28 March 2019

Newsletter Articles

PRINCIPALS REPORT

Hello Swan Reach,

“Together we are faced with a bigger challenge than even a generation ago. What can be done to increase numbers of young people today who achieve to the best of their abilities as well as experience high levels of social-emotional wellbeing? It is truer today than ever before that if we want all our children to have positive social emotional wellbeing and achieve, not only do schools and teachers have to do their job particularly well, but parents and the community also share equal responsibility for engaging in practices that bring out the best in young people.” (Bernard. M, 2016, 21st Century Positive Parent Education, Investing in Parents, pg10)

When school and home collaborate well, such as in the 3 Way Conferences last week, we increase the consistency and effectiveness of support the next generations requires for academic and social-emotional success. SRAS thanks the staff, parents / carers and students who prioritised time to develop specific Individual Learning Plans for our children. This is also true for those involved with Negotiated Education Plan and Individual Education Plan meetings. If you were unable to attend due to other commitments, it’s not too late. Call the office to arrange a mutually convenient time, either face-to-face or via phone link.

WELCOME

We warmly welcome Mrs Kate Howie to our staff team. Her initial role will focus on classroom support and library.

THE INFLUENCE OF HOME

“According to Walberg (1994)… the ‘curriculum of the home’ predicts student achievement twice as well as the economic status of families. Included in the curriculum of the home are:

• parent-child discussions about daily events
• encouraging and discussion of leisure reading
• monitoring of screen time (TV and ICT)
• demonstration of affection
• interest in children’s academic development, and
• delay of immediate gratification for the purpose of accomplishing long term goals

(Bernard. M, 2016, 21st Century Positive Parent Education, Investing in Parents, pg11)

STUDENT FREE DAY

A reminder that this Friday, 29th March is a student free day. Staff will engage in professional learning about Mental Health First Aid with accredited facilitator, Geoff Ahern. Research indicates that each year 1 in 5 Australians will experience a mental illness. Many people are not knowledgeable or confident to offer assistance. Physical first aid is accepted and widespread in our community, however most do not cover mental health problems. Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) teaches people the skills to help someone who they're concerned about. This training aligns well with our WeMatter initiative.

6/7 CLASS

Unfortunately Mrs Sarah Bolt has had to have an operation on her knee that will need her to rest for a week. At this stage she’ll be on sick leave starting Wednesday 27th March. She is hoping to return on Wednesday 3rd of April. Mrs Anne Wilksch will facilitate the 6/7 learning in her absence.

DENTAL CLINIC

The Mobile Dental Care SA Team is offering a free service to students at SRAS early next term. A package was sent home last week with the relevant details and instructions. If you haven’t seen the envelope containing the forms, check your child’s bag and if needed contact the school ASAP for a new one. The deadline for returning these forms is the 11th April.

John Robertson
Principal

EARLY LEARNING CENTRE

Some of our exciting activities over the last couple of weeks have been:

• making people out of Lego and playdough
• salt painting
• family presentations
• name puzzles
• paper houses
• playing in the ‘Kindy Shop’
• Harmony Day
• Reading ‘Elmer’ by David McKee and making colourful Elmers

Everyone LOVED being involved in Sports Day! So much fun was had by everyone and we can’t wait to do it again next year. Highlights were the running races, egg and spoon race and the bounce relay. Thank you to the parents that could come and watch.

Trish Horstmann

SRAS Sports Day

The SRAS annual Sports day took place on March 15th with a beautiful sunny day and drops of dew on the freshly mowed oval. Despite a slight mishap with one of the shade tents, the event was underway on time. Mostly singular events occurred before lunch with all students showing a great team and competitive spirit. The lunch time break saw the Kindergarten children compete in their own events run by Mr. Robertson and the shaving of Mr. Cowland’s head for the World’s Greatest Shave. More team games and relays occurred in the second half of the day with the Fireman’s Relay, Tug of War and Senior Tunnel Ball being among the brand new games introduced. The day concluded with the parents getting one back at the staff with a Staff Vs Parents Tug of War contest. Throughout the event there were multiple award winners with Michael winning the 1500m and 3000m in the Open boys contest and Mia taking out 1st place in the same events for the Open girls. Age group trophy winners include Mini Sub Junior champions: Lily and Isaac, Sub Juniors: Olivia and Jackson, Juniors: Ella and Mason, Intermediate: Briannah and Kai and Seniors: Madison and Dalton. The day however rounded up with overall winners Kangaroos taking the cake by a narrow margin over the Eagles, 816-788. Congratulations to all participants, award winners and the mighty Kangaroos for what was a very rewarding day.

Term 1 Catering

On the 21st of March the 8/9/10s Home Economics class had to cater for 16 Leaders from surrounding schools. The dishes we had to prepare and make for lunch included; lasagne, butter chicken w/rice, green salad, and a number of fruit plates. We also made desserts including ice-cream and brownies. We got very good feedback from the people we served.

By Allesha, Olivia & Alli

Year 12 Catering

Last Wednesday on the 21st of March the year 12s catered for 16 leaders from surrounding schools. As a part of our Food and Hospitality assignment we had to create a “finger food” dish. Madison, Amanda and Sally prepared almond and sour cream savoury pancakes, pork and veal sausage rolls, pork and cabbage gyoza and vanilla cake with mousse, in that order. There were issues that were easily resolved towards the start of the day, overall the task was a success and the feedback was better than expected!

P & F AGM

Hi Parents and Friends of Swan Reach Area School. We are calling another AGM!! Please come along and support our school. Tuesday 2nd of April at 9:30 am in the library. Light morning tea provided to keep us going.

Contact Liz Haby President/Secretary Ph. 0409 675 886
Liz Woodgate Treasurer Ph 0420 200 731

School Bus Driver Required

Swan Reach Area School is seeking the services of a school bus driver to initially cover the morning bus run for the Department for Education bus. Applicants will need to have a minimum of a LR licence however MR is preferred. You will need to acquire driver accreditation through the Department of Planning Transport and Infrastructure. To obtain this, a certificate of fitness to drive heavy vehicle needs to be completed by your GP, along with child related employment screening clearance from the Department of Communities and Social Inclusion (DSCI) that can be filed at school. An application for approval to drive a school bus will then be signed by the Principal. All the necessary paperwork can be obtained from the front office staff at school. Once you have completed the process you could have the opportunity to drive more shifts for the department and possibly for private contractors. Thank you for contacting the school to book in an appointment for DCSI clearance and for any further information you require.

Newsletter Information

The newsletter deadline for all articles is 10am, on the Tuesday before the newsletter is due. This runs the odd week of each term. Due date for the next Newsletter is 9 April 2019. 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 library/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. Check out the details below to subscribe and get all the latest news from the school

Student Representative Council (SRC) NEWS

Leadership Conference

Last Friday, on the 22nd of February the senior SRC students were given the opportunity to attend a Leadership Conference in Adelaide at the Entertainment Centre.

The day involved several speakers who presented engaging and interactive sessions surrounding leader qualities. Students were also given the opportunity to choose between two different elective sessions that appealed to their interests. These included the topics; contributing to a team, improving school involvement, supporting a cause and changing school culture.

The key message for the day was that ‘Leadership is about being people focussed, not about your power and position’. This was explained throughout the day, however a key story told by the host demonstrated this powerful message. The speaker explained how in his final year of school he was awarded three vice-captain positions. Although he was disappointed because he wasn’t captain, he chose to focus on his main role as a leader and help as many people as he could. At the end of the year, he was surprised to find that several people thought he was the captain all along because of his great attitude and leadership skills. This showed us the importance of having a positive attitude, being people focussed and leading by example.

Overall, the day was a valuable experience for all students that attended. The SRC are excited to use this information to improve their leadership skills and work towards building on our school culture.

Playgroup

Swan Reach Playgroup at SRAS Early Learning Centre. Tuesdays during term time 10am-12pm. All children birth to school age are welcome for indoor and outdoor play. Please wear sun-smart clothing, bring a hat, water bottle and fruit/veg to share for healthy snack time.

$2 per session, per family. Contact Kristy Castle 0438857721

P-CMG

Parent-Child Mother Goose at SRAS Early Learning Centre. From 10am selected Thursdays during term (usually fortnightly). PCMG is a chance to get out of the house for babies and toddlers and their carers. Bond with your children and have fun using the power of songs, rhymes and stories. Trained facilitators Kristy and Claire lead a relaxed session for parents and children with a play and coffee n chat after. Sessions are free and there is no booking involved! Contact Kristy Castle 0438857721

Term 1 dates - April 4th, 11th (Weeks 3,5,7,10 and 11)

Coming Events

Community Notice Board

Purnong District Hall Trash and Treasure

Easter Saturday, 8:30am start. Egg and Bacon Breakfast. Sausage Sizzle Lunch. Licensed Bar. Sellers $40 stall, set up from 7am. Contact Sue: 0457 357 333 to book a site. Tables inside available.

Kids Club

3:15 – 4:30pm Friday 29th March at the Swan Reach Lutheran Hall. For Reception to Year 6 students. Cost $1.00. Enquiries: Phone Taryn 0427 702 377 or Kristy 0438 857 721.

Exhibition Gallery

Come and visit an exhibition of “Barreloak Products” and “Gumvale Pottery” in the Gallery at the Swan Reach Women’s Rest Rooms. Victoria St, SWAN REACH. Open 10am – 3pm. Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday (until the end of April).