12 December 2019

Newsletter Articles

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT

Hello Swan Reach,

We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their support at Presentation Night; Parents, Carers, grandparents, older siblings and community members, the Leadership team, the teaching teams – ELC, Primary and Secondary, support staff team – classroom, office and library, bus driving team, lunch orders team, local businesses teams. Thank you.

We hope you all have a very Merry Christmas, a Happy New Year and enjoy the holidays, and finally to all the parents and carers out there, enjoy the time with your children, and come Friday … tag… you’re it for 6 weeks!

During holidays, families can experience an increase in sibling rivalry as brothers and sisters spend more time together. Arguments are part and parcel of growing up and our children are more exposed to conflicts than previous generations, through technology and mass media. Knowing how to assert and to listen are important life lessons for getting along and treating others with respect. You tube celebrity, Kid President, shares the following advice:

‘Let's treat people like they are PEOPLE, people! There's a lot of disagreeing going on in the world right now. So, it's time to teach us kids how to disagree with people without making everybody feel terrible. Here is Kid President's 6 Steps to learning how to disagree with people. Remember, just because we disagree about which is better, dogs or cats, doesn't mean I can't be a good friend and listen to all the reasons why you like cats’ Kid President

His video can be seen at the following URL address:

WELCOME

A warm welcome to new students, Jayden and Latisha, who are joining our year 10 cohort next year. We wish them the very best in her endeavours at SRAS.

FAREWELL

To the students who depart our shores, we wish you the very best in your new settings. SRAS is proud to have helped you establish a firm foundation, to successfully continue your learning pursuits… And if it doesn’t work out, we’ll be here.

As teachers, leaders and parents we are in the education business. In the words of (Brazilian educator and philosopher) Paulo Friere, ‘Education doesn’t change the world. Education changes people. People change the world.’

To our Year 12s, and all students, go forth and make your change to the world. Nothing is beyond your reach. If you want it badly enough…do it, pursue it and don’t look back. Chase your dreams. Have the courage to take the risk and anything is possible. Winston Churchill once said, ‘Success is never final. Failure is never fatal. It is courage that counts.’ Be courageous.

We have retained all staff in 2020 with the exception of Mr Alex Pfeiffer who will join Karoonda AS. Such was his impression of SRAS, that he had serious thoughts of declining what seems like his dream job – PE and outdoor education combined with sports coordination. Thanks Alex and we wish you the very best.

We wish Miss Terry Brandon the utmost of enjoyment and satisfaction as she officially retires from the department. Her parting of academic wisdom and life-long learning gifts to SRAS students and staff over the past decades has been invaluable and we are ever grateful that you served with us.

We also farewell, Mr Aaron Haby from Council and are grateful for his involvement and input since he joined in 2016.

2020 TIMETABLE TWEAK

We are reducing home group in the mornings to 15 minutes to allow for a 5 minute home group period at the end of the day. This will allow for superior organisation such as writing in diary notices, homework, packing up of classes, ensuring laptops are placed on charge and handing out of notices.

Therefore lesson times will be as follows:

PASTORAL CARE FUNDING

We have received a further 3 years funding for the continuation of the support provided by our Pastoral Care Worker, Mrs Julie Maxwell. Julie has been a valuable member of staff over the past 3 years and has worked closely with staff and students, being a kind, friendly face that has supported many during her time here. We have appreciated her kind, caring nature and look forward to increased support from her role, as it increases from 7 hours to 10 hours a week.

Mr John Robertson
Principal

LONG TAN DEFENCE FORCE AWARDS

This year Sally Stewart was the recipient of the Year 12 award, and Allesha Minnis McNeil the Year 10 recipient. Congratulations to both students on receiving these prestigious awards.

EARLY LEARNING CENTRE NEWS

The Kindergarten children had a very busy time in week 7. On Tuesday we visited Monarto Safari Park. After the bus ride, we had a quick snack while we watched the meerkats and had a play on the playground. Next was our tour bus ride around the zoo. After seeing the different animals, including rhinos, giraffes, buffalo, cheetahs, lions, ostriches, zebras and hyenas, we walked to the chimpanzee enclosure which was a lot of fun. I think the giraffes were the clear favourite (or maybe that was just my clear favourite!) but everyone loved seeing all the African animals. Thanks to our tour guides and to Mrs Williamson for driving us.

On Thursday we visited the science lab, with Mrs Williamson and Mr Coleman. We wore white coats like real scientists, and some safety glasses. We did some experiments. We made a volcano and launched two rockets. We had to guess which one would go higher. We also looked at fossils and a skeleton. It was so much fun. Thankyou Mr Coleman and Mrs Williamson.

Mrs Trish Horstmann

Self Esteem Course

Self Esteem Course

What an incredible week had by all of our senior secondary students last week on their annual Self Esteem Course. For those who may not be familiar with our Self Esteem Course at SRAS – it is essentially a week-long activity based conference for our year 10-12 students. This course has been running for over 25 years now at SRAS and it is totally unique to our school. Students are extremely privileged to have the opportunity to partake in such an experience. This year, students were faced with a mixture of challenging, informative and fun activities that were designed to help them build life skills for their transitions from school in the near future. It would be impossible for me to name a single highlight for the week, however I’m sure a popular favourite amongst our students was our day of adventure on Thursday paintballing and go karting. For our staff, it is a real pleasure to see these young adults grow in confidence throughout the duration of this course. Each and every student at some point during the week made me extremely proud to see them taking on new challenges and embracing this unique opportunity. Our week was capped off with a highly entertaining presentation on Friday night at the Nildottie Hall. I would like to thank all of the staff and parents for their support of this amazing course. An extra special thank you to the students for their engagement, respect and willingness throughout their participation of the Self Esteem Course. I look forward to another highly successful week in 2020!

Mr Jayden Coleman
Self Esteem Course Coordinator

Curry in a Hurry

On Thursday, 5th December, the year 2-5 class cooked a Japanese curry to celebrate the end of the unit. This semester, students have learnt some Japanese words associated with cooking and ingredients of the curry. Students understood the basic procedure sentences in Japanese so I could give them instructions in Japanese. Mr Tun came to help which made the lesson even more special. Most of the students enjoyed the curry.

Japanese Teacher
Mrs Yuka Endersby

Year 8-9 Japanese Lesson

This week the Year 8-9 class celebrated the end a learning unit. Students researched a Japanese dish and then cooked it. They had a great time.

Japanese Teacher
Mrs Yuka Endersby

Parents and Friends AGM & Appreciation Luncheon

On 28th November Parents and Friends held their AGM which was followed by an appreciation luncheon. It was a great day which acknowledged the work and contributions made by past and present members of Parents and Friends. Life membership was awarded to Mrs Alison Eggers, Mrs Jo Dettloff and Mrs Julie Goerner.
Mrs Lyn Dettloff and Mrs Popsy Marks were honoured to be patronesses of Parents & Friends. We are looking forward to some busy times next year and wish everyone a safe and happy Christmas.

Mardi Le Brun
Secretary

Cora’s Cupcakes

On Monday and Tuesday this week I sold cupcakes at school during recess and lunch, to raise money for the RSPCA. I raised $120! I will use this money to buy items to donate to the RSPCA including pet carriers, litter trays etc and a cash donation. Thank you for your support

Cora O’Shaughnessy
Year 5

SCHOOL MAGAZINE

There are still some copies of the school magazine available which highlights the school curriculum activities and events. Please contact the front office for a copy, each magazine costs $20, which is payable to the school.

SRAS WEBSITE

The Swan Reach Area School website has now been released, here you can find all the school information including the newsletter, forms and polices. Please visit https://swanrchas.sa.edu.au and check out our new look website.

NEWSLETTER INFORMATION

Due Date for the next Newsletter is 10:00am, Tuesday 28 January 2020. 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 information will be available at the beginning of 2020. 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

Coming Events

Community Notice Board

Christmas pageant Display

Swan Reach Christmas Carols

Swan Reach Christmas Carols around the piano, an afternoon of carol singing for the whole community. Sunday 15th December, 2.00pm-3.00pm at the Swan Reach Lutheran Church Hall. This will be followed by a shared afternoon tea. All welcome.