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U n i v e r s i t y s e n i o r C o l l e g e

December 2017 newsletter

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From the prinCipal

Anita Zocchi

This is our final newsletter for 2017 and is an opportunity for me to thank our entire school community. I wish to acknowledge the wonderful efforts of our teaching and support staff who diligently support our students as they strive to be the very best they can, not only academically but socially and emotionally also.

This year’s Graduation Ceremony was a fitting way for our Year 12s to conclude their secondary education. The talents of our students were epitomised in the performances on the evening and in the manner that our hosts conducted themselves, positively representing the student body. It was a genuine pleasure for me to have had the opportunity to congratulate each and every graduate. I know that the Mentor teachers were equally proud and felt privileged to undertake that final task with their mentees. The sense of camaraderie amongst the students was palpable as they congratulated each other for their achievements. Events such as the Graduation do not occur without significant organisation and work behind the scenes and I would particularly like to thank all of the Year 12 Mentors, Murray Thompson, Lisa Temple and Tash Pressley.

The Year 11 students completed their year well also, and attended the Transition lectures with optimism and focus, signalling that they understand the new challenges in front of them in 2018. It is important however; that our Year 11 students enjoy their summer break and return to USC in 2018 rested and rejuvenated.

At this time I would also like to

encourage parents to complete the survey sent out last week on the reporting format. This feedback is vital to us and will provide us with a better understanding of parent perspectives and expectations with regard to our reporting processes. Thank you to those parents who have already completed this survey.

I would like to acknowledge staff who will not be with us in 2018 and thank them sincerely for their dedication to their students and USC during their time with us.

Martin Gray was one of the founding staff members of USC. He was and is known as a most passionate and driven Drama and English teacher. Fiercely passionate about USC, Martin was very proud of all the students he taught and a number went on to be recognised more widely in their artistic fields. Another trait that must be mentioned is Martin’s sense of humour, always clever, although at times, teetering on the edge. Martin has left USC to take up a position at the SACE Board. On behalf of the USC community, I thank Martin for his passion, his dedication to the school, drama and theatre, and to each of the students he taught. Martin Gray has influenced many lives in the most positive way.

Mishka Ammann has been a member of the USC staff since 2010. Passionate about supporting emerging visual artists, Mishka has been a strong motivator of students, and encouraged them to achieve their best. Her knowledge and skill have been great enablers for her students, and is reflected in the fact that there has been a consistent representation of her students’ work in the SACE Art Show. She has always been interested in the career paths of her former students. Mishka has been the Year 12 Mentor Support person for the last three years and has worked positively with Lisa Temple to ensure that the Mentoring program at Year 12

is flexible and relevant and events such as the formal run smoothly and successfully.

Kate Cutts has been a member of the USC community for 13 years. USC was Kate’s first appointment as a teacher and she quickly took on the challenge as Year 11 Dean and then Director of Teaching and Learning. Kate’s passion for teaching Psychology is well recognised around the state. She has received recognition locally and nationally, presenting at various conferences in Adelaide and interstate. Her expertise, particularly in the area of Positive Education has also been widely sought after. Kate undertook various leadership roles within the SACE Board in relation to assessment and moderation and the development of Psychology as a subject in South Australia. She also has taken a leading role in the training of new teachers in Psychology with the Science Teachers Association as well as working the students in the School of Education at the University of Adelaide, in relation to Psychology. Kate’s work at USC has been characterised as a high level efficiency. During her time at USC, Kate was also awarded a Masters in Education. The school wishes Kate well in her future endeavours.

Finally I would like to thank Vaughn Huddleston, Yasmin Ismail and Josie Kloverkorn for their work and professionalism during 2017. These teachers demonstrated their passion and deep knowledge of their various discipline and we were fortunate to have had them as part of our community. We wish them well in 2018.

I hope all members of our school community have the opportunity to enjoy family and friends over the holiday period and look forward to seeing our students, staff and parents in 2018.

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s From the Principal 2

Important Dates 3

SACE Results 2017 4

From the Year 12 Dean 5

From the Year 11 Dean 6

USC student awarded the Summer Program 6 at Berklee College

USC Coffee Cups for Sale 7

Art and Design Exhibition 7

Join the Strikers Girls League USC Cricket Team 8

Trauma Teddies - USC Community Knit for the 9 Red Cross

The 2018 Adelaide Fringe Showcase 9

Old Scholars’ Participate in the Ingenuity 2017 9 Showcase

Shuddersome 10

SA Secondary Schools State Constitutional 10 Convention

Acknowledging Young Change Makers 11

important Dates2018 term Dates0 Week Monday 29 January – Friday 2 February

Term 1 Monday 5 February – Friday 13 April

Term 2 Monday 30 April – Friday 6 July

Term 3 Monday 23 July – Friday 28 September

Term 4 Monday 15 October – Thursday 6 December

January 20188 USC Office Reopens

31 Year 11 Orientation - Day 1 Year 12 Information Day

February 20181 Year 11 Orientation - Day 2

3 Scholarship Testing

5 Term 1 Commences

14 Year 11 Mentoring

15 Year 12 Parent Information Night & Meet the Mentors

22 Year 11 Parent Information Night & Meet the Mentors

25 USC Open Day

t: 08 8313 4988 | e: usc@adelaide.edu.au | w: usc.adelaide.edu.au

SACE RESULTS 2017Council and staff are delighted to announce the excellent South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE) results achieved by the University Senior College Class of 2017. The students and their families can feel proud that all the hard work and dedication generated such positive outcomes.Dux of School: Nix Herriot ATAR: 99.95 Merits: Australian and International Politics, Classical Studies, English Literary Studies, Modern History, Visual Arts - ArtProximae Accessit: (equal) ATAR 99.90George Ding Merits: Chemistry, Mathematical Methods, Physics, Specialist Maths

Andrew Makestas Merit: Chemistry (2016 Merits: Biology, Mathematical Studies, Physics, Research Project)

Sungmin (Katie) KimMerit: Chemisty, Biology

Nix Herriot received the 2017 Governor of South Australia CommendationThe following 16 students are in the top 1% of the nation with an ATAR above 99:Nix Herriot 99.95 Laura Kelly 99.5George Ding 99.9 Jason Favretto 99.45Andrew Makestas 99.9 Yifan (Yvonne) Gao 99.45Sungmin (Katie) Kim 99.9 Claudia Ciccarello 99.4Revania Pillay 99.8 Ruby Preece 99.4Emilia Cutler 99.75 Carlie Frantzis 99.4Milly Copping James 99.6 Joshua Watt 99.35Natalie Parent 99.6 Jason Ducker 99.25The following 10 students secured an ATAR between 98 and 98.9, placing them in the top 2% of the nation:Sarah Endlich 98.9 Boyang (Gwen) Liu 98.45River Huntington 98.9 Name not disclosed 98.35Zahrah Azman 98.7 Isla Heath 98.25Alicia Barron 98.65 Joshua Ewers 98Anushri Goswami 98.55 Philippa McAuliffe 9828.2% of the cohort secured an ATAR above 95, placing them in the top 5% of the nation61.7% of the cohort secured an ATAR above 80. The Median ATAR for 2017 was 86.9There were a total of 78 A+ grades awarded across the cohort, including 48 Merits in the following subjects:Australian and International Politics 1 Mathematical Methods 5Biology 9 Modern History 1Chemistry 7 Physics 2Classical Studies 1 Psychology 7Economics 1 Research Project B 3English 2 Solo Performance 1English as an Additional Language 1 Specialist Maths 1English Literary Studies 1 Visual Arts – Art 1 General Mathematics 3 Visual Arts – Design 1The following students were selected by the SACE Board to participate in the 2018 SACE Art Show: Leighton Elliott, Katherine Moore and Hannah Yeomans

Your Pathway to University

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From the year 12 Dean

Lisa Temple

The USC Graduation Ceremony was held on Thursday 7 December in Elder Hall. It is a rite of passage celebrating the time that each student has spent at USC. During the course of the ceremony, mentor groups were called to the stage and each student was announced, presented to the Principal and given a Graduation Report, USC Yearbook and Graduation Certificate.

Academic Awards in each subject were presented to the highest achiever in Year 12 course work. Two other prizes were also presented, the Wilberforce Award in Legal Studies and the Dr P.D. Goldsworthy Award for Creative Writing.

Congratulations to all students!

DEAR PARENTS OF YEAR 11 STUDENTS USC began our formal support of your son or daughter’s Year 12 studies with the Transition Lectures on Tuesday 5 December and Wednesday 6 December. In combination with the Year 12 Information Day (Wednesday 31 January 2018) and the Introductory Mentor Interview, the Transition Lectures provide for a ‘smooth’ start for Year 12 studies in 2018.

The Transition Lecture program commenced with an Introduction to Year 12 Studies’ and was followed by lectures in each of the Year 12 subjects. This program introduces students to the ‘lecture’ style of learning and provides them with some preparatory tasks to be completed before the start of Term 1, 2018.

We invite you to join us at the ‘Meet the Mentor’ Year 12 evening on Thursday 15 February 2018. This evening will focus on wellbeing and provide an opportunity for you to meet your son or daughter’s Mentor for 2018.

All the staff of USC look forward to working with the 2018 Year 12 students.

Academic Awards Year 12 RecipientsAccounting Carlie FrantzisAustralian and International Politics Nicholas Herriotbiology Carlie Frantzischemistry George Dingchinese (background speakers) Wenhao (Robin) Liclassical studies Nicholas HerriotDrama studies Emma Trumbleeconomics Anushri Goswamienglish Revania PillayEnglish as an Additional Language Yifan (Yvonne) Gaoenglish literary studies Nicholas HerriotGeography Edward FosdikeGeneral Mathematics Natalie Parentlegal studies Anushri GoswamiMathematical Methods (Double) George DingMathematical Methods (Single) Emilia Cutlermodern History Nicholas Herriotmusic Emma TrumblePhysics George DingPsychology Anushri Goswamiresearch Project Ruby PreeceSpecialist Mathematics George DingVisual Arts - Art Nicholas HerriotVisual Arts - Design Katherine Moorewilberforce Award in legal studies Alicia BarronDr P.D. Goldsworthy Creative Writing Nicholas Herriot

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Simon Sypek

The end of year was definitely a busy time for the Year 11 students as they were finishing up their final assessments and sitting their Semester 2 exams. Each subject, with the exception of the Research Project and Drama, has a compulsory exam, making up 20% of the USC percentage result. This final USC percentage, based on both course work and the exam, is considered a good indication of readiness for Year 12 and revision for the exams was a top priority for all Year 11 students.

After the exams students shifted their focus to transition to Year 12. The school year for Year 11 finished with report distribution at a Transition Interview with Mentors on Thursday 7 December.

At our final Mentoring assembly our Principal, Anita Zocchi, presented the Year 11 Academic Awards for each subject. I pass on my congratulations to not just the award winners but to every student who has worked hard to achieve their best and get the most out of the Year 11 USC experience. The skills, knowledge and lessons learnt in the last 10 months have better prepared each and every one of our students for the academic rigors of Year 12.

It is with great pride that I say farewell to the 2017 Year 11 students and I wish them all the best in their future studies.

Academic Awards Year 11 RecipientsAccounting Rizelle FontelarAncient studies Jennifer MulderAustralian and International Politics Kayla Masonbiology Pia Delucachemistry Stephanie Parkchinese (background speakers) Kexin (Chloe) GaoDrama studies Kayla Masoneconomics Angela Watzdorfenglish as a second language Ji Young Soenglish Sophie RobertsonGeography Grace Russell-Jarvielegal studies Kate LandonGeneral Mathematics Amelia WestMathematical Methods Hock Leng (Ian) Ngmodern History Kayla Masonmusic George ParaskevaPhysics Stephanie ParkPsychology Saiyuri PillaySpecialist Mathematics Stephanie ParkVisual Arts - Art Flynn HoltVisual Arts - Design Saiyuri Pillay

From the year 11 Dean

USC student awarded the Summer Program Scholarship at Berklee College

USC Year 11 student Rory Adams, attended the prestigious Berklee College of Music Five Week Summer Performance Program in Boston, USA earlier this year on a full scholarship. This amazing opportunity allowed him to fully immerse himself in the college lifestyle, taking classes in all aspects of music from the college professors. There were musicians from more than 70 countries, for the summer of a lifetime with a focus on the musical environment that is pure performance.

Artists who have previously participated in the Five Week Summer Program include Charlie Puth, Meghan Trainor and Imagine Dragons.

In addition to the performance opportunities that Rory had, working alongside talented instrumentalists and vocalists from all across the globe, the program included studies in songwriting, music history, theory in performance, musicianship, vocal technique and performance skills.

Whilst participating in the program he also auditioned to study post-school at the College and was awarded a scholarship to their undergraduate program.

Rory said “It was a chance to learn more about the world and how music is able to connect people of all different faiths and backgrounds. I am extremely thankful for all the teachers and staff at USC for helping make this trip possible and for being so supportive in helping me catch up on the work I missed.”

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USC Coffee Cups for SaleUSC has reusable Coffee Cups for sale as part of its War on Waste. The colourful flip top reusable cups are available for purchase from the Jordan Building Reception and Charles Street Campus Reception for $6.50. From each cup sold, $1.00 will be donated to trees for life.

The organisation, responsible cafes is building a culture of reuse by connecting cafés and coffee lovers based on a simple idea: BYO cup and get a discount. Cafés offer customers with BYO cups a small discount (usually 30-50 cents, some up to $1.00 off). Every café gets listed on a national map, so if you have your cup ready but don’t know where to take it, find your nearest participating cafe here.

Coffee shops located close to University Senior College campuses include:

• Grass Roots Adelaide Uni (50c discount)

• Oxfam Shop Takeaway (50c discount)

• Jamaica Blue, Myer Centre (10% discount)

• Coopers Burger Shack & Coffee Central (30c discount)

• Grind and Press Café Adelaide Uni (50c discount)

• Foods for Life (30c discount)

• Bean Bar (50c discount)

Choose to Reuse – The Future Starts with You

Art and Design Exhibition 2017The Year 12 Art and Design Exhibition on the 7 November 2017 was again a wonderful night. We appreciate the support of a record number of people who came to enjoy the art, the company and the fine supper. Friends, parents, grandparents, teachers and even prospective students filled Level 1 with a spirit of enthusiasm and warmth. The Year 12s can be proud of the individual and imaginative work they presented.

Our inspirational guest speaker Ruth Flaherty assured us that the young designers promoting their brands in this show will be the designers of the future. The talent displayed by the Art and Design students will continue to enrich their lives and yours.

Congratulations to Hannah Yeomans and Ali Hearne who won the Barr-Smith Library Prize. Pleasingly, four of the students have also been asked to give a presentation next year about their process to guide and inspire an audience of Year 12 students at the Art Gallery.

Thank you to everyone who contributed so much to make this a memorable and enjoyable event.

mishka Ammann and michele blackmanArt and Design Teachers

Join the strikers Women’s leagUe UsC CriCket team! Adelaide University Female Cricket Program• Immediate playing opportunities• A new development focussed team, playing in the Adelaide Turf Cricket Association’s (ATCA) newly formed Women’s competition• Training at University Oval (across the river from USC) – currently at 5.30pm on Tuesday, but can be tailored to suit a group of USC players• Current and past USC students, friends and relatives all welcome to join• Matches are Sunday afternoons – Twenty20 format, lasting about 3 hours• All coaching provided and absolute beginners are very welcome

Or join the USC team in the Adelaide Uni Sport Women’s competition in February/March 2018:

• Term 1 Summer competition mid/late February 2018 to end March • A USC side that could be made up of current or past students, their friends & relatives• Probably a four game competition, with a final at the end• 9-a-side T20 cricket format for women aged 16 through to 18• Games played on a weekday afternoon or evening• Everyone bats and bowls, modified rules to suit skill level• Training and fully accredited coach available

If you are interested, please contact Carmen Bishop carmen.bishop@adelaide.edu.au or Jordan Reception for more information.

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Trauma Teddies – USC Community Knit for the Red Cross

Staff, parents, friends and students of University Senior College have collectively knitted 72 Trauma Teddies for the Red Cross. On Wednesday 15 November, a few members of our Trauma Teddy knitting community were treated to afternoon tea and presented with certificates of appreciation. Representatives from the South Australian Red Cross also attended to personally thank our volunteers and to let them know how important these teddies are to the members of the community they help.

Across Australia, tens of thousands of Trauma Teddies are given out each year to help reduce the suffering of people – mostly children – affected by fire, floods or other disasters.

The Trauma Teddy was conceived in 1990 when Richard Hamilton, then superintendent of Campbelltown (NSW) ambulance service, saw a teddy bear given to a child being treated by the ambulance service in Camden. He was impressed by the calming effect the bear had on the child so, through his mother, Vera Hamilton, he asked Red Cross to assist in providing more bears for children treated by the ambulance.

Red Cross swung into action and the Trauma Teddy was born. Norma Elder organised a suitable pattern, a team of knitters, some wool and stuffing – and production began. The rest is history.

Old Scholars Participate in the Ingenuity 2017 Showcase

On Tuesday 31 October, the University of Adelaide’s Faculty of Engineering, Computer and Mathematical Science (ECMS) students participated in the Ingenuity 2017 Showcase at the Adelaide Convention Centre. Ingenuity is a vibrant and impressive display of student projects, research and program offerings.

Former University Senior College students Jason Tosolini (‘13), Samuel Bost (‘12), David Ewers (‘13), Lochlan Campbell (‘12) and Joshua De Bricassart-Brown (‘12) are to be congratulated on their Honours project exhibition.

Pure grit, exceptional teamwork and collaboration communication showcased excellent research projects.

The 2018 Adelaide Fringe ShowcaseIn March 2018, the Charles Street Drama Theatre will once again come alive with an eclectic range of performances for USC’s Fringe entry the ‘USC Showcase’.

If you would like further information on how you can participate, please contact Drama Teacher, Lynn Jackson on lynn.jackson@adelaide.edu.au or Music Teacher Dave Garwood on david.garwood@adelaide.edu.au.

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Secondary Schools’ State Constitutional Convention

The SA Secondary School State Constitutional Convention is a conference conducted annually by the State government, to unite secondary school students with similar ambitions regarding societal progress and the government’s role in it. On Thursday 26 October, Grace and I joined over 60 other students in the South Australian House of Assembly, to engage in constitutional based discussions, with highly qualified government and university professionals. The topic being debated was, “Should Australia become a Republic?”.

This topic, in itself, was extremely interesting to explore with my peers, as the responses from students were not only indicative of personal beliefs but also trends within my generation and how we approach conservative, traditionalist views. I gathered invaluable information not only from students but also the lecturers who were brought in to speak to the group and to further our understanding of what it means to be a republic – and why this could be bad or good. One speaker who I was particularly excited to hear from, and also converse with after, was Dr. Haydon Manning, Associate Professor of Politics and Public Policy at Flinders University. He spoke about what it means to be liberal, conservative, and democratic, as well as presenting his own thoughts on the importance of youth in politics. Hearing Dr Manning’s views, furthered the passion I hold for Australia’s future progress through our current youth.

During this day, we interacted with fellow students from participating schools, working together to form arguments against or for the Republic of Australia. Completing activities like this personally allowed me to gauge an understanding of how political compromises can be made in groups, as we all discussed and agreed on varying points. The debate itself, also held in the House of Assembly was extremely open and non-judgemental, allowing objectivity. Despite a tight vote, the group voted in favour of an Australian Republic. This experience was incredible in developing my public speaking, teamwork skills, confidence, and knowledge regarding Australia’s Constitution.

sophieYear 11 Legal Studies Student

ShuddersomeIn Week 2, Year 11 Drama students performed ‘Shuddersome’, a play which presents the stories of Edgar Allen Poe in a series of short scenes, showcasing not only the students’ acting skills, but also musical, recitation and dance talents. This production was strongly supported by costume and set designers who added visually stunning elements, to draw the scenes together into a cohesive show. Congratulations to all involved.

aCknoWleDging yoUng Change makersUniversity Senior College has begun the search for young change makers who are making a difference in the community; to nominate for the ‘University Senior College Create Change Award’, part of the Channel 9 Young Achiever Awards.

The ‘University Senior College Create Change Award’ will recognise young people who are driving activities, programs and initiatives that promote or create change. The ‘Create Change Award’ acknowledges and celebrates the commitment young people make in achieving or participating in positive activities that empower change locally, nationally and/or internationally; the young people who have ambition and seek to challenge the status quo, using their passions and skills to push the boundaries.

This award is open to both individuals or youth groups who are providing youth a platform and voice to discuss and stimulate ideas about innovating change in their local region and identifying pathways for change in the future. We would be delighted to receive nominations from or on behalf of young community contributors who are making their local community a better place to live.

Nominations are now open in the following categories:

• University Senior College Create Change Award

• First National Real Estate Innovation Award

• Websters Lawyers Service to the Community Award

• Rural Doctors Workforce Agency Rural Health Award

• Multicultural Youth South Australia Spirit of Resilience Award

• Scouts SA Leadership Award

• Santos Regional Service Award

• Department for Communities and Social Inclusion Aboriginal Achievement Award

• Worldwide Sports Award

• The Coffee Club Arts and Fashion Award

• The University of Adelaide STEM Award

• WFI Insurance Small Business Achiever Award

Category winners will each receive a $1,000 prize courtesy of Axsys, along with a $1,000 Bartercard account and a trophy. One of the 12 winners will be chosen as the Premier’s Channel 9 Young Achiever of the Year and will receive a State trophy, a further $2,000 from Axsys and an additional $1,000 Bartercard account plus a Hilton Hotels holiday package provided by Hilton Adelaide.

To submit a nomination, go online to www.awardsaustralia.com/sayaa and click ‘Nominate Now.’

Nominations close Friday 19 January 2018. For assistance please contact the Awards Office on 8132 0753 or by email sa@awardsaustralia.com.

For more information about the ‘University Senior College Create Change Award’ please contact Carmen Bishop, Director of Marketing and Community Relations by email at carmen.bishop@adelaide.edu.au or by phone on 08 8313 4988 or 0422 885 409.

View the 2017 Award Winners

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University Senior College The University of Adelaide North Terrace Adelaide SA 5005

Telephone: +61 8 8313 4988 Facsimile: +61 8 8313 4887

Email: usc@adelaide.edu.au

www.usc.adelaide.edu.au