SWAN REACH AREA SCHOOL NEWSLETTER

5 Semtemper 2019

Newsletter Articles

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT

Principal’s Report

Hello Swan Reach,

It is a privilege to return to a fantastic school with friendly staff and students, dedicated parents and carers and amazing grounds. After an extended break from the schooling community, it is a truly magnificent environment to return to.

During leave, I re-visited my birth country, Vietnam, and spent time with the elderly nuns who cared for me when I was baby and toddler. They managed to fill in some of the gaps from this mysterious period of my life. The care they extended during the visit was full of genuine warmth and love – as if I’d never left! Their simple and devout lives are inspirational and a reminder that true happiness doesn’t rely on material things and possessions. Care is one of our school values and is demonstrated regularly; in the way students care for one another, in the way teachers care for students and in the way parents and carers care for their kin. A little care goes a long way.

The nuns took care of over 100 inter-racial children during the Vietnam War, highlighting another one of their amazing qualities – being non-judgemental. At times, we are quick to judge another’s character without knowing their story and in particular their ‘backstory’ – the events and circumstances we can’t see or know unless we give time and care to find out. Our You Can Do It key of ‘Getting Along’ is important in educating students to get along in an ever diverse community and world with over 7 billion stories. It doesn’t mean liking everyone and accepting everything, rather it is about taking care and time to understand other’s stories to make more informed judgments because WeMatter.

THANK YOU

Thank you and congratulations to Mr Troy Cowland and Mrs Trish Horstmann for their capable leadership this term. Thank you too, to all staff who continually strive in improving outcomes for our students. Listening and seeing the engaged learning spaces, learners and activities is rewarding. Feedback from the combined, Book Week, P&F lunch and Father’s Day event is highly satisfying and shows tremendous community spirit and support. Well done to all involved in organising, preparing and participating.

Mr John Robertson
Principal

Japanese Exchange 2020

Mannum Community College is planning to have another study tour to Japan next year. It is a great opportunity for our students who are interested to go with them. The most likely cost is approximately $4000 per student. The plan would be to travel in November, after the Olympics. If you are interested in letting your child participate in this program, please contact school on 85702053.

Japanese Teacher
Mrs Yuka Endersby

Year 11 & 12 English Play – Jasper Jones

Last Tuesday, on the 27th of August, the year 11 and 12 English students travelled to Adelaide to view the live play ‘Jasper Jones’ at the Dunstan Playhouse Theatre. Jasper Jones has been labelled the Australian version of America’s To Kill a Mockingbird. Craig Silvey originally produced the story as a novel in 2009, however it has since been adapted into a movie and now theatre productions around Australia. The story is set in the fictional town of Corrigan in Western Australia in 1965. It tackles the key themes of racism and ignorance, fear and courage, and growing up. The play is rather confronting for viewers as it explores these themes, however the director used a clever combination of seriousness mixed with humour to lighten many scenes. Overall, the play was an extremely positive experience for all students, particularly for our year 11’s witnessing their first live play performance. After the play students were treated with a quick lunch at Rundle Mall, before heading back to school. I would like to thank Mrs. Gierke for her assistance throughout the day, as well as the students for their well-mannered behaviour. Good luck to the year 12 students as they complete their final task for English this year.

Mr Jayden Coleman
Senior English Teacher

Certificate II in Horticulture

As part the Certificate II in Horticulture course, the students are visiting several of our local businesses to gain an insight into the industry. The first visit was made to Willow Produce at Scrubby Flat on Wednesday 28 August, 2019. This was a great opportunity for the students to experience first- hand onion grading on farm. The manager, Clinton Griffiths, spoke to the students about employability skills in this area, which focus on punctuality, communication, teamwork, problem-solving, planning and organising, self-management, learning and technology. He also discussed the opportunity for students to pick up work during the holidays, not only to earn money, but more importantly to develop skills for future employment. He also commented on how he had to employ backpackers for the first time last year as he was unable to secure any reliable local workers, which surprised the students. The students enjoyed their experience at Willow Produce and are now getting their resume together to secure holiday work this December. To achieve the Certificate II qualification, competency must be demonstrated in 5 core units plus 10 elective units.

Mr Greg Griffiths
Horticulture Teacher

BOOK WEEK 2019

What a fantastic and busy day Friday was as we celebrated Book Week for 2019. The weather was perfect and it was lovely to see so many parents and community members involved in the event. The morning started with book week activities that were organised by the teachers. The students were extremely excited about the parade, and they looked terrific in their costumes, dressing up as their favourite book character or super hero. Parents and friends dished up an amazing lunch that was enjoyed by all. Students also had the opportunity to buy gifts for Father’s Day which was coordinated by the SRC team. Well done to everyone on a great day.

SRC NEWS

WHEEL TO WALK

Year 8/9 Business & Economics

In the 8/9 Business and Economics class, the students have been participating in the $20 Boss program. This program allows students to create their own business using their own ideas and a start-up capital of $20. The conclusion of the program allows students to showcase their business ideas in a market day. This event will take place on Wednesday week 8 (11/09) and it will give the students a great sense of pride to be able to run and operate their own business for a day. The small businesses includes Spick n Span (car washing), Arte (Homemade art), Peaches and Pineapples (Milkshakes, cookies and other snack items, Ice Cool Ice Cream (sold with different toppings), Sun Touched Fruit and Nuts (Assorted homemade dried fruit and nuts), Charlie’s Massages (Desk Massages) and an Afternoon Tea. It would be fantastic to see as many community members as possible on the day to indulge in the local delicacies and support the students and their businesses. The day commences at 10.45am and will wind down at 1.30pm. See you all next week to support the upcoming entrepreneurs!

Mr Alex Pfeiffer
Business & Economics Teacher

Community Day Poster.pdf

NEWSLETTER INFORMATION

Due Date for the next Newsletter is 10:00am, Tuesday 3rd September 2019. Please note that as from this term the newsletter will be distributed via the SZApp and school website. Printed copies are still available upon request.

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.

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 3 dates – beginning July 30, and Weeks 4,6,8,10 thereafter.

Coming Events

Community Notice Board

Kids Club

3:15pm-4:30pm FRIDAY 20th September, 2019 at the Swan Reach Lutheran Hall. For Reception to Year 6 students. Cost $1. Enquiries Phone Taryn 0427 702 377 or Kristy 0438 857 721.

Movie Night

Swan Reach Area School and Mid Murray Family Connections are screening The Lego Movie 2, and Princess Bride, 25th October in the gym, beginning at 5pm. ALL WELCOME

Budgies for Sale

$8 each, all colours. Phone 8562 5034. Can deliver to Swan Reach.

SALE tOp of the Town Op Shop

From 26th August, three Items for $5.00, Winter Clothing only, Excludes shoes & handbags, Children's all ages, Five Items for $3.00. Open: Mon to Fri. 10.00am - 4pm. Sat 10.00am - 1.00pm Ph 08 85702211 during trading hours.

Come to the Party

With Scentsy, Alli’s Creations-Jewellery, Tupperware and Melaleuca “The Wellness Company”. Saturday 5th October, 10am-1pm. In the Gallery at the Swan Reach Women’s Rest Rooms, Victoria St, Swan Reach.

Joyful Noise – Girls Night Out

Old Barn – Open Mic

Women of the River