Murray Bridge High School

Murray Bridge High School
Principal: Phil Fitzsimons 8532 1788 – Chairperson Governing Council: Sue Horsnell 0413 866 666
It is through working together, with respect, that we can achieve excellence
TERM 1, Week 2 – 3 February 2014
From the Principal
Phil Fitzsimons
Welcome to the 2014 school year, the 101st year of existence as Murray
Bridge High School. I trust all students and their families had a pleasant
summer holiday break and are looking forward to a productive and rewarding
year ahead.
I would like to offer a warm welcome to our Year 8 students as well as new
students in other year levels and their families to Murray Bridge High School.
I trust the time with us here is a rewarding one in which full advantage is
taken of the many opportunities that exist to make the time at Murray Bridge
High School a memorable one.
Here at Murray Bridge High School we pride ourselves on the choices
available to students whether that is the wide variety of curriculum offerings
or the extra-curricular opportunities. Over the course of the year staff will
include articles in the school newsletter on the extraordinary amount of
activities that take place. I trust you will enjoy reading their articles.
New Staff
I would also like to welcome the new staff members joining us this year –
Rachel Baltussen, Kobie-Anne Steinert, Trudy-Anne Billing, Rachel Coombes,
Jacob Dawson, Emily Adams, Meredith Bradley and Kirrily Martin. In
particular, the school is very fortunate to welcome back Jacob, Kirrily and
Rachel Baltussen as former students. I know they are all excited about
working here at our school. I trust all students and their families will make
them feel welcome to our school community.
Student Lockers
I would like to inform parents/caregivers that approximately 250 lockers were
installed over the summer holidays. Students were informed on day one that
these lockers are now available for them to use. Students can select a locker
by going to the Student Services Office. The cost of the locker is $10, which
is fully refundable when the students leaves the school and returns their key.
Students have the option of retaining the same locker for the duration of
their time at Murray Bridge High School. Further lockers will be installed over
the next 2 years as the school eventually moves towards the capacity to have
a locker for every student.
CALENDAR
TERM 1
February
Wed, 5 Feb
Tue, 11 Feb
Wed, 12 Feb
PHOTO DAY
Finance Committee – 5.30pm
New Parent Meeting and
BYOD Information Evening – 6pm
Fri, 14 Feb
Year 11 Peer Support Camp
Tue, 18 Feb
PHOTO CATCH UP DAY
Year 8 Monarto day trips
Parents & Friends – 6pm
Governing Council – 7pm
Wed-Fri 19-21 Feb
Year 12 Aquatics
Wed, 26 Feb
Year 8 Immunisations
March
Fri, 7 Mar
Mon, 10 Mar
Tue, 11 Mar
Tue, 18 Mar
Mon, 24 Mar
Tue, 25 Mar
SPORTS DAY
ADELAIDE CUP HOLIDAY
STUDENT FREE DAY
Finance Committee – 5.30pm
Harmony Day
Parents & Friends AGM – 6pm
Governing Council AGM – 7pm
April
Wed, 9 Apr
Fri, 11 Apr
Youth Opportunities Graduation
Last day Term 1 – 2pm dismissal
TERM DATES 2014
Term 1
Term 2
Term 3
Term 4
-
28 Jan – 11 Apr
28 Apr – 4 Jul
21 Jul – 26 Sep
13 Oct – 12 Dec
STUDENT FREE DAYS – 2014
Tue, 11 Mar
Mon, 19 May
Tue, 10 Jun
Fri, 28 Nov
-
Staff T&D
Australian Curriculum
Staff T&D
Australian Curriculum
SCHOOL CLOSURE
Continued Page 2
Fri, 5 Sep - Show Day
Excellence, Respect and Working Together
Tel: 8532 1788 Fax: 8532 5335 Email: dl.0785.info@schools.sa.edu.au www.murraybridgehs.sa.edu.au
Murray Bridge High School Newsletter
3 February 2014
From the Principal Cont…
Murray Bridge High School
Student Uniform
I would like to congratulate the school community in the way the
introduction of the full school uniform was embraced last week.
Over 92% of our students were dressed in correct full school
uniform in week 1. The goal is obviously to ensure 100% of our
students are attired in full school uniform and the school will
continue to work with students and their families to make this
happen.
I am aware of significant back orders of dresses and skirts for our
female students. I have been assured from Devon Clothing that
these items should be available in the Uniform Shop very shortly.
Students should still have alternative options that comply with
the Uniform Policy while they wait for their orders to arrive.
BYOD
BYOD
The information evening for parents/caregivers to discuss the
introduction of the Bring Your Own Device policy is scheduled
to take place on February 12 at 6pm in the Drama Workshop.
The evening will involve a number of key IT staff speaking about
the benefits of the program as well as provide opportunities for
parents/caregivers to ask questions.
(Bring Your Own Device)
I trust the first week back at school has seen the students full of
excitement, catching up with friends as well as making new
friends, meeting their new teachers and settling down into the
routine of being at school.
New Staff at MBHS for 2014
Information Evening
We welcome new staff to Murray Bridge High School.
Wednesday, 12 Feb 2014
6pm in the Drama Workshop
All parents are invited to hear
staff discuss the introduction
of the BYOD Policy in 2014.
Back: Rachel Baltussen (Science/Maths), Kobie-Anne Steinert
(Home Ec/English) Front: Trudy-Anne Billing (SSO Library),
Rachel Coombes (Maths), Jacob Dawson (Maths/Chemistry),
Emily Adams (Drama/English), Kirrily Martin (English/History).
Left: Meredith Bradley – Engagement and
Wellbeing Support person.
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Murray Bridge High School Newsletter
3 February 2014
Murray Bridge High School Leaders Profile 2014
Name: Luke Johnson
Year Level: 12
Role: Head Prefect
Name: Kayla McDiarmid
Year level: 12
Role: Head Prefect
As a student leader I hope to… Sort out any arising issues in
our school throughout the year. Whilst accomplishing this I
want to set up the school for future years by emplacing policies
and ideas for my fellow students. I would like to grow as a
leader while helping the school that has given me so much.
Something you don’t know about me is…depends on who you
are really. Over the past years I may not have accomplished a
reputation of the hardest or most organised worker, but I am
here to change that. I am more than capable of succeeding in
this position.
I read… not very often, if I’m reading something it is most likely
a sign or something.
I watch… anything that can make me laugh. That’s all I look for
in a movie or TV show, just to make me feel good.
I listen to… any music that sounds good to me. Most often it is
quite heavy but as long as it follows a good melody and sounds
good then I will like it.
One day I hope to… accomplish my dream of becoming a
lawyer or even maybe one day moving into politics.
My goals for this year are… to improve the school wherever
possible and to create a healthier workplace for everyone at the
school. Whether this is from adding on to existing ideas or
anything I am asked by you guys in the school I would like to
see it all happen.
The best thing about Murray Bridge High School is… the
school offers many more courses than other schools in the
region and even in Adelaide. The school gives its students a
wide range of choices to give them the best chances for their
future aspirations. That is the best part of our school.
As a student leader I hope to.... make a good mark on the
school, by being involved in school/community events, creating
a better relationship between students and teachers and being
someone everyone is happy to approach.
Something you don’t know about me is. . I am extremely
organised, I have 3 jobs, go to school, do TAFE and I have a
great social life, so I guess I have to be organised. I have
calendars, diaries and phone alarms to help me.
I read… travel magazines mostly but if I find a good book you
will find me reading it non-stop.
I watch… I don’t have much time for TV, however I love
watching some TV series like Vampire Diaries and Criminal
Minds, only get to watch them when I am sick though.
I listen to… heaps of different stuff, I love listening to music
when I am driving.
One day I hope to… visit as many countries as possible and
experience the culture they all have in them. Hopefully work
in some orphanages and do some backpacking while I am
travelling as well.
My goals for this year are… finish Year 12 with the best result
possible and give a reason for the school to remember my
name.
The best thing about Murray Bridge High School is… I believe
the best thing about our school is the options we have with
subjects, traineeships, VET courses etc. If you have a goal the
school will help you achieve it.
Name: Ryan Varga
Year Level: 12
Role: Deputy Head Prefect
Name: Katelyn McNamara
Year Level: 12
Role: Deputy Head Prefect
As a student leader I hope to… help the school achieve
excellence. Furthermore I would like to remove the negative
stigma that clouds the school’s reputation.
Something you don’t know about me is… I have won many
SALA art awards, and have been recognised throughout the
state for my achievements.
I read… a lot of books that involve action and adventure. I also
like to read books that build suspense and have an ending with
a cliff-hanger.
I watch… mostly horror but also comedy.
I listen to… all types of music.
One day I hope to… travel the world and have the experience
of understanding and being part of new cultures.
My goals for this year are… to help people achieve the best
grade they possibly can. To be a good representative to not
only Murray Bridge High School but also the wider community.
The best thing about Murray Bridge High School is… the range
of subjects that are offered. Another positive aspect at this
school is the rapport between the students and their teachers.
As a student leader I hope to… strengthen the student and
staff communication. I also intend to convey positive feedback
throughout the school and community. I also hope to
encourage others in taking leadership roles and responsibility.
I will also aim to cease segregation in popularity.
Something you don’t know about me is… I am a Sergeant in
Australian Army Cadets.
I read… very rarely but when I do it’s mostly horror.
I watch… comedy movies, I don’t watch TV very often.
I listen to… anything with good vocals and a good beat.
One day I hope to… have a loving family and a good job.
My goals for this year are… to achieve the best possible
grades in school, to be a positive role model and help others
achieve excellence.
The best thing about Murray Bridge High School is… the
friendliness of the staff and students. Everyone is willing to
help you or guide you in the right direction if you need it. The
school also has a larger variety of subjects compared to other
schools in the area.
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Murray Bridge High School Newsletter
World Challenge Vietnam
3 February 2014
by Sarah Florey-Fox
Late last year a group of students from Mount Barker and Murray
Bridge High Schools travelled to northern Vietnam to participate in
the World Challenge experience. Preparation for the trip took
over a year but once we arrived, time flew.
The group spent time adjusting to and enjoying the Vietnamese
culture in Hanoi before travelling further north to Sapa region
where we did five days of trekking through the picturesque and at
times physically demanding Sapa Valley.
This was followed
immediately by a three day trek up the tallest mountain in
Indochina, Mt Fanxipan, standing at 3143m. This was a particularly
special day for Jason Roesler who celebrated his birthday at the
summit. During this time we stayed with local families and learnt
about the local traditions, customs and cooking.
The next stage of the trip was a project in the Tai Binh province,
approximately 150kms south east of Hanoi. The students worked
for five days, constructing a bathroom for an elderly local woman
who had previously never had one. Our time in this region was
humbling; being able to contribute to this community in some way
was an incredibly rewarding experience and was much appreciated
by those who were helped.
To finish the trip we spent some time shopping around the old
quarter of Hanoi and enjoyed the spectacle of Ha Long Bay with a
cruise.
Throughout this adventure the students were leading our group by
making all decisions about our food, travel, accommodation and
cultural experiences. World Challenge aims to help teenagers
develop their independence and leadership skills through travel. All
the students who participated were able to achieve this and have
grown as individuals as a result.
While at times we had to deal with homesickness, exhaustion or
just the need to eat something other than rice, the students were a
testament to the strength and generosity we can all find within
ourselves if we look. This was a wonderful opportunity for the
students and staff involved and we have all come away with
memories that will last a lifetime.
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Murray Bridge High School Newsletter
Mobile Task Team
3 February 2014
Lower Murray Trade Training Centre
by Darren O’Connor
By Greg Fulwood
Murray Bridge High School has worked over the last two years
to develop and implement a Mobile Phone and Electronic
Device Policy. This looks to emphasise appropriate use of
Electronic devices during the school day and improve the
learning experience. This has been largely successful and
continues on in 2014. Areas of focus this year include Private
Study, Classroom Management and also Bullying and Harassment
issues. We ask that students are not contacted by Mobile
Phone during lesson times as this is both distracting and
disruptive to the class. Please contact the school if you would
like further information.
Welcome from the TTC Staff to all those embarking on
Vocational Training this year.
There are a number of courses being catered for at the
Murray Bridge Campus as well as others in and around Murray
Bridge (The Station), Mount Barker, and other Centres.
If you have any queries regarding courses being run this year
or for that matter any questions at all relating to Vocational
Education please contact Roxanne Rowland – Assistant
Principal Vocational Pathways and Team Leader; Helen Wilden
– Vocational Pathways Officer or Greg Fulwood - Curriculum
Officer/Vocational Pathways.
Helen Wilden(R)together with Heidi Stein (Office Manager, Adelaide Hills
Murraylands Pathways [AHMPs]) learning the finer points of the AHMPs
program from Sam Pearse (Industry Skills Manager AHMPs).
Automotive Trainee James Dean from Coomandook Area School (together with his
parents Michael and Sue Dean) meeting with Andy Garrett – Trainer and Assessor /
Vtech Automotive prior to beginning study in his chosen field this year.
REMINDER
SCHOOL FEES ARE DUE
Material and Services charges (School
Fees) are to be paid in full by the end
of term 1 – Friday 11 April 2014.
To make arrangements to pay by
instalments or information on how to
apply for School Card, please contact
Deb Lang on 85321788.
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Murray Bridge High School Newsletter
3 February 2014
INSIGHTS
by Michael Grose – No.1 parenting educator
Making a smooth start to secondary school
Getting used to new subjects and new teachers, as well as forming new friendships are just some of
the requirements of this period.
Starting secondary school is a time of change and uncertainty,
which places new demands on young people. Being at the
bottom of the pecking order where they are unsure of the
playground hierarchies is just one adjustment that they need to
make.
Some kids take these new experiences in their stride but it is
natural to experience some difficulty, particularly when it’s
accompanied by the potentially unsettling transition from
childhood to adolescence. It’s no coincidence that many
research projects indicate that children’s learning levels out in
the transition year, presumably because the social tasks of
adjustment take precedence over academic performance.
It helps to remember the Four P’s to help your young person
settle in:
1. Promote friendships: The quicker kids form new friendships
the sooner they’ll feel comfortable in their secondary school
surroundings. Encourage your young person to be open to
forming friendships with all sorts of kids; to be accepting of
others who may be different to them; to take social risks by
joining in activities even though they may feel uncomfortable;
and to be friendly, approachable and positive!
If your eldest is starting, then secondary school will be a
relatively new experience for you too. It will take some
time for you to adjust to the school’s culture and
communication methods.
Although secondary schools may seem a little foreign for
those used to the relative intimacy of primary schools, one
aspect is the same – outcomes for students are
maximised when schools and parents work together in the
best interests of the student.
One way to support your young person’s school is by
actively promoting the school’s values. For instance, if
respect is a prominent school value then you can discuss
this in relation to the way your young person behaves
around friends, relatives and family.
Most importantly, talk up your young person’s new school,
rather than talk it down, as kids of all ages take their cues
from the most significant adults in their lives – their
parents!
2. Practice patience: Patience and understanding in the early
weeks is essential. Brush up on your listening skills as you help
your young person adjust. Talk to your young person about
change and reassure them that it is normal to feel unsure or
nervous in new circumstances. Let them know that many
difficulties they face will be temporary.
3. Pursue a positive attitude: Confidence is catching so make
sure you see this transition time as an exciting challenge that
your child can handle rather than an event to be feared. Ask
them about the new subjects or interesting activities they are
doing, and try to shift their focus to the positive aspects of
school. Discuss settling in issues with the appropriate person
such as a year level coordinator, but give your young person
time to handle them on their own before seeking help.
4. Process their day: Some young people may come home with
fairly exaggerated accounts of secondary school and may not
always paint a fair picture. They may become sensitive to things
that they might have shrugged off in primary school. Listen
without judgment and show a real interest in their new school,
while providing them with the space they need to get away for a
while. Expect some behaviour blowouts as many kids let off
steam in the relatively safe and stable environment of a loving
family.
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