9090

•

Brunel Drive

Modbury Heights

South Australia, 5092

Ph: (08) 8263 6244

Fax: (08) 8263 6072

Email: contact@theheights.sa.edu.au

WWW: http://www.theheights.sa.edu.au

NEWSLETTER No. 11

15 September 2011

OUR SCHOOL VALUES

We work hard to learn

We respect ourselves and

each other

We value acts of

generosity

IN THIS ISSUE ICAS Results

Junior School Awards

Platters on the Run

Year 12 Research Project

Year 5 Excursion

Deadly Yabber

DIARY DATES

20/9 Monitoring & Review

3:00pm

20/9 Grounds Mtg 4pm

20/9 Governing Council 7pm

23/9 JS Sports Day

26-30/9 Yr 6/7 Camp

DISMISSAL ON LAST

DAY OF TERM 3

2pm

FIRST DAY OF TERM 4

MONDAY

17 OCTOBER 2011

Junior School Assembly Dates:

Friday 30th September

Activity Room 9:00am

GIFTED EDUCATION

PARENT EVENING

TUESDAY 20th

SEPTEMBER

THE HEIGHTS SCHOOL

RESOURCE CENTRE

7:00pm – 8:00pm

TOPIC:

Improving your student’s

organisational skills

PRESENTER:

Wendy Stewart – Past

President of the Gifted and

Talented Children’s Association

RSVP Rob Perkins 8263 6244

Out of School

Hours Care

Phone Number:

8395 6879

Observatory Phone Number:

8263 6384

MIDDLE SCHOOL UPGRADE

Refurbishment of the Middle

School is underway. The

builders have fenced off the

staff car park for their use

during the project. Parents

should not park in this area at

any time for any reason.

Avoid damage to your car and

personal safety by not parking in

this area.

The OSHC car park is the

safe option.

This week Junior School teachers are meeting with parents to discuss progress of their child, their learning achievements and areas to focus on for improvement. Early Warning letters were posted to some parents of students in the Middle and Senior School in week 4 and 5 alerting them to concerns about work completed and attendance – aspects that have a significant impact on learning, achievement at school, future choices and quality of life. Research is very clear that when parents are involved with their child’s teachers and the school, the level of their success in schooling and in life is significantly increased. Working hard to learn is one of our school values and these communications are important examples of what we do together to ensure that this hard work pays off. Results from the 2011 NAPLaN tests are currently being delivered to schools and we anticipate that they will provide evidence of improvement in reading comprehension, a priority we have been working on intensively in 2010 and 2011. We are mindful that these results provide a snapshot only of literacy and numeracy skills tested on one day. We will be scrutinising the data and combining the findings with other data we use to determine the impact of the professional learning that teachers have done and the strategies they have used in the classroom to improve reading comprehension. This analysis will be used to set directions and targets for literacy for 2012 and beyond. Parents will receive NAPLaN individual student results at the end of term. We also value the many acts of generosity currently being demonstrated in the support for the Foundation which create a tangible and strong sense of caring and community spirit. Andrew Costello, a Physical Education teacher at The Heights School is raising funds for the Neurological Research Foundation, by running in the Sydney Marathon during the October School holidays. Andrew’s son Callan was born with spina bifida, hydrocephalus, Chiari malformation and syringomyelia conditions. Callan faces challenges every day, living with these four neurosurgical conditions. He is a happy and vibrant boy who has already survived six lifesaving neurosurgical procedures. Raising funds for those organisations involved in Callan’s care has been Andrew and his family’s way of saying thank you to those people involved. Fundraising events to raise money for the Neurological Research Foundation include;

• 6/7 movie Marathon • Sporting competitions in the gym • Sale of beanies and scarves • Sponsorship of riders in up coming Pedal Prix event

at Murray Bridge 16th

September • Computer competition Monday 12

th @ 2:30 in

Drama Space • Coin on the Neurological Research Foundation

symbol in the courtyard week 10 • Senior School Walkathon in week 10 • Hot dogs and soft drink lunch Monday week 10

We thank you for your generosity in supporting these events and are proud of the initiative and energy displayed by our students and staff in organising these activities. HHHHeeeelllleeeennnn CCCCaaaallllvvvveeeerrrrtttt PPPPrrrriiiinnnncccciiiippppaaaallll

Congratulations to Blake Farr who won gold in the National Taekwondo

Championships which were held in Canberra on Saturday September 10th.

Blake won the Year 10/11 Division.

Congratulations…….to The Heights students who achieved so well in the ICAS UNSW Spelling and Writing

Competitions. Well done to all who participated.

SPELLING WRITING

Year 3 Year 3

Distinction - Euan Coles Participation - Jessica Johnson

Participation - Aidan Lake

- Dylan Gorse Year 4

- Jessica Johnson Distinction - Angelina Modra

- Samuel Wallis

Year 4 Participation - Jaimee Lake

High Distinction Eric Zhou - Paige Duthy

Distinction - Angelina Modra

Credit - Samuel Wallis Year 5

Participation - Jaimee Lake Participation - Isabella Tsimeris

Paige Duthy - Dylan Grivell

Year 5 Marc Maslov

High Distinction Scott Carnie-Bronca - Chelsea Williams

Credit - Isabella Tsimeris

Participation - Dylan Grivell Year 6

Distinction - Ashleigh Lake

Year 7

Distinction - Stephen Dowding

Participation - Ashleigh Lake

The task of today’s Literacy lesson was to rewrite a narrative based on The Lion & The Mouse which the children

heard in class. Here are three of the best that were written in Mrs Rothery/Mrs Meatheringham’s class.

The rabbit and the tiger One day there was a tiger, he was hunting in the

jungle. The tiger saw a rabbit, it was just white.

Then suddenly the tiger pounced at the rabbit. The

rabbit said, “Please don’t eat me, some day I can help

you.” So he let him go the next day.

The tiger got caught in a net. The tiger said, “Help

me, help me.” Then the rabbit came hopping up to

the tiger. The tiger said, “You are no help.” The

rabbit said, “I can nibble on the rope.” So he started

to nibble, then he made the whole big enough so the

tiger got out. Then they lived happily ever after. Tia

The cheetah and the donkey

Once there was a cheetah. He was near a lake drinking water.

Then he went to run but he ran too far, he ran from Africa to the

desert. He got lost because he has never been there, but then a

donkey said to the cheetah, “What’s wrong?”

“I lost my lake, I lost my food and I lost Africa,” growled the

cheetah. The donkey was magic.

“Close your eyes” said the donkey. So the cheetah closed his

eyes and the donkey tapped one hoof.

“You can open your eyes now, you are a very fast runner, but I

am faster than you.

“OK maybe you are because you are a cheetah.”

So the donkey tapped a hoof and he was back home. The

cheetah was really happy. Jacob

WELL DONE!

JUNIOR SCHOOL AWARDS

Nigel Saw Always being a focussed and dedicated learner

Melanie Whiteford-Hall Dedicated and independent learner

Cameron Kaipara Being a great sportsman

Tiah Blute Working hard on spelling

Andrea Coleby An active participant in class discussions

Isaac DeVries Improved spelling skills

Rhyley Jarred Knowing all his Oxford sight words

Jakob Lake Working hard in listening activities and getting along with others

Olivia Batty Always a happy and cheerful student

Tyson Davies Great attitude to learning

Meeka Marshall Neat writing in literacy tasks

Emily Drew Well prepared for speaking and listening topics

Laela Ebert Excellent listening skills and asking questions

Taihla Stevens Great work in Maths and knows lots about 2D shapes

Aiden McDougall Great improvement in hand-writing skills

Jordan Horsell Always trying hard at school

Zachari Williams Responsible class member who always tries hard

Caelum Tomney Being enthusiastic in all curriculum areas

Amber Marshall Excellent leadership skills in class activities

SPEAKERS IN SCIENCE

The Science Faculty has been fortunate to have had a couple of visits from experts in the field of Engineering.

They have spoken to the Careers in Science class as well as a Year 10 Science class and Stage 1 Physics class.

Dr Laura Brooks who is a lecturer in the school of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Adelaide, lectures in

the aerospace discipline, specifically Aerospace Vehicle Design and Aerospace propulsion. Dr Brooks spoke about her

research in aero acoustics, hydro acoustics and hypersonics. She also spoke to students about her PhD research in

underwater acoustics .

Kellie Caimanos is an electrical engineer, currently working at ETSA utilities as a Site Project Engineer. She spoke to

students about her varying roles as an engineer, from analysis of transmitters to working on a mine site in the mid

north for the last 14 months.

The students thoroughly enjoyed their presentations and they gained an insight into the type of work each

occupation involves.

Teacher Professional Learning Program

Monday 2.45-3.30pm

Week 7: School Closure Day (day of local significance-Adelaide Show)

Week 8: Attendance

In response to feedback about the length of sessions enabled by the 2.30pm closure on Mondays, the ½ hour Professional

Learning session was extended to 45 minutes. Teachers continue after 3.30 until 4.15 to extend this professional learning

opportunity and from 3.30-4.30 on Wednesday in faculty and cluster learning teams.

Platters Welcomes Visitors

During Term 3, NEVO students studying

Certificate 2 in Business in Platters on the

Run Virtual Enterprise at The Heights School,

welcomed a number of visitors to the Virtual

Enterprise. Jason “Snowy” Carter, breakfast

announcer from radio station MIX 102.3,

spoke to the students about his journey from

Salisbury school boy to breakfast radio star

and owner of the very popular Hahndorf

Farm Barn. Other speakers this term were

media identity Sheridan Stewart, advertising

man Sputnik, Anne Miller from Zone Training

and Trudi Pavlovsky from The Dream Initiative.

In keeping with the theme of welcoming visitors, Mr Glacken’s SACE Stage 1 Food & Hospitality students at The

Heights prepared, presented and served a very successful morning tea for family, friends and school staff in the

Virtual Enterprise on Tuesday 15th September.

Platters on the Run Trainer Carol Neller said, “The morning tea

gave visitors a chance to see what our staff do in the Virtual

Enterprise every Thursday and it gave them an idea about how

practical environments like this can make learning fun by

interacting in a virtual business world.”

The food, presentation and service by the Stage 1 Food &

Hospitality students was excellent and highlighted to visitors the

high standard of practical vocational education opportunities

available here at The Heights.

OBSERVATORY NEWS

Recent Mag

4.0 quake

near

Peterborough

from Blair

lade’s digital

seismometer

in the Dome

YEAR 12 RESEARCH PROJECT

In Semester 1 all Yr 12 students undertook the compulsory SACE Stage 2 Research Project for the first time.

Students worked extremely hard producing an enormous variety of outcomes. These ranged from an oral

presentation on the ethics of the fashion trade, a report on depleted uranium and the negative effects of their use,

the organisation and running of a school quiz night and the design of a surfboard to an essay about the motivations

behind the Holocaust. Ninety nine percent of students passed; an excellent result, given teachers worked just as

hard as students, learning many new skills and information along the way.

Victoria Paterson: ‘Community’

The new subject Research Project

gave me the opportunity to research

and create a product on the topic of

my choice. When beginning the

subject it was difficult to refine a

topic with such broad criteria.

Eventually I chose a topic I was unfamiliar with - volunteering, and combined it with a topic I am passionate about -

photography. The completed product of my research is a photographic essay on retired volunteers in the

community. I found conducting my research interesting because I learnt a lot about both volunteering and portrait

photography respectively. I enjoyed the variety of my project because each volunteer I interviewed gave me an

interesting perspective on their different roles. It was also rewarding because it assisted in making me more

confident in interviewing and communicating with people in the community.

Ben Geytenbeek: ‘Detecting Exoplanets’

My Year 12 Research Project focussed on detecting an

exoplanet. An exoplanet is a planet that orbits a star that isn’t

our sun. I conducted three observations of the planet, which

is known as WASP-16b from The Heights School Observatory. I

took many photos of the star, and analysed them through a

computer program. When the planet passed in front of the

star, the brightness dimmed, and from this information I was

able to calculate the existence of the planet. I received an A+

grade for my project. I am presenting the findings of my

Research Project at the Astronomical Society of South

Australia’s monthly meeting on Wednesday 7th of September.

I have also shown my work to Professor Roger Clay, the Head

of High Energy Astrophysics at the University of

Adelaide, and Dr Amanda Bauer, another professional astronomer

who has visited the school recently.

Nettie Thomson: ‘Dress designs based on

Star Signs’

For my research project I chose the topic of

fashion design because it was of interest to

me. My outcome was a portfolio with 12

designs, each one based on a different

zodiac sign. I enjoyed the creative parts of

achieving my outcome. This included

drawing and designing each dress,

collecting the fabrics I would use if I were to

make them and beads for detailing. I had fun learning how to use watercolour

paints and all the different techniques. In the end I decided against using them but it

was good to learn for future reference. I was happy with the end result because it turned out the way I wanted.

Ben in The Heights Observatory collecting data

Nettie’s sketch Nettie’s photoboard

YEAR 5 EXCURSION TO THE MARITIME MUSEUM

On board the Archie Badenoch

On Friday 9th September all of the year fives went on an excursion to

the Maritime Museum to gather information about the early settlers

and what it was like as a migrant travelling in the hull of the ship.

Firstly we entered the Maritime Museum and toured the museum

with a little help from the Museum Education Officer. She told us to

imagine we were below deck, sweaty, smelly and dirty. She let us

feel what it was like in the beds, they weren’t very comfortable. We

were told to check out the other rooms in third class from 1910 and

the 1950s. The 1950s room was quite exquisite for a third class

room.

Next we walked for a few minutes to a rack of PFDs where we all put one on. Nearby were two men standing near a

boat named the Archie Badenoch. We hopped onboard carefully trying not to slip into the Port River while the men

were getting ready to start the boat. Before we all got onboard we spotted two dolphins that almost seemed like

they were waiting for us. On the boat we were all very excited and peeping out through the hatch to see if we could

spot any far distant dolphins. Later on we also spotted four dolphins swimming right next to the boat! We turned

around and headed for the docks. We got off and turned to the lighthouse.

Lastly we got to the lighthouse, lined up and were told to count how many steps there were in the whole lighthouse.

I counted 84 but other students had completely different answers. Once we got to the top, the view was amazing,

you could even see AAMI Stadium.

We also toured the rest of the museum. There were lots of fun interactive activities that I very much enjoyed. The

excursion was life changing but also very fascinating and I would love to do it again. Tom Ducker Year 5 CF5

On Friday 9th September , all the year fives from The Heights School went to the Maritime Museum to find out about

how the early South Australian settlers lived on the ship to Australia.

First we separated into our three groups. My group went on a cruise on the Archie Badenoch. The Archie Badenoch

was built in 1942 and was later taken over by the police and became a police launch. It was a small boat carrying 24

passengers. At the stern of the boat was a hatch in the ceiling. You could look outside to see the Port River.

After the cruise we went to the Port Adelaide lighthouse. There were a lot of different answers about how many

steps there were, but I think there were 69 steps. When we got to the top we could see the Port River, the city, the

hills and Port Adelaide. At the bottom of the lighthouse we saw the caretakers of the lighthouse and how the

lighthouse worked.

Later we had our packed recess and moved to the inside of the Maritime Museum. In the museum, we went into a

room decorated to look like the bottom of the ship where the poor steerage passengers lived. There were small

bunk beds across the side of the room and there was a small gap through the middle. But in the fake ship, there

were benches on the sides. A museum staff member talked about what it was like living below deck.

Finally we had about an hour free time with our separate groups to explore the museum’s exhibitions.

I think it was a fun way of learning about Australia’s history and was inspiring. I would recommend the Maritime

Museum to all ages. Joonghoon Park Year 5 CF5

In the Museum

On board a ketch at the Museum

Monique was given the baby to care for

My name is Leonne Hewson and I am the Aboriginal Community Education Officer (ACEO)

at The Heights School. I work on a Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Please feel free to call

in on these days and have chat. I can be contacted on 8263 6244.

DEADLY YABBER The Heights Indigenous Committee Newsletter, Term 3, 2011

Aboriginal Mothers/Grannies Group

Get together with your children. Join us in cooking a healthy nutritious

lunch to share Where: Holden Hill Community Centre

82 Valiant Road, Holden Hill

When: Commencing Sept 12th

Mondays 11.30am to 2pm

Cost: $2.00 per adult

Contact: Cathy on 8397 7425 or Leona on 8397 7215 to book

John and Anna Woods Memorial

Fund (formerly known as The Ethel

May Woods Trust Grant) is available

The purpose of the trust is to apply for

funds that go towards the welfare of

Aboriginal Students under the age of

18.

For more information is please contact

the ACEO Leonne on 8263 6244 or

visit her.

ATTENDANCE

The attendance rate of the ATSI students in

the school has improved compared to last

term. We have gone from 84.5 unexplained

absences down to 50.5 unexplained absences

for term3. This means that more parents are

ringing up to let us know when their child is

going to be away.

WHAT HAS THE ACEO HAS BEEN UP TO?

This term the school counsellor and I have had a meeting with a student who has now left the school and gone on

to an apprenticeship. I have made phone calls to parents regarding absences of students. The senior school

Aboriginal students have had visits so far from TAFE SA and Adelaide Uni with more visits next term the Regional

Director visited and spoke to the senior school Aboriginal students. I got a list of next years new Aboriginal

students. I also attended the Regional Network Day where I got to see what programs other schools are doing. I am

attending Merit Selection training on the 8th of September.

By Leonne Hewson

Aboriginal Community Education Officer The Heights School

Building Children’s Self Esteem This workshop provides guidance and resources that will enhance Parental Self-Esteem, to enhance your ability to assist

your child in building their self esteem and create emotional safety for children so they may flourish in a secure, loving

environment. Assist them in releasing anxieties and fears. Parents will.

Learn ideas and concepts which will teach them that they have choices in their thought creation.

How to ask the right questions that will assist them in revealing their thoughts and feelings.

Learn how to communicate and nourish your child so their unique self feels valued and under-stood.

Develop effective, fun tools to help transform an anxious child into a carefree child.

Assist your child in adjusting the beliefs that do not serve them. Empower your child in being the master of their

imagination. Encourage and guide your child to take responsibility for themselves and promote their sense of self

esteem. Information and techniques on how to set healthy foundations that contribute to building your child’s self-

esteem.

Where : Anglicare’s The Annexe

The Fields Shopping Centre

130 Peachey Road Davoren Park

When : Monday 26th September

Time : 12.30pm –2.30pm

Presenter : Arnaum Walkley (Founder of Parenting Solutions)

The Davoren Park Family Community Links is funded by the Australian Government Department of Families, Housing,

Community Services and Indigenous Affairs

Tea, Coffee & Nibbles provided

Family Community Links

Invites you to a Free workshop

Bookings are essential

Please R.S.V.P by

22nd September 2011

Diana Slaap on 8209 5440

Or dslaap@anglicare-sa.org.au

Crèche is available for children not yet attending school bookings are required.

FROM THE PARENT COMMUNITY LIAISON OFFICER……

Basketball

6/9/11 - U14's Heights Hotshots defeated Prescott Gladiators 24/12. New players needed –

further details Lyn Albury

Soccer

13 and Under Soccer finals are Thursday 15th at 5.00 at Burragah Recreation Centre

Come along and cheer for The Heights. Good Luck!!!!

Woolworths Earn & Learn

Thank you to everyone for sending in their dockets. We are up to 8,401 points! The program has been

extended until 18th October.

We have received so many dockets that Parents and Friends members Pauline & Corrie are helping to put

them in.

Thank very much.

Parents & Friends

Our meeting this week was mainly about organising food for Junior School Sports Day.

We will have tea, coffee, ice blocks and hotdogs for sale on the day for parents attending.

We are starting to think about fundraising opportunities and planning meetings for next year.

Meetings are always filled with lots of great information relating to the school, and we always welcome

new members.

Please come along to our social lunch on Tuesday October 20th – further details Lyn Albury

Our next meeting is on Monday 7th November at 9.00 in the Parent Room.

Lyn Albury