mount ompass area · asey station via regular video link and facebook. this is an exciting...

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Mount Compass Area Mount Compass Area School NewsletterSchool Newsletter

PO Box 54 MOUNT COMPASS SA 5210 Ph 8556 8219 Fx 8556 8471

[email protected] www.compassas.sa.edu.au

www.facebook.com/MtCompassas

At the heart of the Fleurieu

22nd February 201922nd February 2019 Week 4 Issue 1Week 4 Issue 1

From the Principal

DIARY DATES

Breakfast Club Monday - Friday 8:30-8:45 am

Reading Army Tuesday - Friday 8:30-9:15 am

Principal Kevin Mooney

Deputy Principal Andrew Cousins

Learning & Teaching Coordinator Bre Bradley

Student Wellbeing Leader Avril Dargie

Aboriginal Community Education Officer Kellie Blucher

Junior School Coordinator Callie-Ann Evans

Middle School Coordinator TBA

Senior School Coordinator Sam Blake

Business Manager Wendy Hayes

Governing Council Chair Andrew Down

Parents & Friends President Janelle Paech

2019 SCHOOL YEAR In the week preceding the beginning of the school year we welcomed six new families to our school community. It was wonderful to see the number of new parents who attended the Governing Council Forum on Monday 11th February to speak with Governing Council members and staff to learn more about our school. The beginning of the year has been highly successful with students settling back easily to the work routines. New staff to our school this year includes Adele Mastroyannis (Science) and Hannah Knight (Special Education). Leila Kasprzak has taken some leave and Andrew Cousins will assume her responsibilities. Sam Blake will assume the role of Senior School Coordinator and we are yet to appoint a Middle School Coordinator. John Scholz has returned to provide teacher support during this transition phase. Sam Germein has returned to work in a School Services Officer role. Congratulations to Rachel Nieuwenhoven who has been appointed to the Canteen Manager role for this year. REFURBISHMENT We have been excited to access and begin to develop the new STEM building as a learning centre. Over the next month we will ‘kit-out’ the new spaces which will be utilised by students from R-12. The ongoing development of a new learning centre for Technical Studies, Home Economics and Art will begin once architects have been appointed. A new Administration building will be another part of this project and a further project of new classrooms will be announced shortly. PHONICS TESTING The Advertiser 14th February reported the results of the first full-scale early reading check, the Phonics Screening Check. They reported that ‘just 43%’ of Year 1’s in South Australia met or exceeded the ‘Achievement Standard. ‘ Phonics at Year 1 is tested 18 months after the students begin Reception. The test takes 5-7 minutes where Year 1 students are measured against their ability to decode and read aloud 28 out of 40 words. Continued...


MCAS Newsletter 22nd February 2019

Phonological awareness is the ability to focus on the sounds of speech and most children’s early oral language and literacy experiences help them tune into the sounds of their language, and prepare them for learning to read. For many children this might begin with nursery rhymes, rhyming games and organised and/or unorganised play. Children who are surrounded by, and included in rich and increasingly complex conversations, have an overwhelming advantage in their development of oral language. This begins at a very early age and develops in in the home first, and then in organised systems like Play Gym and Preschool. Most children begin school with some understanding of reading. Children who understand the relationship between letters and sounds are at an advantage with their Phonics understanding. Our role in utilising the results of the test is to assess where each student’s phonics understanding is and develop the learning to meet the required need. I am not abdicating any responsibility for the school’s role in phonological awareness but the Advertiser’s scant information on the importance of early oral language and the facilitation of early literacy experiences before a child even gets to school is disappointing. Incidentally, on a sliding scale of Fluent, Developing and Struggling, 47% of Year 1 students at Mount Compass Area School were identified as fluent.

MCAS ANTARCTIC EXPERIENCE During Term 4 2018, students met David Hamilton when he delivered a presentation about Antarctica, the location, weather and living conditions, history of expeditions, international presence and scientific research being undertaken. David was preparing to leave for a job with Australian Antarctic Division (AAD) for one year. Students presented David with a soft toy affectionately named ‘Compass Cow’ to take on his adventure. As part of the AAD program, a range of learning units with direct links to the Australian Curriculum are available and being explored for delivery in 2019. David will provide our students with a ‘real time’ experience and access to people and places at Casey Station via regular video link and Facebook. This is an exciting opportunity to give real world context to student learning on a range of topics. We extend a warm welcome to David. Students, staff and the school community can connect with David at our dedicated Facebook Page ‘MCAS Antarctic Experience. Join David as he shares pictures, videos, answers your questions, and introduces you to his new friends including Dr Karl who will be Skyping with us later this semester. BIG WASH 2018 EVENT On Friday 30th November the Year 8, 9 and 10 students from Mount Compass Area School hosted a 'Big Car Wash' to help raise funds for the Mount Compass CFS. The day was held on the school oval with teachers, parents, locals and the CFS bringing in their vehicles for the students to wash. The weather was perfect and a sausage sizzle was held to feed to public as well as raise extra money with some food provided by 'Meat at the Mount'. The aim of the day was for all students to have fun and enjoy the activity as well as raise awareness and support for the local community. Overall the day was a great success raising $270.

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From the Principal

What’s been happening?



JUNIOR SCHOOL Welcome to the 2019 school year. It has been an exciting time in the Junior School with students growing and moving up year levels, getting to know their new teachers and peers and many new families joining us, particularly our new Reception students. A warm welcome to you all. This year we have eight primary classes and there is again much collaboration with our R/1s joining up regularly, our Year 1/2 and Year 2 classes undertaking some joint learning, the two Year 3/4 classes using the expertise of each teacher, and our Year 5/6 classes mixing up for electives and Maths. We are lucky to have retained many of our wonderful staff, ensuring a smooth transition into 2019. We officially welcome Jacqui Becker to the Junior School team as a full time teacher. Other programs up and running in the Junior School again for 2019 are Monday Morning Walk, Lexile Club and WRAP Spelling Groups. We also have the addition of Times Table Tuesdays which will be an excellent way to support out students and their Maths skills. JUNIOR SCHOOL ASSEMBLIES This year our Junior School assemblies will be held on Friday mornings at 9am in the gym, with a duration of approximately 30 minutes. Parents, caregivers, grandparents and other family members are always welcome to join, with seating along the back wall. Term 1 dates are:

Week 5, Friday 1st March, hosted by Ms Potter's Year 5/6s, learning presented by Ms Martin's Year 1/2s

Week 8, Friday 22nd March, hosted by Mr Hansen's Year 3/4s, learning presented by Ms Foster's Year 3/4s

Week 11, Friday 12th April, hosted by Bu Jemma and Ms De Zilwa's Year 5/6s, learning presented by Mrs Becker's Year 2s

WRAP PARENT INFORMATION SESSION Later this term we will again be holding a WRAP parent information session. This is a great way to refresh your memory about the phonograms, rules and how the WRAP learning works, or learn the basics to support your child if you are new to the program. Please keep an eye out for more information soon. A reminder that occasionally staff have meetings before school, meaning that classrooms may not be open right on 8.30am. Please be patient and wait for the class teacher to open the classroom and be present before making your way inside in the mornings for the safety of all children. As always, I recommend that you chat with your child’s class teacher in the first instance with any questions or concerns. If these have not been resolved or answered, then please feel free to make an appointment with me to discuss how I can support you and your child’s education. Looking forward to another productive and exciting year full of growth, improvement and achievements for all individuals. Mrs Callie-Ann Evans


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SPORTS DAY CAPTAINS AND VICE CAPTAINS FOR 2019 Congratulations to the following students on their election. Planning for Sports Day (Friday 15th March) is well under way, and these students have a very important job in the lead-up to sports day in relation to preparing their team. We wish them well!

YEAR 6 AQUATICS PORT NOARLUNGA BEACH “During aquatics week I went kayaking in the river and it was fun. At the end we played games in the river.” By Shayla (Year 6) “We had a chance to get into groups which included boogie boarding, surfing, wind surfing, wave skiing, kayaking and snorkeling. The first three days we were not able to do our normal lesson because it was raining or the waves were too big.” By Ashton (Year 6) “On Tuesday when it was too windy, we went on an interesting walk through the dunes.” By Jack T (Year 6) “Aquatics was a fun activity where you can learn how to do sport at the beach.” By Sophia (Year 6)

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Captains Vice Captains

ILYA (Red) Matte Rennerts Hayley Richer Ange Wright

Nina Natoli Elliot Laffer Charlie Gustard

KUNGARI (Green) Trudi Day Nathan Andersen Tiana Grist

Angel Kean Skye Domoney Oscar Sartor

WANGAMI (Yellow) Abi Bush Tyson Young

James Hanna Cindy Bennetts Courtney Holbourn Tayah Ladhams

TUNDI (Blue) Lina Jak Edward Allen Zac Cooke

Tam Bakker Reece Bellon Joshua Russell



“We learnt a lot about surfing. Our instructor was Lee and she was nice and helpful!” By Ella (Year 6) “Aquatics was a blast! We learned the history of the sand dunes and it was my first time kayaking. I loved it.” By Lachie (Year 6) STUDENT LEADERSHIP 2019 – LEADERSHIP CAMP Yr 3-12 Student Captains attended a two day camp at Victor Harbor early this term. The aim of the camp was to provide an opportunity for the group to bond and develop their vision and goals for the year. Team building and leadership challenges activities, leadership planning, decision making and communication procedures were a focus for activities during the camp. The group will aim to bridge the gap between year levels, ensuring our school is a welcoming environment for all students, and increase a focus on ‘House’ activities to achieve their goal. Students enjoyed making new friends and their activities, even getting quite muddy and sandy at times, We look forward to what the student leaders of 2019 bring to our school community. YEAR 12 CAMP During week one students from the year 12 home group participated in the Amazing Race camp. Students were placed in teams and travelled around the Adelaide CBD and Glenelg, completing a range of challenges before finally arriving at their accommodation at West Beach. This involved students demonstrating their skills in problem solving and reasoning, collaboration, perseverance and patience. Despite several difficult moments throughout the day, students showed resilience and completed all of the tasks set with enthusiasm. Day two saw students discussing issues such as sleep, organisation and goal setting, to assist them with their Stage 2 studies this year.

CANTEEN NEWS - ROSTER There is now a roster on the front office desk for parents to sign up for individual 2 hour shifts. It would be great if more people could help out. It is really rewarding and good fun. PARENTS AND FRIENDS - HOUSE T-SHIRTS Sports Day is coming up on the 15th March and P&F is again selling HOUSE T-SHIRTS. Shirts are 100% cotton, have the MCAS logo and are available in sizes 4 Children through to XL Adults – so everyone can support their team even mums and dads! Shirts can be worn for Sports Day, PE classes and other House events. All sizes are $12 each and can be purchased from the front office or QKR! To have your T-Shirt in time for Sports Day please place you orders by Monday 25th February. Money raised from P&F activities goes to support school projects such as breakfast club, buddy bench and the junior school verandas. [email protected] https://www.facebook.com/groups/mtcompassparentsandfriends/


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Community News

mailto:[email protected]

https://www.facebook.com/groups/mtcompassparentsandfriends/


AMY DREWS (SOCIAL WORK STUDENT) - ‘INTRODUCING MYSELF’ Hi there! My name is Amy and I am a student social worker from Flinders University. I am currently in my third year of my bachelors degree and I am excited to be starting my first placement here at Mount Compass Area School. My role as a student social worker in this school is to guide students towards overall wellbeing which enables connection to learning and supporting students to reach their personal learning potentials. So to all students and parents reading this, please feel free to come have a chat with me. I look forward to meeting all of your lovely faces! FOOD & FIBRE EDUCATION SA (‘STEAM’ THEME) Back by popular demand, New Holland and Food and Fibre Education SA invites students in Year 10 to 12 to discover the world of agriculture and technology in South Australia by applying for our Full STEAM ahead scholarship. The theme of the camp is ‘STEAM’ - science, technology, engineering, agriculture and maths. THE ‘STEAM’ CAMP Running over four days, the camp will visit a range of metropolitan and regional areas showcasing different careers and opportunities in food production, plant science, livestock nutrition and animal genetics, agricultural science, agricultural engineering and food science. Meet potential employers, network with South Australian research scientists and industry experts, explore over 50 different careers and see which one suits you! Here you will try your hand at being a researcher, consultant or producer gaining valuable career networks and experience. ABOUT THE ‘STEAM’ SCHOLARSHIP CAMP Monday 8 to Thursday 11 April 2019 Meet industry experts and potential employers Learn about careers in food, fibre and agriculture WHO: Anyone in years 10 – 12 can apply! If you like science, are curious about where your food comes from or are considering a career in the industry we encourage you to apply. COST: FREE for 20 students only. Students will be assessed on their application. HOW TO APPLY: To apply simply complete the application form located on the Food and Fibre Educators website: foodandfibreeducationsa.com.au/education-programs/student-camps/ Applications close on Friday 15 March 2019.

Community News



TERM 1 2019

Term 1 Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

Week 5 February 25

February 26 Christian Options Year 7-12 2:00pm

February 27 Student Leaders

Parliament House

February 28 Adelaide 500

Year 9

March 1 JS Assembly 9:00am

Week 6 March 4 Governing Council

AGM 7:00pm Trade Training Centre

March 5 Canteen Pancakes on

Shrove Tuesday

March 6 Parents & Friends AGM 1:30pm Drama Room

March 7

March 8

Week 7 March 11 Adelaide Cup Public Holiday

March 12 Student Free Day

March 13 Year 11 & 12

Interviews

March 14

March 15 Sports Day

Week 8 March 18

March 19

March 20

March 21 Harmony Day

Canteen Special

March 22 NEWSLETTER

JS Assembly 9:00am

Week 9 March 25 NAPLAN

Year 8 Aquatics Camp

March 26 NAPLAN

Year 8 Aquatics Camp

March 27 NAPLAN

March 28 NAPLAN

March 29 NAPLAN

Week 10 April 1

April 2

April 3

April 4

April 5 Interschool Athletics

Week 11 April 8 Year 9 Aquatics

Year 10/11 Career Expo

April 9 Year 9 Aquatics

April 10

April 11

April 12 JS Assembly 9:00am

Whole School Assembly

End of Term 1 Finish Time 2:15pm

School Calendar


SCHOOL STREAM FREE APP Mount Compass Area School uses this fantastic app called School Stream. Parents/caregivers can receive instantaneous information, class news, newsletters, alerts, forms etc right on your phone. Just download following instructions below and enjoy this great app. 1. From your mobile device go to the App Store (iPhone/iPad) OR Google

Play (Android) search for School Stream and download the app to your phone

2. Make sure you agree to push notifications 3. Once School Stream has finished installing, open the app, type your

school name into the search THEN select your school

mount ompass area · asey station via regular video link and facebook. this is an exciting...

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