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PRINCIPALS REPORT
Hello Swan Reach,
It seems that Summer has finally arrived. With hot conditions, the impact can be quite significant on learners. Hotter nights can create more fatigue as sleep can be less effective. This means learners may have less energy and concentration. Also, hot days mean inside breaks at lunchtime, which isn’t ideal for many children who need the outdoors to release energy and re-energise the mind. Fortunately, this heat will eventually pass, as we close in on Autumn.
With classes in full learning routines, it is disappointing for SRAS and the 5/6 class, that Mrs Laura Giles will begin her maternity leave next week. In her brief time with us, she has developed terrific relationships with children, families and staff. She has established excellent learning routines and expectation for the 5/6s who’ll be sad to see her leave. SRAS wishes Mrs Giles the best of health for her and the twins and look forward to her returning to SRAS in the future.
SRAS has searched far and wide for a suitable 5/6 teacher to continue Mrs Giles’ wonderful teaching but unfortunately have not yet filled this vacancy. Therefore, for the remainder of the term, I’ll be with the class and will be the beneficiary of her amazing planning and established teaching and learning routines. Previous to my leadership roles, I taught upper primary for 10 years, so I am looking forward to the opportunity to re-engage with full-time teaching with this class. It will mean I’ll be less accessible for staff and families; however, we need to provide the best educator possible for the 5/6s given the circumstances and it gives SRAS time to continue the search to fill this vacancy for term 2 onward.
Mr John Robertson
Principal
BEHAVIOURS
It is wonderful that most of our students and children demonstrate our values of CARE, RESPECT, PARTICIPATION & INTEGRITY, as they will always help them to be SUCCESSFUL, wherever they are, in whatever they are doing and with whoever they are with. It's really awesome that so many are not just learning the values but making them a habit and part of their character.
As learners, children make errors in classroom learning and behaviours. SRAS encourages errors in learning as they are a big part of learning. So too are behavioural errors. Sometimes negative behaviour choices involve physical violence (hitting, kicking, biting, etc), which is unacceptable, as it compromises the safety of the instigating child and affected child or in some cases children. SRAS behaviour policy is clear on external suspension as the consequence. While some families view this as possible reward, as the student has absences from school, SRAS needs to maintain safety for ALL and is under-resourced to facilitate internal suspensions for this behaviour choice.
GOVERNING COUNCIL (GC) AGM
Our AGM was held on Monday night and the first meeting of the Council afterward. A massive thank you to our 2024 Governing Council office bearers and members:
- Mrs Joke Wenske - Chair
- Mrs Suzelle Mullin - Treasurer
- Mrs Julie Woods - Secretary
- Mrs Mardi Le Brun
- Mrs Helen Crisp
- Mrs Kate Howie
- Mrs Tash Dabinet
Council engaged with their business in the first meeting and have endorsed the following:
- SFD and closure dates
- 2024 budget
- external suspension for physical violence
THE RESILIENCE PROJECT (TRP)
Snapshot 2: Working on gratitude helps us to be thankful and appreciate what we have in our lives, rather than focusing on what we don’t have or what we want. When we practise being grateful, we start to scan the world to look for positives – this only takes 21 days! Practising gratitude every day increases our levels of energy, and helps us to feel happier and more focused, determined and optimistic. It even helps us have better sleep, lowers levels of anxiety and depression and we are less likely to get sick. So many benefits – let’s all try to be grateful for the things and people in our lives every day!
Whole Family Activity: Gratitude Scavenger Hunt
As a family create a scavenger hunt list of things that make you happy or you are grateful for, you can make your own list or use the examples below:
- Something that makes you happy
- Something you love to smell
- Something you enjoy looking at
- Something that is your favourite colour
- Something you like in nature
- Something that is useful for you
Each member of the family uses the list and has to find as many things as they can. You can hunt for things inside or outside, or both. You can hunt for real things, or you can also do this using magazines or pictures from the internet. After a set amount of time hunting, come back together, have a look at what each person collected and let them explain why they are grateful for each item.
Family Habit Builder:
Every night at dinner, have each person talk about their favourite thing about that day.
Free Home Internet Access
Students and families who have inadequate or no access to internet at home are eligible to apply for a free internet connection to support learning.
There are 2 options available to eligible families:
- wireless internet access from the Department for Education through the student home internet program
- NBN broadband internet access until December 2025 from the Australian Government through the School Student Broadband Initiative.
You might be eligible if you:
- have a school aged child
- don’t have reliable home internet access or have no active NBN broadband connection.
Find out more about what options are available and how parents and carers can apply by visiting the department’s website.
Study Habits
Developing good study habits as a teenager can help set you up for success in both your academic and personal life. Here are some tips for developing effective study habits:
- Set up a study schedule:Create a study schedule that includes regular study times and breaks. This will help you stay organised and on track with your schoolwork.
- Create a quiet study environment:Find a quiet place where you can focus and concentrate without distractions.
- Take notes:Taking notes while reading or listening to lessons can help you retain information better and prepare for exams.
- Use active learning techniques:Instead of simply reading or listening, actively engage with the material by asking questions, making connections, and practicing new concepts.
- Use technology wisely:While technology can be a useful tool for studying, it can also be a distraction. Use apps and websites that are designed to help with studying, and limit your use of social media and other distractions.
- Get enough sleep:Getting enough sleep is crucial for staying alert and focused during the day. Make sure you get a good night's sleep before a big test or exam.
- Seek help when needed:If you're struggling with a particular subject or assignment, don't be afraid to ask for help from a teacher or peer.
Remember, developing good study habits takes time and practice. Start small and work your way up to longer study sessions and more challenging material. With consistent effort and dedication, you can develop effective study habits that will serve you well throughout your academic career and beyond.
Mr Troy Cowland
Deputy Principal
Mrs E’s Japanese Corner
What is happening in R/1 Japanese class?
In R/1 class, students have started to learn the greetings in Japanese.
We have learnt and students are confidently can
sayこんにちは kon nichi wa (hello). We have also learnt few other words in the song.
We are looking forward to share the Japanese greetings in front of our audience soon ?
Japanese Teacher
Mrs Yuka Endersby
SRAS Swimming Carnival
The SRAS Swimming Carnival, held on Friday of week 2, was a brilliant way to kick start our 2024 schooling year.
The day began with an induction of our school leaders in the gymnasium from Cameron Horstmann. As a previous SRC member and house captain at SRAS, Cameron highlighted the importance of these roles for our school, as well as the many life-long skills he has gained from such responsibilities. I’d like to send a huge thank you to Cameron for giving up his time to induct our school leaders and setting the tone for a great day of fun, participation and competition for all involved.
There were some amazing individual and team efforts witnessed throughout our carnival. Once again, it was brilliant to see a number of students put their hand up to attempt the 100m freestyle as the opening event of the program, particularly pleasing to see so many sub junior and junior swimmers involved. A special mention must go to both Rylee Dabinet and Sebastian Hartley who took out the open girls and boys 100m freestyle event as sub juniors!
Many students took advantage of the opportunity to gain participation points for their team, when given a 15-minute break at 11am. Swimmers earned their team 1 point for every lap of the pool completed in this timeframe. Our Pre-schoolers were also able to join in with mini-sub junior events held straight after our lunch break. These events are always extremely exciting for our younger students to get their first crack at joining in with a carnival. Thank you to the captains and parents/carers who assisted their child with these events in the water.
Scores between the Murray Eagles and Mallee Kangaroos were highly competitive throughout the carnival. In the end, it was the Mighty Eagles who finally tasted victory, winning narrowly – 619 points to the Kangaroos 591. Congratulations and thank you to all students who willingly participated.
Many thanks must go to everyone involved in the organization and running of our swimming carnival. A special thank you to all of the staff for your support – everyone had a key role to play in the running of the event. Also, thank you to Richard Harper for having the pool ready and in great condition for our event this year. We also required a ‘lifeguard’ under new Department regulations – a special thank you goes out to Mr Shane McGrath for fulfilling this role to enable us the chance to still hold our carnival this year.
Our amazing Parents and Friends team again kept us fed and watered. I look forward to working with them again for our upcoming Athletics day (Week 9 Thursday 28th March). Another thanks goes out to both Janet Le Brun and Lyn Dettloff for both volunteering to support with scoring and ribbons on the day.
The school is also extremely grateful to see Holly Cowland is again running after-school lessons for students to improve their swimming skills – thank you for contacting the school if you would like your child/ren to be involved.
Once again, we had huge support from parents, carers and grandparents. This adds to make for a great atmosphere and family event. Lastly, to end the day, we had our hugely iconic STAFF vs PARENTS vs STUDENTS race. I’m sure all would agree that the best team won this race AGAIN, so a big congratulations to the staff on a sixth straight victory in this event. Condolences to both parents and students who couldn’t quite match us…
Well done to the following students on winning individual trophies and medals:
|
Open Girls 100m freestyle |
Winner: Rylee Dabinet Runner up: Lily Durant |
|
Open Boys 100m freestyle |
Winner: Sebastian Hartley Runner Up: Naite Gribble |
|
Sub Junior Girls |
Winner: Rylee Dabinet, Halle Dabinet, Zara Hartley Runner up: Emilee Lane |
|
Sub Junior Boys |
Winner: Sebastian Hartley Runner up: Bailey Trezise-Donald |
|
Junior Girls |
Winner: Charlee Bolt, Ahna Lowe Runner up: Anita Hunter |
|
Junior Boys |
Winner: James Brown Runner up: Shawn Lane |
|
Intermediate Girls |
Winner: Lily Durant Runner up: Jade Durant |
|
Intermediate Boys |
Winner: Logan Mullin Winner: Tommy Tresize-Donad |
|
Senior Girls |
Winner: Bailey Taylor |
|
Senior Boys |
Winner: Naite Gribble Runner up: Jacob Hodge |
RMD Swimming
On Friday 16th February, SRAS had six secondary students compete in the River Mallee & Districts swimming carnival event, held at Murray Bridge. For this event, students combine with Meninge Area School to form our team. Overall, students represented our school extremely well, competing against students who have received swim coaching and involved with swim clubs – simply competing in this event is a huge accomplishment. Congratulations to Koby, Tehya, Jade, Lily, Logan & Tyron for your selection and participation in this carnival.
SRAS Athletics Day
A quick reminder that our SRAS athletics day will be held week 9 Thursday, 28th of March, kicking off at approximately 9am. Students will nominate their chosen events mid-term, so parents can expect to receive a program with your child’s events by week 8. I look forward to seeing everyone back out to support this whole-school event. I’m sure another cracking STAFF vs PARENTS vs STUDENTS contest awaits to conclude this event. If you’d like to help out with marshaling an event at our Athletics Day, thank you for contacting the school.
Mr Jayden Coleman and Mrs Yuka Endersby
Sports Coordinators
This year we purchased 2 new recumbent bikes to increase our fitness levels and endurance in the Pedal Prix races. The students agreed to have a 'girls vs boys' competition to assemble the bikes with a prize at the end. Guess who won?
Pedal Prix dates for 2024:
6-hour at 'The Bend" 18th May
8-hour at 'The Bend' 3rd August
24-hour at Murray Bridge 21st-22nd September
Mr Griffiths
Pedal Prix Coordinator
Congratulations to the students who have received home group merit awards. Week 2 - TJ Wood (Student of the Week) and Rayden Pentland-MckInnon (Most Improved). Week 3 - Tommy Trezise Donald (Student of the Week). Well done.Mr Griffiths
Home Group Teacher
MUSIC & ART CLASSES 2024
If any parents are interested in their students continuing instrumental music lessons or perhaps starting lessons for the first time in music or art, I will be running classes or individual lessons, depending on demand.
At this stage I am open for adults and/or students who may wish to take painting or drawing lessons or instrumental/music lessons in guitar, bass guitar, drums, vocals and keyboards.
Times and fees will depend on demand and negotiation, and will take place from the beginning of March 2024 at…. The Old Barn, 191 Bank Road Sedan
Please contact Peter Jesser on 0414721123 or email Peterjesser@gmail.com to enquire and/or to register your interest.
Due date for articles in the next Newsletter is 10:00am, 6th March, 2023. The newsletter is distributed via the SZApp and school website.
Articles can be emailed to dl.0423.info@schools.sa.edu.au clearly marked in the subject box as Newsletter, faxed to 8570 2325 or delivered to the front office. Due to the way the Newsletter is now being set up, not all photos are included in the print copy, however there are several photo galleries included online and via the SZApp. Apple devices: open the App store and search and download SZapp, on Android devices open the Play store and search and download SZappa; select the Asia Pacific region and search for Swan Reach Area School. Follow the prompts to register using an email address and create a password to access the online newsletter. Contact the school should you require any assistance.
SCHOOL OPENING HOURS
The library has a mobile phone for communication. Please let me know if you would like to be included on the message list to receive notifications, holiday and opening hours etc.
The number is: 0460 366 067
LIBRARY MOBILE APP
| 29th Feb - 1st March | SRC Expo |
| 7th March | Mid Term Assembly |
| 11th March | Adelaide Cup Public Holiday |
| 13-15th March | NAPLAN |
| 18th - 19th March | 3-Way Conversations |
| 28th March | Sports Day |
| 29th March | Good Friday Public Holiday |
| 1st April | Easter Monday Public Holiday |
| 2nd April | Student Free Day |
| 12th April | End of Term 3.10pm |
| 7th June | Student Free Day |
| 6th September | Student Free Day |
| 9th September | School Closure |
| 4th November | Student Free Day |