murray bridge high school · pdf fileben howard murraylands apex ... shayelan paech (donated...

Principal: Phil Fitzsimons 8532 1788 – Chairperson Governing Council: David Watson 0416 201 488

Murray Bridge High School

It is through working together, with respect, that we can achieve excellence

EST 1913

Excellence, Respect and Working Together Tel: 8532 1788 Fax: 8532 5335 Email: [email protected] www.murraybridgehs.sa.edu.au

From the Principal Phil Fitzsimons

Welcome to this week’s newsletter.

As this is the final newsletter for the year it is fitting to reflect on the events

that have taken place at the school throughout 2014.

2014 has been another remarkable year in the history of our school. With the

theme this year of Building a Culture of Success, we have continued to strive for

excellence in all aspects of school life and have achieved success in academic

outcomes, in the huge variety of activities in our co-curricular program and in a

wide range of community service projects, whilst maintaining a warm, friendly

school environment where the care and welfare of our students is utmost.

I feel privileged to have led this strong, vibrant school community through a

year of great achievement, both individual and collective, of our students, staff

and the school as a whole. It has also been a year of meticulous planning for

substantial enhancement and refurbishment of our school environment in

response to the school’s strong enrolment growth.

Schools play an integral role in their communities, and this year has seen our

school powering on and fulfilling our responsibilities in providing high quality

education for the Murray Bridge and surrounding areas.

There is much for which we can be proud. We have earned the right to hold

our heads high, applaud our successes and celebrate all the innovative

occurrences at Murray Bridge High.

We continue to aspire and strive to move from a good school to a great

school. We believe that we give you our best and each year provide the best

education and the best preparation for life.

In 2014, there were many events and achievements that captured the vision of

our school values really well and demonstrated what we have to offer at

Murray Bridge High School and the reasons we have to be proud of our school.

TERM 4, Week 9 – 8 December 2014

CALENDAR

TERM 4

Tuesday, 9 December

Parents& Friends – 5.30pm

Governing Council – 7pm

Friday, 12 December

Last day of Term 4 – 2pm dismissal

TERM DATES 2015

Term 1 Tue 27 Jan – Fri 10 Apr

Term 2 Mon 27 Apr – Fri 3 Jul

Term 3 Mon 20 Jul – Fri 25 Sep

Term 4 Mon 12 Oct – Fri 11 Dec

STUDENT FREE DAYS 2015

Tuesday, 10 March

Tuesday, 19 May

Friday, 5 June (Aust. Curriculum)

Friday – 27 November (Aust. Curriculum)

MBHS would like to wish you all a Merry

Christmas and a Safe and Happy New Year

Murray Bridge High School Newsletter 8 December 2014

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Introduction of new Prefects for 2015

We welcome our new Prefects for 2015.

Courtney Afford Phea-Jae Gage

Shaun Tyas Hayley Vardon

From the Principal Cont…

Some highlights included:

Continued success at the Mile End Athletics

Murray Bridge High School won the top-tier Rugby League SA

schools competition

Visit to Government House by the School Prefects

Ski Trip to Mt Hotham and Falls Creek, student visit to

Canberra and Sydney

Visit of students and staff from Funabashi High School –

continuing our long standing relationship between the 2

schools

Continued success of the SAASTA program and achievement

of both boys and girls in the Power Cup

The school being awarded the SAASTA Academy of the Year

and Miranda Mulder being awarded SAASTA Coordinator of

the Year

The moving Remembrance Day Service on November 11

along with our Prefects placing flags on the war graves at the

local cemetery

PE teacher Jeff Lines being recognised for his outstanding

contribution to Australian football in schools was one of 15

winners awarded the Coles AFL School Ambassador of the

Year.

Kalimna Roe- Simons and Rachel Anderson attended the 10th

Annual International Youth Interactive Friendship Camp held

in Shanghai. Only 4 students are chosen from all over

Australia to attend this camp and both were successful in

going.

Students Kedeisha Kartinyeri and Brad Wright were selected

into the 2014 Australian U18 National Basketball teams.

Prefect Ryan Varga’s artwork chosen to be represented in the

SACE Visual Art and Design exhibition at the Light Square

Gallery, Adelaide College of the Arts. This exhibition

showcases the best of the best artworks and designs from all

high schools in South Australia that present work for Year 12

moderation. These chosen artworks and designs then

become benchmark work used by the SACE board as

examples of cutting edge work produced by the students.

Success in the 2014 Australian Mathematics Competition for

Qunhui Zheng achieving a high distinction placing him in the

top 2% of Australian competitors in the senior division.

The completion of the memorial garden, proudly supported

by our local Bunnings store following the untimely death of

Molly Kneebone, a former student from Murray Bridge High

School.

The Artist in Residence program involving Adam Page

culminating in a memorable concert at the Town Hall

The Independent Learning Centre was awarded this year’s SA

Regional Awards winner in the Education Category sponsored

by Flinders University.

These are only just a few of the highlights achieved in what has

been an exceptionally productive and successful year.

As Principal of Murray Bridge High School I take great pride in the

student and staff achievements that have occurred over the last 12

months.

Striving to be a school of excellence requires a clear vision

that is supported by the entire school community. I

believe this is clearly evident in our school values

Excellence, Respect and Working Together and the role they

play in the core business of delivering the highest quality

education.

This school has many great teachers who are dedicated in

the job that they do and the hours they put in with a

strong determination to make a difference in the lives of

our students. In addition, we have a fantastic team of

support staff, who get on with the job of keeping this

school running.

I would like to acknowledge my long-time colleague and a

fantastic contributor to this school Lynton Hall, who is

retiring at the end of this year. Lynton was first appointed

to Murray Bridge High School in 1979. On behalf of the

entire school community I would like to thank Lynton for

his outstanding contribution, leadership and dedication he

has given to this school for over 35 years.

Other staff departures include Denise Muhlhan, who is also

retiring at the end of this year after 17 years’ service at

Murray Bridge High; David Hemer has won a position at

Marryatville High School, Ian Howard has won a position at

Willunga High School and Supriya Panjwani has won a

position at Adelaide High School. We wish them all the

very best at their new schools and thank them for their

contribution to our school.

On behalf of all the staff at Murray Bridge High School, I

would like to wish all students and their families a safe and

prosperous festive season. School returns on January 27, 2015.


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Presentation Night by Helen Peake

AWARD WINNERS

SPECIAL PRIZES Dux of School

(donated by Drs M & F Altmann and Mrs

Barb Quast, (Assistant Principal – Senior

School)

Qunhui Zheng

Kalimna Roe-Simons

Rachel Anderson

Liebelt Award of Excellence

(donated by Mr & Mrs R G Peake)

Katelyn McNamara

McLaren Scholarship

(donated by Mrs B & Mr G McLaren)

Cedric Garcia

McLaren Scholarship

(donated by Mr H & Mr D McLaren)

Monika Lloyd

Masonic Lodges Bursary

(donated by the Lodges of Murray Bridge,

Mypolonga and Sincerity)

Rachel Anderson

Michael Reardon

Long Tan Scholaraships

(donated by ADF)

Year 10 – Amber Symons

Year 12 – Kalimna Roe-Simons

Clair Harrop Memorial Award

(donated by Gary Harrop)

Michael Reardon

Murray Lodge IOOF Award

(donated by Murray Lodge)

Ben Howard

Murraylands Apex Australia Award

(donated by Murraylands Apex)

Alice Murunyurwe

Marj Byerlee Encouragement Award

(donated by the Ministry in Schools Task

group)

Mahalia Radburn

Glad Bonsor Memorial Award

(donated by the Soroptomists Club)

Ashleigh Reardon

Caltex Best Allrounder Award

(donated by the Caltex Australia)

Nikita Hein

Mi:mini Nragi

(donated by Aboriginal Education Faculty)

Kirsty Sumner

SERVICE AWARDS Mayor’s Service Award

(donated by Rural City of Murray Bridge)

Jordan Holmes

Head Prefect’s Award

(donated by Rotary Club of Tailem Bend)

Kayla McDiarmid

Luke Johnson

Deputy Head Prefect’s Award

(donated by Koh Architects)

Katelyn McNamara

Ryan Varga

Rotary Award (Service to School and

Community)

(donated by Rotary Club of Murray Bridge)

Ryan Varga

Hannah Smith

Clarine Weir

Service to the School Award

(donated by Managed Insurance Solutions)

Sabena Murphy-Philby

Consistent High Academic Achievement

Award

(donated Murray Bridge Auto Parts)

Ryan Varga

Academic Effort Award

(donated by Haig & Menzel)

Cadeau Bichengu

SPORTS AWARDS

Sportswoman of the Year

(donated by Mr R Nance)

Shayelan Paech

Sportsman of the Year

(donated by Murray Valley Standard)

Joel McFee

Frank Clarke Memorial Award

(donated by Mr Rod Davis)

Kedeisha Kartinyeri

SUBJECT PRIZES

English Studies

(donated by Ms Wendy Wells)

Rachel Anderson

English Communications

(donated by Rotary Club of Mobilong)

Nikita Hein

English as a Second Language

(donated by Thomas Foods International)

Qixun Huang


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Presentation Night Cont…. by Helen Peake

Middle School ESL


Wen Liu

Chinese Background Speakers Award


Amy Zhu

Year 10 English

(donated by Peter Semmler QC)

Hasna Jammoul

Specialist Mathematics

(donated by Adrian Pederick MP)

Qunhui Zheng

Mathematical Studies

(donated by Dr & Mrs R Thompson)

Qunhui Zheng

Mathematical Applications

(donated by Murdoch Insurance Brokers

Pty Ltd)

Stephanie Hagger

Clair Harrop Memorial (Year 10 Maths)

(donated by Mr G Harrop)

Skye McGrath

Chemistry

(donated by Des & Mim Warner)

Kalimna Roe-Simons

Physics

(donated McAlister Painters)

Kalimna Roe-Simons

Biology

(donated by Graham Quast Home Loans)

Hannah Smith

Agriculture Award

(donated by Mr & H Stephen)

Jennifer Whitehead

Cattle Handling

(donated by Murray Bridge Veterinary

Clinic)

Kimberly Hefford

Information Processing & Publishing

(donated by McCue’s Bakery)

Kayla McDiarmid

Information Technology

(donated by Murray Computer & Office

Shop)

Rachel Anderson

History

(donated by Daish Irrigation)

Luke Kluske

Business & Enterprise

(donated by Murray Bridge Business &

Tourism Inc)

Kayla McDiarmid

Legal Studies

(donated by Mason, Westover, Homburg)

Michael Reardon

Year 12 Dance

(donated by Murray Bridge Players’ &

Singers’)

Abby McINtosh

Year 12 Music


Singers’)

Kalimna Roe-Simons

Year 11 Drama


Singers’)

Tenille Schulz &

Chloe HutchessonVisual Arts

(donated by Artworks Framing & Gallery)

Ryan Varga

Year 12 Encouragement

(donated by Artworks Framing & Gallery)

Megan Lannan

The Tessa Whitworth Memorial Prize for

Year 11 Fine Arts

(donated by Mr & Mrs J Twigden)

Jessica Blythman

Physical Education

(donated by Hughes and Loveday)

Nikita Hein

Year 12 Health

(donated by Anderson Solicitors)

Nikita Hein

School Based Apprenticeship

(donated by Trade School for the Future)

Tori Wilson

Regional VET Award

(donated by DECD Industry Skills

Manager)

Nikia Heaven

School & Beyond

(donated by School & Beyond)

Tom Daniel

Australian National Chemical Analysis

Competition

Amber Smith, Stephanie Cranwell, Kalimna

Roe-Simons

REGIONAL DISABILITY UNIT AWARDS

Grantley Byrne – Excellence

Michael Ellsworth - Excellence

April Birrell – Outstanding Effort

Eddie Asel - Outstanding Effort

Abby-Rose Jones – Achievement

Thomas Heritage – Achievement

B J Wardle – Achievement Lee Lawton - Achievement


5

Year 8 Science SA Museum Excursion by Paula Hahesy

As part of their Year 8 Science course this year, students

have been studying Rocks and Minerals. To help reinforce

their learning in this area, students from the 8E, 8S and 8X

Science classes took a trip to the South Australian Museum

in Adelaide to see their extensive rocks and minerals

collections.

Students were given a guided

tour of the Minerals Gallery by

the Museum’s rocks and

minerals expert Terry and got a

chance to identify a range of

new rock types they hadn’t

seen at school. Students also

had a good look around the

Museum’s excellent biodiversity

gallery, following a discovery

trail to learn more about local

wildlife and ecosystems.

Many students commented on how much they enjoyed the

trip and the chance to build on the ideas they have learnt in

class this year.

Powerful Learning by Ruth Mussger

A group from the Murray Bridge High School community

ventured to Adelaide on the 13th November to listen to a

presentation by Professor Guy Claxton, an internationally

acclaimed writer, consultant, lecturer and academic.

He presented a case for schools to stretch young people’s

creativity, scepticism, resourcefulness, resilience, reflectiveness

and their ability to collaborate in order to build LEARNING

POWER. His mantra was that we can only exercise our

learning muscles if we struggle and enjoy the struggle. Claxton

went on to say that teachers and parents need to set the

scene to allow students to get stuck and work their way to

becoming unstuck- without rescuing them!

Murray Bridge High was represented by

teachers, students and a parent at the

conference. Shaun Tyas (left) was

invited by the TfEL Pilot Manager to

present Acknowledgement of Country

to the 250 participants and in the

afternoon Phea-Jae Gage also took

centre stage in presenting his insights

from the day.

Guy challenged all of us to consider his variety of suggestions

by putting them into one of three baskets:

Basket one- doing it already, common practice at our

school

Basket two – take away and implement tomorrow

Basket three – our school isn’t ready for this yet.

It was exciting to be able to fill basket one with things we are

currently doing or strategies we have implemented this year,

such as student voice in learning and students leading the

learning.

Staff representing the Culture of Success committee discussed

the research that Guy presented on how we as teachers

nationwide ‘rescued’ our students too quickly, in effect

‘stealing’ the learning opportunity from the students. He

commented that if we are to develop resilience in learning we

need to force students to use think time effectively and not

rely on the teacher giving the answer. Two strategies we

thought we could try in basket two included students

developing STUCK posters for their classrooms which gives

them a process and suggestions to follow to aid the decision

making process. A technique for teachers ‘try 3 before me’

encourages students to try 3 different techniques (ie ask a

friend, refer to notes, or break down the question into

segments and try the bits that are understood) before asking

the teacher.

The work of Professor Guy Claxton is available on line for

anyone interested to read more. I also extend an invitation to

any student or parent/caregiver interested in joining our

Culture of Success committee to ring me for more information.

Phea-Jae Gage (2nd from right) presents on the day


6

Year 10 German Excursion by Janeka Box on behalf of the Year 10 German class.

The Year 10 German class have been learning about Germans

in Australia, and as a part of our learning we went on a bus

ride to Adelaide. After arriving into Adelaide we walked along

the streets and looked at a small German business and also

spent some time at the Adelaide Central Market taste testing

different German foods.

After leaving the Market the weather decided to turn nasty as

it began to rain. We walked to the German Club of Adelaide

where we ordered our meals and ate a nice lunch. Some

students had a great experience talking to some elderly

German people; we also heard them sing some Christmas

carols in German. After leaving the Club we walked to the

tram stop and caught the tram to the Festival Theatre where

Mr Geiger picked us up in the bus and we drove back to

school.

It was a great day and we all learnt a lot about different aspects

of the German culture.

Adelaide CBD Excursion by Russell Wotton

On Thursday, Week 6, Mr Wotton, Ms Clark and Ms Zhang

took Year 8 and 9 Geography and Chinese students to

Adelaide for an urbanisation and cultural experience

excursion. Starting at Montefiore Hill and meandering our

way to the Adelaide Central Market, we stopped to look at

how the city has changed over time and reflect on the

design of the C.B.D. Unfortunately it was a very rainy day in

Adelaide which meant that everyone was soaked by the

time we got to Chinatown! Luckily we could warm up with

some hot food from the International Food Court before

exploring Chinatown and Gouger Street. On the way back

to Murray Bridge we stopped at SA Health’s Glenside

Campus where we looked at how heritage listed buildings

are being reused and revitalised.

Supporting those in need by Helen Peake

During November the staff and students of MBHS rallied

together to collect non-perishable food items to help fill

Christmas hampers for the homeless.

The ac.care initiative was fully embraced by the members

of the school community and on Wednesday 3rd

December Jo Jennings, on behalf of ac.care, took delivery

of the goods. Thank you to everyone who donated

goods. We know they are going to a very good cause.


7

Trade Training Centre Update by Greg Fulwood

As the year comes to a close at the Lower Murray Trade

Training Centre (LMTTC) there are still a number of students

and trainees attending exciting courses that present them with

wonderful opportunities to sample small pieces of different

careers.

Mr Cox’s Year 10 Electro Technology

As can be seen in the photograph Mr Cox’s students have

been able to design circuits for a number of different projects.

Shown is a student testing his circuit with a power supply and

oscilloscope.

Mr Berresfords Year 10 Metal & Year 9 CAD

These students have used the design programs available in

the ICT suite of the LMTTC to design family crests or other

interesting shapes to mill from plastic using the Roland mill

whilst others have engraved shapes in timber which will be

used as moulds to pour pewter into to make jewellery.

Doorways 2 Construction

Trainees in this course had their final two days attending

training in “Working in Confined Spaces” conducted at the

LMTTC by TAFE SA trainer Mr Geoff Salvestro. While

having a large theory component the course also enabled the

trainees to gain experience in using breathing apparatus and

practicing the “buddy” system of support.

The LMTTC also ran two short courses on campus last week

for students from around the local cluster of schools. They

were “Responsible Service of Alcohol” (RSA) and “Barista”.

The RSA students were instructed in the responsibility of

service of alcohol with all its legal requirements.

The Barista students had a great time learning the intricacies

of making short blacks, cappuccino, latté and all other variants

that an accomplished Barista might be able to produce together with the responsibility of cleanliness in the process.


8

Year 8 Aquatics by Helen Partridge

During week 6, Year 8 students had the opportunity to

participate in aquatics at the Murraylands Aquatic Centre.

Students attended for 2 days each where they participated in

various activities including: kayaking, sailing, skiing,

kneeboarding, fishing and rowing.

During the time, students were out of their comfort zone

and were able to build on new and exciting skills. The

students represented the school in a positive and productive

manner bringing credit to themselves, their

parents/caregivers and the school community.

We would like to thank Gary Hodge and all of the

instructors for the time we spent at the Aquatic Centre and

we look forward to continuing with this positive activity.

Tri-State Games by Rachel Baltussen

In early November a number of Year 10 students were given the

opportunity to volunteer at the Tri-state games.

This event involves adult intellectually disabled teams from Victoria,

NSW and SA to compete in a variety of activities from running and

swimming to discos and dinners. It is a great opportunity for

parents/carer’s and participants to socialise every year. The Tri-

state games is an enormous community event that Murray Bridge

High School was privileged to be a part of.

The students who attended were given bright florescent vests to

wear as they officiated athletic events and various activities. These

days were both held at the Unity oval and the Murray Bridge Show

Grounds respectively. As one of the supporting teachers who

assisted with this excursion I can tell you that the students were

very much inspired by the ability, age, disabilities and participation

from all of the participants from New South Wales, Victoria and

South Australia. Some of the students provided the following

comments;

“Today was one of the best days of the school year to help

volunteer at the tri-state games. Helping out today was one of the

best experiences I’ve ever had and I’m so glad I got to see

everyone having so much fun”. Hasna Jamal

“Today was the best! I loved watching and helping everyone who

was competing have so much fun. This was one of the best things

I’ve ever done, it was such a great feeling to be involved in this

event”. Harley Downs

LOST PROPERTY If your child is missing any school

clothing eg. polo shirts, windcheaters or rugby tops, please come and look in

the lost property box in the Student Services Office before the end of term.


9

ILC Mural ‘A World of Opportunities’ by Jo Heward

A mural at the Independent Learning Centre was

unveiled recently. The art work depicts what the ILC

means to its students; their dreams and aspirations for

the future and how ILC has helped the students achieve

them.

Early this year the art class at the Independent Learning

Centre looked at various ideas for a mural. The design

selected by the class was from Megan Kluske. Megan

wanted to depict that at the ILC everyone was given

opportunities to grow in a flexible learning environment

that helps them to be successful learners and become

independent, confident adults ready to enter the world.

Throughout the development of the mural Megan sought

help and feedback from students in the art group and

they are rightly proud of the final result.

Mural “A World of Opportunities’ Megan Kluske and

teacher Caroline Holland

School Watch Christmas School Holidays

Christmas School holidays start in South

Australia on Friday 12th December 2014 and

students return to school on Tuesday 27th

January 2015. With the impending Christmas

School Holidays Police are asking everyone in

the community to keep an eye on local schools.

Staff, students, parents and members of the

community can assist police to keep schools

safe and free from damage by reporting any

suspicious activity to police on 131 444.

Presentation Day Thursday, 27 November 2014

Over 90 students, parents/caregivers attended our Presentation

Day at the ILC.

Guest presenters included Lorraine Baker, Regional Manager,

Workskil; Tara Atrill, Attendance Officer and Social Worker,

Regional Office DECD and Elona Koop, Murraylands ICAN

Programme Manager.

Many students were acknowledged for their achievements in

semester 2 and we are very proud of all their efforts.

Congratulations to the following students who are eagerly

awaiting for their SACE results for 2014!

Dwayne Martin Kyle Smith

Elisha Boyle-Richards Kate Melville

Anna Hefron Lisa Whitaker

Steven Harvey Megan Kluske

Bradley Stephens Steven Jackson

Brennen Barnes Chris Davis

Renae Mildwaters Ceyda Sen

Brittany Nash Shelyn Wilkinson

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

The ILC will re-open on Tuesday 27 January 2015.

Uniform Shop opening times for January 2015

Monday, 19/1/15 8.30am – 4pm

Tues, Wed, Thurs & Fri 20/1/15 – 23/1/15 8.30am – 12.30pm.


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murray bridge high school · pdf fileben howard murraylands apex ... shayelan paech (donated...

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