Issue 17 2018 Term 2 Week 7 June 13th 2018 www.hccs.sa.edu.au I've come to a frightening conclusion that I am the decisive element in the classroom. It’s my personal approach that creates the climate. It’s my daily mood that makes the weather. As a teacher, I possess a tremendous power to make a child’s life miserable or joyous. I can be a tool of torture or an instrument of inspiration. I can humiliate or heal. In all situations, it is my response that decides whether a crisis will be escalated or de-escalated and a child humanised or dehumanised. Haim G Ginott Dear Parents and Caregivers, Recently I attended a weekend conference in Canberra for new Principals in Independent Schools. It was a wonderful opportunity to network with passionate educators striving to provide outstanding leadership in schools. There were very productive sessions on financial responsibilities, media management and attracting and retaining quality staff which will all be beneficial in developing my capacity as a Principal. The most interesting session for me personally was around leadership and personal philosophy. The question posed was: What are you prepared to die on the hill for? In expanding this question we were asked to consider what is the one non-negotiable that you are not prepared to compromise as the Principal of your School? It was not a hard question for me to answer, however articulating it succinctly in words was not so easy. Eventually I came up with – Ensuring HCCS has outstanding relational Christian educators with amazing passion, who through outstanding teaching and learning practices can develop remarkable young adults who will have a significant positive contribution to our Community. During the second half of the year, classroom educators will be focusing on developing an agreed upon list of pedagogical principles that underpin our teaching and learning practices. We will investigate the high quality research of the likes of Ken Robinson and John Hattie to assist in this process. Parents can be confident this process will ensure that your children have been exposed to outstanding classroom practices which will prepare them for a future of life-long learning. God Bless, Tony Fielke (Principal) PO BOX 120 VERDUN SA 5245 Email: [email protected]Phone: (08) 8388 7811 Fax: (08) 8388 1308 Playgroup ~ Early Learning Centre ~ Primary ~ Secondary 'A Christian school community, helping children learn and grow to achieve their potential'. Treat a child as though they are already the person they are capable of becoming. Haim G Ginott E D U C A T O R
Transcript
Issue 17 2018
Term 2 Week 7
June 13th 2018
www.hccs.sa.edu.au
I've come to a frightening
conclusion that I am the
decisive element in the
classroom. It’s my personal
approach that creates the climate.
It’s my daily mood that makes the
weather. As a teacher,
I possess a tremendous power to
make a child’s life
miserable or joyous. I can be a tool
of torture or an instrument of
inspiration. I can humiliate or heal.
In all situations, it is my
response that decides
whether a crisis will be escalated
or de-escalated and a child
humanised or dehumanised.
Haim G Ginott
Dear Parents and Caregivers,
Recently I attended a weekend conference in Canberra for new Principals
in Independent Schools. It was a wonderful opportunity to network with
passionate educators striving to provide outstanding leadership in schools.
There were very productive sessions on financial responsibilities, media
management and attracting and retaining quality staff which will all be
beneficial in developing my capacity as a Principal.
The most interesting session for me personally was around leadership and
personal philosophy. The question posed was: What are you prepared to die
on the hill for? In expanding this question we were asked to consider what is
the one non-negotiable that you are not prepared to compromise as the
Principal of your School?
It was not a hard question for me to answer, however articulating it
succinctly in words was not so easy. Eventually I came up with – Ensuring
HCCS has outstanding relational Christian educators with amazing passion,
who through outstanding teaching and learning practices can develop
remarkable young adults who will have a significant positive contribution to
our Community.
During the second half of the year, classroom educators will be focusing on
developing an agreed upon list of pedagogical principles that underpin our
teaching and learning practices. We will investigate the high quality
research of the likes of Ken Robinson and John Hattie to assist in this process.
Parents can be confident this process will ensure that your children have
been exposed to outstanding classroom practices which will prepare them
for a future of life-long learning.
God Bless,
Tony Fielke (Principal)
PO BOX 120 VERDUN SA 5245 Email: [email protected] Phone: (08) 8388 7811 Fax: (08) 8388 1308
Playgroup ~ Early Learning Centre ~ Primary ~ Secondary
'A Christian school community, helping children learn and grow to achieve their potential'.
Treat a child as though
they are already
the person they are
capable of becoming.
Haim G Ginott
E D U C A T O R
Page 2 Fa i th ~ Nur tur e ~ Commun i ty ~ Learn ing
Prayer & Praise Points
praise God for the rain
pray for the Year 6 Camp next week
pray for educators who are writing reports
Counsellor’s Corner with Bek Brown
PARENTING FUNDAMENTAL #5
Communication is key Psychologist, Michael Carr-Gregg, says “it’s important, from the moment your kids are able to string two words together, to talk to them about everyday issues such as school, sport, music and hobbies. If you don’t encourage conversations with them about these things, it will be harder for them to discuss the things that worry them later.”
He goes on to say, “if they remember you as always being prepared to listen (in a non-judgemental manner) without making things seem trivial or an over-reaction, there is a much greater chance of keeping the communication lines open.” Listening is such a key part of communication and yet at times it can be so hard! Carr-Gregg offers these helpful tips:
stand or sit close to them
make eye contact
clear your mind and concentrate on what your child is saying, rather than what you want to say
let your child finish speaking without interruption
show them you are interested, even if you think you know where the conversation is headed, by nodding, smiling or saying things like, ‘I see’ or ‘Really?’ or ‘Oh!’
wait until your child has finished before asking a question.
It’s not easy but the results are worth it! “When we listen attentively to our children, they feel valued and worthwhile. It also strengthens our connection with them, so they feel secure. A child who feels a positive, strong connection to their parents is less likely to act out against their attempts to set limits.”
It’s also important to remember that it’s not just what we say but how we say it that can make a huge difference! Our tone of voice and body language speaks volumes! I often think of Carr-Gregg’s quote, “in every interaction with our children, we have the power to calm or exacerbate the situation by what we say or how we say it,” and I ask myself is what I’m about to say going to help the situation or add fuel to the fire? Sometimes it’s best to take some time out and come back to the conversation when everyone is a bit calmer. But one thing is for sure – if they can learn how to communicate well as children they will be much better for it.
And it’s not just talking with them but listening to them that is so important.
Kate Granger is delighted to announce the arrival of her baby
daughter Olivia on May 12th weighing 3.5kg. Big brother Joab and
big sister Hazel are ecstatic!
Family Business Directory
As a way of further enhancing the connection between current families and our School community, we are giving our families an opportunity to advertise their business and/or goods and services in a Family Business Directory. An invitation is extended to immediate family members who currently have a student enrolled at our School.
Please contact [email protected] for an Expression of Interest Form.
Congratulations to Jack in Year 12, who was involved in the recent Auction Idol Competition.
Jack participated in a number of private tutoring lessons with professional auctioneers, where he developed and refined the skills needed to lead an auction with confidence and proficiency!
He then showcased these skills, where he represented HCCS in the SA Auction Championships. After competing in a number of heats, he was shortlisted to compete in the final 6 State Championship. Well done Jack for being a 2018 Finalist – fantastic work!
Page 3 Fa i th ~ Nur tur e ~ Commun i ty ~ Learn ing
Vinnies Winter Appeal - Tonight in Australia,
over 116,000 women, men and children are
experiencing homelessness. They face impossible
choices; sometimes sleeping rough is the only option
they have. They need to know there is another choice.
You can help tackle homelessness and poverty and
provide an alternative for people in need.
When you donate to Vinnies, you can help people
rebuild their lives. https://www.vinnies.org.au/
donate#!state=sa&appeal=155
The SRC has decided that this term, your gold coin donations will support the homeless community and the Vinnies Winter Appeal.
Round Two Debates Another successful debating round on June 5
th, with WINS
for the Year 5 Team, Year 6/7 Blue, and Year 6/7 Green.
The Year 6/7 White Team lost by the narrowest of margins.
Congratulations to all teams for well-prepared speeches and some in-depth rebuttal, a result of their hard work and dedication in the three lunch time workshops each week.
Congratulations to the four winners of the ‘Speaker of the Debate Award’ – which means we won this Award in each debate, a remarkable feat.
Year 5 – Alekos in his first debate
Year 6/7 White – Jenna in her second debate
Year 6/7 Blue – Sophie for the second debate in a row
Year 6/7 Green – Angus, a second-year debater.
Once again, Hills students are doing us proud!
Mrs Boucaut (Debating Coordinator)
URGENT: School Banking volunteers needed!
The School Banking program provides a fun, interactive
and engaging way for students to learn about money
and develop good saving habits.
The Commonwealth Bank pays the School commission
for deposits made so volunteering supports our schools
fundraising. Last year we received over $400.
The parent volunteer would be required to collate
deposits and coordinate the rewards program (training is
provided). This process can take up to 2hrs a week so
the more volunteers we have the easier the load for all.
If you feel this is something you can be involved in,
please speak to Tracy Juers at the Front Office.
HCCS ENROLMENTS FOR
2019 and 2020
Have you enrolled siblings? Classes for Term 1 and Term 3 of 2019 and 2020 are ALMOST FULL and it is imperative that we have included siblings in the numbers.
Current families, have you completed an Application Form? We are looking for children born from September 2013 or earlier, to be enrolled please.
Anita McDonald (Enrolment Officer)
ELC CARPARK School parents are reminded to please
keep the parking spaces available for ELC parents at the busy drop off/pickup
times.
There is 15 minute parking between 8.30am – 9.30am
and 2.45pm – 3.45pm for ELC parents.
Parents of Reception to Year 7 students are asked to park across the road near the Verdun Hall or use the
Page 4 Fa i th ~ Nur tur e ~ Commun i ty ~ Learn ing
YEAR 9 FOCUS DAYS May 18
th & 25
th
The Year 9s had a fantastic opportunity to have two days off campus in Weeks 3 and 4. The Focus Days revolved around simply having fun together and deepening relationships, challenging ourselves physically, learning from others through conversation and film and listening to each other, creation, ourselves and God.
On our first Focus Day we travelled down to Latitude and jumped, climbed, balanced and laughed and then returned to school to watch two separate films for the guys and girls The Rite Journey Classes that focussed on rising above hardship, believing in yourself, being grateful for what we have and listening to older wiser mentors.
Our second day involved walking about 11km in Cleland along the Wine Shanty and Long Ridge Tracks. As an educator, being at the Long Ridge lookout was an absolute treat; we were blessed with sunshine and blue skies and beautiful students (seriously!) We asked the students to find their own space and take some time to quieten their mind, “be still” and listen to the sounds around them. The entire cohort were so incredibly respectful of the silence and it was so encouraging to watch them enjoy the sun bearing down on their faces, the stillness and the distant sounds of the city.
YEAR 8/9 SACSA NETBALL The Year 8/9 Netball Team had a fun day despite the rain and wind on Thursday, June 7th at the SACSA Carnival.
In between games we attempted to make tarp shelters, hide/thaw out in the bus and keep warm walking through the parklands taking creative team photos!
The girls really improved as the day progressed and found some good form and smooth play in our last two games in particular. We finished 4th in our pool and went on to beat Tyndale – Salisbury East in our final match for the day.
It was so encouraging to see the girls confidently organise the warm up drills and support each other on the court. Many thanks to Jasmin Mead who umpired for the Carnival and Mr Lloyd who co-ordinated the team.
Lorinda Wishart
(The Rite Journey /Health Educator)
Page 5 Fa i th ~ Nur tur e ~ Commun i ty ~ Learn ing
“it made me feel so connected to the environment and yet so thankful for everything”. Allana
“The walk was a great time to reflect on the creation around us and it also gave me a chance to interact with the people around me and learn new things. Once I had reached the top of the hill suddenly everything seemed worth it as the view brought a sense of peace and gratefulness. Sitting on the top of the hill in silence was by far my favourite part of the day because it made me feel so connected to the environment and yet so thankful for everything I could see including the city.” Allana
“Whenever life gets you down, look past the mountain. For me this means to look to how it might go or how it could be positive. Also, don’t care about what others think of you good or bad, just be yourself.” Micah
“At Latitude you could be pushed to your limits and have great fun or stay inside your comfort zone and waste a day in a great place. Remember it won’t hurt to give new things a go!” Alicia
“An orange (something sweet/good) for me was taking a small burden off peoples back and carrying their bags.” Tessa
“Never give up!” Caitlin
“There is something in everyone that makes them unique.” Maddy
“One of the highlights for me today was laughing with my friends and talking to people I wouldn’t usually talk to.” Angela
YEAR 9 FOCUS DAYS (continued) Our devotion before beginning our day was focussed on the following three verses which we linked to 3 of Steven Covey’s “7 habits of Highly Effective People” that we have been discussing in Health.
Proverbs 18:2 — A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion.
HABIT: SEEK FIRST TO UNDERSTAND THEN BE UNDERSTOOD.
Before you give your own thoughts, what are they saying? Why are they saying this? What experiences led them to this place and what questions can I ask to deepen my understanding of them?
James 1:19 — Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger;
HABIT: SHARPEN THE SAW – Be ready and willing to change and be challenged by others.
Proverbs 12:15 —The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.
HABIT: SYNERGIZE/THINK WIN WIN – Work with others and see the benefit in their unique gifts that they offer.
Lorinda Wishart (The Rite Journey /Health Educator)
Page 6 Fa i th ~ Nur tur e ~ Commun i ty ~ Learn ing
2018 DATES TO REMEMBER
JUNE Fri 15th Playgroup 9.30am—11am
Assembly—Year 7 2.45pm
Mon 18th Year 6 Camp
Devotions — Year 1 MC & Dave Shepherd
Year 2 Excursion to National Motor Museum
Tues 19th Reception Orientation 1
Second Hand Uniforms 9.00am—9.30am
Year 6 Camp
Wed 20th Running Club 7.45am — 8.15am
Year 6 Camp
Spring Fair Meeting 2.30pm
Thurs 21st Meet The Writers Festival (Years 6—11)
Year 5s to Maritime Museum
Fri 22nd Playgroup 9.30am—11am
Assembly—Year 2 Team 2.45pm
ELC PJ Disco 6-7pm
Mon 25th Devotions — Year REC C & Bek Brown
Wed 27th Running Club 7.45am — 8.15am
Reception Orientation 2
Fri 29th Playgroup 9.30am—11am
Assembly—Year 3 Team 2.45pm
JULY Mon 2nd Devotions — Year 2 H & Jon Oertel
Year 10 Work Placement
Tues 3rd Year 10 Work Placement
Wed 4th Year 10 Work Placement
Thurs 5th Year 2 and Year 6 Inventions Expo
Second Hand Uniforms 3.30pm—4.00pm
Fri 6th Students last day Term 2
Non-uniform Day (PJs, Beanie and Scarf)
ELC—Wear Your Welly Boots
Playgroup 9.30am—11am Assembly—Year 1 Team 2.45pm
We hope all these people enjoy their birthdays THIS WEEK: Ari Cradock, Millie Dalziel, Deegan Dealtry, Max Diment, Josette Garnaut, Lily Laan, Lilly McCallum, Anouk McCusker, Emma Mulhern, Eli Stratton and Lauren Willsmore.
Student Absentees is also available via the HCCS Website
Scholastic Book Club Issue 4 orders are due back on FRIDAY, JUNE 15. Orders via the LOOP system is preferred or they can be handed into the Front Office — no late orders will be accepted.
Community News Australian Air Force Cadets Adelaide Hills (AAFC). 602 Squadron (AAFC) Woodside is holding an Interest Night on Friday 29th June at our Squadron—Woodside Army Barracks, Inverbrackie. Everyone is invited to come and find out more about the AAFC and the challenging, fun activities we offer. How exciting would it be to be able to learn to fly before you can drive? Our Program is accredited by SACE and Duke of Edinburgh Awards. For more information about the AAFC log onto www.aafc.org.au. To register your interest in our information night and to gain entry into the Base please contact:: Commanding Officer FLGOFF (AAFC) Paul Lemar on 0417 203 196 OR PLTOFF (AAFC) Brock Le Cert on 0447 338 119 or email [email protected]
Congratulations to Year 7 students, Nik Smith, Jack Mead and Jesse Harvey on being selected in the 2018 SAPSASA Districts Football (Soccer) Squad List.
OSHC (Out of School Hour Care )
Vacation Care forms are now available. If you are interested please contact Jacki on MOB: 0439 898 037 or EMAIL: [email protected]
Early Learning Centre Vacation
Care forms are now available. For bookings or cancellations please call the ELC on 8388 1369.
The next SPRING FAIR MEETING
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20
2.30pm in the Staff room at Verdun
Pre-schoolers are most welcome!
If you cannot make it to the meetings but would like to be kept ‘in the loop’ and a part of this wonderful group, please email Nicolle at: [email protected]
