THIS ISSUE Principal’s Report Page 2 Primary Report Page 3 Posive Educaon Page 4 Posive Educaon Page 5 Schools are Busy Places Page 6 Uni Open Days Page 7 Year 12 Home Study Page 8 Year 10 Work Exp. Page 8 Posions Vacant Page 9 Posive Ed Quotes Page 10 Oakbank Area School Oakbank Area School NEWSLETTER NEWSLETTER 29 JUNE, 2016 29 JUNE, 2016 VOL: 33 FOLIO: 10 VOL: 33 FOLIO: 10 OAS Breakfast Club Great things have been happening at Oakbank Area School recently, especially this term, as a Breakfast Club has begun on a weekly basis. Every Friday morning between 8.00am and 8:45am, students arrive at school and enjoy freshly cooked pancakes, fresh fruit and Milo. The Breakfast Club is supported and run by the school and volunteers from Balhannah Uning Church. It is coordinated by Ron and Cherie Pitcher (church members) and Rev Michael Duke who come in each week to make the pancakes. The church fund the ingredients and up to 15 other members of the Balhannah Uning Church volunteer their me to help at the Breakfast Club. Alicia Adams, Pastoral Care Worker at Oakbank Area School, brought it to the aenon of the local church, who agreed to help fund and support a Breakfast Club. Principal Kylie Eggers, Michael Duke and Alicia Adams decided to trial provid- ing pancakes each Friday morning for a term to see how much interest it received and whether it was worthwhile. The vision behind the Breakfast Club has been to provide nutrion for the children, but also to contribute to the posive community at Oakbank Area School. Breakfast Club has proven to be a huge success so far, with approximately one third of the school aending each Friday. The 'Green Room', where Breakfast Club is held, is permanently set up with card tables and chairs and an urn for warm drinks. Some students have been arriving at school early to make sure they have me for pancakes. We have staff members offering to help supervise the students and some parents also like to come and be involved. The atmosphere in the room, and even in the school for the remainder of the day is very posive and excing. At this stage Breakfast Club will connue to run on Fridays and there has been interest from other community groups wanng to be involved and help support the Breakfast Club. OAS Breakfast Club organisers: Cherie and Ron Pitcher, Balhannah Uniting Church Rev Michael Duke and PCW Alicia Adams.
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THIS ISSUE
Principal’s Report Page 2 Primary Report Page 3 Positive Education Page 4 Positive Education Page 5 Schools are Busy Places Page 6 Uni Open Days Page 7 Year 12 Home Study Page 8 Year 10 Work Exp. Page 8 Positions Vacant Page 9 Positive Ed Quotes Page 10
OAS Breakfast Club Great things have been happening at Oakbank Area School recently, especially this term, as a Breakfast Club has begun on a weekly basis. Every Friday morning between 8.00am and 8:45am, students arrive at school and enjoy freshly cooked pancakes, fresh fruit and Milo.
The Breakfast Club is supported and run by the school and volunteers from Balhannah Uniting Church. It is coordinated by Ron and Cherie Pitcher (church members) and Rev Michael Duke who come in each week to make the pancakes. The church fund the ingredients and up to 15 other members of the Balhannah Uniting Church volunteer their time to help at the Breakfast Club.
Alicia Adams, Pastoral Care Worker at Oakbank Area School, brought it to the attention of the local church, who agreed to help fund and support a Breakfast Club. Principal Kylie Eggers, Michael Duke and Alicia Adams decided to trial provid-ing pancakes each Friday morning for a term to see how much interest it received and whether it was worthwhile.
The vision behind the Breakfast Club has been to provide nutrition for the children, but also to contribute to the positive community at Oakbank Area School.
Breakfast Club has proven to be a huge success so far, with approximately one third of the school attending each Friday. The 'Green Room', where Breakfast Club is held, is permanently set up with card tables and chairs and an urn for warm drinks. Some students have been arriving at school early to make sure they have time for pancakes. We have staff members offering to help supervise the students and some parents also like to come and be involved. The atmosphere in the room, and even in the school for the remainder of the day is very positive and exciting.
At this stage Breakfast Club will continue to run on Fridays and there has been interest from other community groups wanting to be involved and help support the Breakfast Club.
OAS Breakfast Club organisers: Cherie and
Ron Pitcher, Balhannah Uniting Church Rev
Michael Duke and PCW Alicia Adams.
PRINCIPAL’S REPORTPRINCIPAL’S REPORT
UNIFORMUNIFORM
Thank you parents and carers for
supporting the school’s dress code
that was ratified and is strongly
supported by the School Council.
It is noticeable in the yard that less
‘black’ is being worn although please
be reminded that jeans, denim and
jeggings are not part of the uniform
either. Uniform assists students with
identity and a sense of belonging to
a team - So well done OAS.
I recognise that it is hard to keep
uniforms dry in the winter however
uniform is compulsory at OAS; please
speak to us if uniform is an issue for
your family.
FEEDBACKFEEDBACK
At last week’s assembly I spoke
about “feedback” in two directions,
1. so that the teachers know how
well students have developed the
skills, knowledge and abilities they’ve
been working on together and
2. so teachers can determine where
the learning needs to go next.
Students watched a video that
showed a teacher stepping through
the different stages of feedback to a
5 year old student called Austin who
needed to do a Scientific drawing of
a butterfly (pictured).
His first effort is on the left and the
final on the right/
What can be taken from
the video? The best feedback was from his peers
and mates. He improved his butterfly
based on their comments;
I asked the students to think of their
responsibility to give kind and
specific feedback about the task (“It
needs to be striped’) and not the
person (“You can’t draw”).
Initially Austen didn’t really listen and
he rushed it, I can imagine if he was in
high school he would have said ‘I’ve
finished it, why do I need to do more?
Imagine if the teacher had just left it at
draft one! Or even number three?
There was more in him but he could
have been allowed to stop short, to
move on to something else before
he’d fully explored this particular
process - and when teachers get
attitude back to them, it really does
feel easier to stop.
Pestering for drafts and edits is tiring
for the teacher as well as the person
being pestered. The student found out
that he could draw a superb butterfly;
the teacher found out that he could
too – because he was given time and
space to continually improve.
The contrast between Austen’s first
and last drafts changes your
perception of this unknown reception
student.
Presented with the first draft, you might
think that that was what he could do;
that was his capacity. Presented with
the final draft, you’d think he was a
much more talented young boy.
But it’s the same boy… the final draft
was always in him; it just needed to
find a way out – with some help from
his friends. How often do you feel
pigeon-holed, and fixed into a
category – “That’s the way that all
teachers think of me so that’s how I’m
gonna behave!”
I encouraged the students who feel
that a teacher has a preconceived
view of them and don’t believe that it
is accurate to talk with the teacher -
not in the middle of the lesson when
they are trying to teach the whole
class but to make a time to meet with
them and talk through.
It might be that the teacher has had
several draft versions of the student
and not had the chance to see the
final butterfly yet!
You may like to discuss these points
with your child. The video can be
found by searching for Austen’s
Butterfly on the internet.
PRIMARY
REPORT NEW SEMESTER & PARENT NEW SEMESTER & PARENT COMMUNICATIONCOMMUNICATION
The 2nd semester started this week
and by most accounts students have
started with a new focus and energy.
Teachers embrace parent contact so
please feel welcome to approach
them if you need to or would like
clarification.
ELECTION DAY BBQELECTION DAY BBQ
Thankyou to everyone who has
contributed to the fundraiser being
held this weekend.
Please remember to have your vote
at the Polling Stations which will be
located in the gym and also
purchase some snacks and drinks
along the way.
END OF TERM DISMISSAL END OF TERM DISMISSAL & SEMESTER 1 REPORTS& SEMESTER 1 REPORTS
Students will be dismissed at 2.10pm
after receiving their Semester 1
Reports.
Due to the high costs of postage,
reports will not be posted home,
unless specifically requested by
parents.
OUTSTANDING FEES OUTSTANDING FEES —— Final NoticesFinal Notices
Final Notices were sent out by post
last week to families who still have
outstanding fees owing to the school.
The letters outlined that if payment is
not received by Friday 8 July the
school will have no option but to
forward the matter to DECD Debt
Collection.
If you have not already done so, I
seriously encourage all parents with
an outs tanding account to
immediately contact either Joh
Heiser or Nyleta Rogers in the Front
Office to discuss your situation and to
work on a solution for the payment of
your account.
Have a good fortnight,
Kylie Eggers
LEADERSHIP SUMMITLEADERSHIP SUMMIT Four year 5/6 students and Ms Feijen
went to Mt Barker High for the
Leadership Summit on Thursday 16
June.
Abby McGinley Tahnee Gould,
Luke Bellinger and Oscar Smith were great representatives of
Oakbank Area School.
BUDDY CLASSBUDDY CLASS
Another great activity last week
between the year 9’s and R/1 and 3/4
classes.
Mr Cottle did a
fantastic job in
setting up an
o r i e n t e e r i n g
type course
around the
school.
Year 9 students
u s e d t h e i r
phones to scan
the QR code at
each spot for the clue to find the next
location.
All students did a great job and
completed the course in the set time.
YEAR 2/3 GARDENINGYEAR 2/3 GARDENING Mr Hardy’s 2/3
class have start-
ed their own
garden.
They planted
carrot, lettuce,
broad bean and
s n o w p e a
seeds.
W a t c h t h i s
space to see
their progress.
NEXT ASSEMBLYNEXT ASSEMBLY A reminder that assembly is on Friday
1 July at 9am this week as all 4 pri-
mary classes have softball clinics on
Thursday.
Trudy Holland
Primary Coordinator
PRINCIPAL’S
REPORT
Week 8 this term concluded our unit of Positive Engagement where students
across all year levels were involved in a multitude of engaging activities.
Positive Engagement supports students in developing growth mindsets from “I
can’t do it” to “I can’t do it yet”. It also provides students with strategies to
envisage an optimism future for themselves and others, be curious and
interested about their learning and the world around them, develop avenues
for creativity, passion, motivation, self-determination, and experience
activities which get them into flow.
Positive Engagement focuses strongly on character strengths and setting
goals which acknowledges and celebrates what students can do rather than
what they can’t do.
Our guest speaker for this unit was a magician called George Stas, who
entertained and amazed our primary and secondary students in two different
performances.
Please enjoy some photographs of what a range of different home groups
have been doing across the school.
Year 9 Buddy program with primary students
POSITIVE EDUCATION
Georg Stas the Magician
Our next unit that Oakbank Area School students will be exploring is Positive
Relationships, but why are relationships so important to us all?
All human beings need to interact with other human beings throughout life, it’s
inevitable! The healthier the relationships that we foster in life, the better our
overall wellbeing will be. It is important to develop and maintain positive
relationships so that we can live harmoniously, feel supported, loved, be
successful, reduce anxiety and depression, and increase motivation and
engagement. Over the next 6 weeks students again will engage in a range of
different activities which provide them with strategies to build on these skills.
Year 9 Tie Dye
Keysha Errington
Art Teacher and Positive Education Support Person
POSITIVE EDUCATION
When I was a child I was always amused by one of my father's favourite
sayings - "If you want something done, you have to ask someone who is busy."
As Student Counsellor at OAS I am very fortunate as I work with many
wonderful and busy people. I am constantly amazed at the generosity of our
many volunteers who give of their time to help out around OAS or to mentor,
coach, support or host students.
IKEDAIKEDA
In weeks 2 & 3 of next term our school will again host a visiting group of 19
students from Ikeda High School from Osaka in Japan. We are preparing for a
great time of cultural exchange and practical language learning for our
visitors.
As a school, host families, parent volunteers or individual buddies we will be
richly rewarded for all that we put into this exchange through friendship and
understanding. I would like to sincerely thank all students, parents, community
members and staff who are already involved in making this a standout event
on our annual calendar.
MENTORING AND YOUTH SUPPORTMENTORING AND YOUTH SUPPORT
A big THANK YOU also to the team of adults who faithfully come in to mentor
students in their studies and/or support them through challenges of all types.
We have a group of Mentors who have given faithful service to the students of
our school, some for years. We do have room for more people who would like
to be a Mentor, whether listening to reading, or just listening.
BREAKFAST CLUBBREAKFAST CLUB
What a hit this has been! It is great to see students of all ages, parents and
grandparents woofing into the warm and tasty offerings at the Breakfast Club.
The happy kitchen crew has the place humming like a machine - again,
community volunteers! Don't miss out, get there if you can and soak up some
of the caring atmosphere with your maple syrup. You have really hit the spot,
thanks to all involved and Ali (Alicia Adams our Pastoral Support Worker).
LIBRARY HELPERSLIBRARY HELPERS
Cleaning, sorting and shelving - they have been really going for it! We have to
thank this group for tackling the big task of auditing much of the library's
contents. Fearless, persistent and often 'reeking' of eucalyptus oil, they soldier
on. Well done troops.
As I look back across this list, I hear my father's words ringing in my ears as I
realise just how busy many of OAS's volunteers and helpers are, several of
them are listed on 2 or 3 of the groups named above.
If you would like to host a visiting Japanese student, or work 1:1 as a mentor
please ring on 8398 7200 and I will gladly take your name and explain the
process required.
Many thanks,
Bev Bonython
Student Counsellor
Schools are Busy Places…..
To register for the workshop, contact me or HYPA on the phone numbers listed
above.
Date: Tuesday 12 July
Time: 9.30 to 4pm
Venue: Creative Hub, Mount Barker Town Hall (upstairs),
Gawler Street Mount Barker
A couple of FAQ’s
· Do I have to have the driving lessons before I attend the workshop? No, if all
other criteria have been meet, the lessons can follow after the workshop.
· Do you have to live in Mount Barker to be eligible? No, the program is open
to all Learner Drivers aged 16-25.
Ksenija Bould
Community Development Officer - Youth
Geared2Drive Mount Barker
is not at capacity yet………… so if you have young people
who need support with their
driving hours get them
registered for the Participant
Workshop in the School holidays
– ideal for High School
students….. and yes we
scheduled it so any Learner
Drivers who are at school and
interested in the program can
undertake the compulsory
workshop.
University Open Days Flinders University is having Open Days on Friday 12 August and Saturday 13
August.
The University of Adelaide and The University of South Australia are having an
Open Day at both City West and City East Campuses on Sunday 14 August.
Please consider attending these days with your senior school students to
discover the range of courses and study options available to you and your
children. There will be tours, information sessions, and entertainment including
live bands and food stalls to enjoy.
Information Booklets are available from Mrs Bonython or Miss Rogers at the
school.
School to Work Transition Program Maxima Joblink are holding an information session for parents and guardians of
students transitioning from school to work who face barriers which may impact
on the students success at transitioning to employment.
The information session is on Wednesday the 6 July at 6:00pm at the Maxima
Office, U6&7, 27 Hutchinson Street Mount Barker. Please call (08) 8398 5073 to
book a place at the session and to check your child's eligibility for the program.
Kirsty-Lee Rogers
Senior Pathways Improvement Leader
YEAR 12 HOME STUDYYEAR 12 HOME STUDY Most students timetables have changed mid year as a result of the new
semester timetable. This may mean the home study sessions you previously
gave your child permission to leave school for, may have changed.
If this is so, your child will have a new timetable with a permission form
attached for you to sign.
Please discuss this with your child and have them return the bottom half of the
slip to the Front Office.
Please keep the top half of the form so you have a copy of their timetable
handy to check their lessons.
Remember the school is promoting this opportunity for students to go home
alone and study. It is becoming apparent some students are abusing the trust
the school and their parents have placed in them and using their time
unwisely.
WORK EXPERIENCEWORK EXPERIENCE
All Year 10 students will be expected to undertake work experience in Week 9
of Term 3 as a part of their Personal Learning Plan (PLP) subject.
Please discuss possible work experience placements with your child to help
them determine a suitable placement.
Students and parents are advised to start the process of finding a suitable work
experience placement as early as possible, as in the past, it has been proven
by some students to be quite difficult and a very time consuming process, to
find an employer who is willing to host a work experience student.
More information will come home through your child from the PLP class.
Cheers,
Kirsty-Lee Rogers
Senior Pathways Improvement Leader
Children’s Party Host/Hostess
Platform 1 Heritage Farm Railway at Littlehampton have a position available
for a student in Year 11 or 12 as a Children's Party Host/ess.
The duties undertaken in this role are:
Responsible for the carrying out of Children's parties.
Supervision and guiding of children and adults
Food preparation and serving
Set up and set down of party area
The person will need to be energetic with a bright & happy personality and
have a genuine love to work with children. The person will also need excellent
communication skills and be able to relate and talk to adults.
A First Aid Certificate would be advantageous but not necessary.
Food Safety training and Child Safe Environment training will be provided.
Work will be on a 'as needs' basis on weekends, public holidays and school
holidays.
Past employees have moved on from this role to work or study in the Teaching
Industry.
Students can forward their resume by email to Karen Liebelt at
