer was Junior Dux in 2015 at Shailer Park SHS

Currently the Junior Academy Classes are in the process of finalising their fitness testing and trials to talent identify the students that they would be best suited to be a part of this sporting excellence program. Classes will be finalised within the next week.

Futsal will be running more as a co-curricular activity in 2016, as we are negotiating with high level accredited coaches (QLD & AUS) to run sessions after school for our students. However the program will still run strong and students will be partaking in district, regional & state tournaments available.

There will be more information regarding the Sporting Academy Program and the competitions that the students have opportunities to play in going up on the school website in the next few weeks.

2016 will be an exciting year for all Futsal/Football & Volleyball students!

Angela King
Sports Academy Director

School Swimming Carnival

A reminder that Shailer Park’s annual School Swimming Carnival will be held on Tuesday the 9th of February, located at Cleveland Aquatic Center.

Cost for the carnival to students is free, and attendance by all students is compulsory. Students will need to arrive at school in full school uniform and will be permitted to get changed at the venue.

We look forward to a fun-filled day for all involved.

Anthony Lee – Sport Coordinator

GREAT RESULTS AT THE 2015 VOLLEYBALL NATIONALS!

In the last week of school last year, Shailer Park State High School sent 2 Volleyball teams to compete in the Australian Volleyball Schools Cup in Melbourne.

AVSC stands for "Australian Volleyball Schools’ Cup". This event is the largest school-based sporting event in the Southern Hemisphere, attracting teams from across Australia, plus international teams. The event is the responsibility of Volleyball Australia and is organised by the Australian Volleyball Schools’ Cup Event Commission. This event has seen tremendous growth since its inception and in 2014 saw 485 teams from 130 schools from across Australia and New Zealand. This unique event has delivered almost all of the national players (beach and indoor) for the last 3 decades and will continue to see the next generation of national, international and potentially Olympic athletes.

Shailer Park SHS sent a Year 9 Boys and a Year 9 Girls team to compete in this 6 day National Tournament. After the first 2 days of the tournament both Shailer Park teams were undefeated and looking extremely competitive to place in the top half of the draws in which there were approximately 16-20 teams in their divisions.

The Boys Team battled hard throughout the week and especially in the cross overs, where they only lost a few games on a 1-1 draw – but on a point countback lost by 2 or 3 points. They showed a skill level and knowledge of rotations and volleyball movement systems that was well advanced to most of the teams they played. It was just their inexperience with pressure and playing at their first national tournament that just let them down. The Boys were unfortunate to also lose out on making it into the Bronze Medal Final on a set count back over the 6 days, which was tough. However they played extremely hard in their last final and finished 5th, which was a fantastic effort considering that they drew with both the Gold and Silver Medal teams. Congratulations to the Boys team which consisted of Josh Poe, Keelan Ah Su, Jack Grieves, Ahmed Ibrahim, Joseph Kinraid, Zac Hawks, Tamati Howard & Zack Butler.

Our Girls Team also had a great tournament where they were still undefeated and dominated the competition by the end of day 4. They lost one very close game in the cross overs, but it still placed them in the top 4. The Girls were very impressive with their discipline throughout the week, playing every game at an extremely high skill level and consistency. Their efforts paid off by earning themselves a place in the Bronze Medal Final against Hailybury State High School which is a top well know Volleyball School in Victoria. Our girls started well and had no mercy; they won very convincingly 2-0 in the final. An amazing effort! The Girls Team consisted of Jesicca Nizeti, Jayde Adams, Sharelle Tauariki, Nyah Taurima, Isabella Trinh, Talisha Wrigglesworth, Brianna Lakeland, Lylah Spring & Destinee Wells – Carter.

All the Boys & Girls are extremely excited for 2016 and are looking forward to training even harder so that they can travel to Melbourne again this year and improve their results even more. I am happy to say that I am extremely proud of these 2 teams that we took away, as the students were amazing! Their behaviour, manners and physical commitment to their team was nothing less than at the highest level. Thank you also to Mrs Oberholzer & Mr Lee who came away with us and were a great help.

Angela King
Sports Academy Director

Volleyball Training

SCIENCE

Hi All,

And welcome to 2016 at Shailer Park SHS!

My name is Andrew Pirie and I am the Head of Department Science.

With such a busy term ahead, I’d like to invite you to continue to keep track of the wonderful and exciting activities being undertaken by our budding scientists & science ambassadors who will regularly feature in our upcoming newsletters.

For students interesting in doing science beyond the classroom, make sure you get down to speak to Mrs Hendrikx in N block about becoming part of the science ambassador program!

Years 7-10

I would like to take this time to draw the attention of parents to the science booklets that have been given out to all students in year 7 – 10 science. Each student receives their own booklet, which contains a huge amount of information which is also useful for parents wanting to keep in touch with what students are learning. Of note you will find the assessment outline, what your child is learning every week and your child’s weekly homework in the booklet. My email address is also on the front cover if you want to get in touch and discuss science!

Senior Sciences

I would like to welcome those students who have chosen the year 10 chemistry & physics preparatory classes. Students in these classes should expect a really challenging curriculum that sets the foundation for year 11 and 12. Students should find significant benefits from achieving success in these preparatory classes.

To the year 11 & 12 chemistry, physics & biology students, I wish you all the best in your studies for 2016. It will take a lot of hard work on your part, however you are surrounding by truly dedicated staff who are here to help you achieve your very best in science across the year.

iCENTRE

Welcome to 2016 from the iCentre staff! Already it is shaping up to be a busy but productive and enjoyable year for the centre. Late last year, the library received a magnificent, stunning make-over (despite the stress of moving all furniture and several thousand items of stock!) when new carpet was rolled out. The end result is a very stylish environment that now complements the classy furniture procured mid-2015 and be assured, students have taken notice!

Most lunch breaks finds our space crammed-packed, from students relaxing and reading to playing chess or other games, not to mention the communal jigsaw also being a drawcard. The book borrowing is already significantly on the rise, and the junior students are the most avid borrowers – congratulations juniors! So come on seniors grab and bag a book or two for those hot summer weekend days to read by the pool! Once again, the monthly borrowers draw is continuing this year, with the winner choosing from a $20 iTunes or Google Play voucher or $20 tuckshop credit. Borrowing any book or magazine gains entry.

So as always, it’s an energetic and vibrant place to be – see you in the iCentre.

Library staff

SCHOOL-BASED YOUTH HEALTH NURSE

The Role of the School Based Youth Health Nurse

Welcome back to everyone and to our new members of the school community and their families. I hope you all had a relaxing and healthy holiday. My name is Michelle and I am a Clinical Nurse working for Queensland Health in the School Based Youth Health Nurse program. I am based at the school on Tuesday and Fridays. I do not work in sickbay or deal with long term illnesses. In our role we assess, provide information and early intervention, give support and make referrals for students on the issues that impact on young people’s health more long term such as mental health, relationships, domestic violence, bullying, sexual health, smoking along with alcohol and other drugs issues.

The Youth Health Nurse works with students, school staff and parents to:

• Address concerns or problems about health & wellbeing
• Help create a more supportive, healthy school environment
• Connect people to other support services outside the school

I work with individuals and school members to identify and act on issues that affect both the individual and the health of the school community. This also includes advising on curriculum, teaching and learning activities around health issues, supporting an environment and school culture that promotes good health and wellbeing and working with community and other services.

Young people have a right to confidentiality when accessing health services just like an adult, however there are some things which the nurse must refer or act upon for the safety of the student and this will always be explained to the students when they come to the service. My office is H Block where the support staff are all located. Students can drop in during their breaks to see me or make an appointment as a later date. School lessons however are a priority and I schedule an appointment during a time that there is least impact on lessons if I can. Parents are also most welcome to phone me or make an appointment with any concerns through the office. There will also be regular health information articles in the school newsletters so look out for those.

I look forward to meeting many of you in the coming year.

Settling into High School

Moving from primary to secondary school, or high school, is a big transition. It can be a time full of fun, excitement and new experiences, but can also be challenging or worrying for some children. You can help by making sure your child is prepared and feels supported.

Going to high school: what to expect

Children often have mixed feelings about starting high school. They might be:

• excited about new friends, subjects and teachers
• Nervous about learning new routines, making new friends or even wearing a new uniform
• Worried about handling an increased workload or being bullied.

You might also worry about these issues, and about whether your child will have the confidence and skills to handle them.

These worries are all normal. Secondary school also means a move from the familiar to the unknown, and a whole new way of doing things.

Relationships - Your child will need to meet new peers and make new friends, and establish or re-establish her position within a peer group.

Schoolwork - Your child will need to adapt to new teaching and assessment styles, cope with a wide range of subjects, adjust to having different teachers in different classrooms, become more responsible for his own learning, manage a heavier study and homework load, and learn a new and more complex timetable.

When children are making the move to high school, parents have the biggest influence on how smooth the transition is. Your child’s friends do influence how your child feels about the move, but your support has longer-lasting effects.

For information around changing friendships, worries, ups and downs of the new school and changes for you as a parent click on the link below.

During the transition to high school

Here are some ideas to help with the practical side of the transition to high school:

• Try to arrange for a parent, grandparent or other close adult to be home before and after school for the first few weeks of transition.
• Find out the name of the teacher responsible for your child’s overall care, attendance and social and academic progress. It could be a pastoral care teacher, year level coordinator. Make sure you have an email or contact if issues arise or you need to pass on information.
• Try to make your home as comfortable for study time as possible. For example, make sure your child has a quiet place to study, away from distractions such as the TV or a mobile phone, iPad or X-Box. When the internet is necessary for study, you might want to keep an eye on the websites your child is using with the Parental Controls

Source: Raising Children Network

For more information on talking with teens

Good Health
Michelle the School Based Youth Health Nurse

FOR YOUR INFORMATION

HARMONY DAY

G'Day, Ki Ora, Talofa lava, Ki Orana, Malo e lelei, Ni sa Bula Vinaka.

Our school has so much to celebrate and as we begin our Journey of Learning together, our aim is for everyone to excel for excellence acknowledging the uniqueness of the different 'Culture's' which make up our School Community.

We will be celebrating our 'Cultural Diversity' on HARMONY DAY which will be on Thursday March 24th. As part of our celebration there will be food, crafts, dance and so much more that you as part of our school community are invited to attend.

More information will be provided in the coming weeks.

Olota Faraimo