Murray Bridge High School

NEWSLETTER

Term 1: Issue 1 3 February 2020 Excellence Respect Working together Principal: Ruth Mussger 8531 9500 Chairperson Governing Council: Cathy Smith 0408 336 469

Principal’s page

Hello and a warm welcome to parents, caregivers and friends of Murray Bridge High School.

As we all know it has been a difficult start to summer in our neighbouring districts and Kangaroo Island, and many of us know of family and friends who have either been impacted or have been the crucial support both during the fires and into the recovery stage. I am already aware of a number of initiatives that staff and students of Murray Bridge High School will be involved in this term to acknowledge the work of volunteers and also support environmental regeneration. Our school also plays a critical role in supporting students during difficult times, and if you believe that your child may have ongoing concerns that may impact on learning please contact our wellbeing team through the front office.

This year I am joined by a committed executive team who drive improvement priorities.

Paula Hahesy, Deputy Principal

Michael Pater, Assistant Principal, Director of Curriculum

Darren O’Connor, Assistant Principal, Director of Engagement and Wellbeing

Penny Conway, Assistant Principal, Director of Diversity and Inclusion

Tiahne Wareing, Assistant Principal, Director of Entrepreneurial Learning

Bryce Gillett, Business Manager

This year has started positively with the announcement of teacher Helen Peake being awarded Murray Bridge’s ‘Citizen of the Year’. We are so proud and congratulate her on this prestigious award. Helen has forged strong relationships within the town over many years and continually finds ways to connect our young people with the local community. She has also been the driving force in the International Student Exchange program, including the yearly visit from Funabashi Municipal High School. Helen is currently gauging interest in a cultural exchange to Japan for next year, and more will come out about this in following newsletters.

As a school we value inclusion and enabling all of our students to reach their highest potential. For students with disabilities and learning difficulties this includes structured intervention programs within classrooms and two specialised classes known as ELO (Equal Learning Opportunities). This year we have changed the name of the third option, formally known as the Disability Unit. From now on it will be called the Inclusive Education Centre (IEC), as it continues to provide a high quality, targeted and challenging learning environment for students with Intellectual Disabilities and Autism.

Over the holidays we congratulated Natalie Pearson and Adrian Perkins on the birth of their son, Rory Perkins. Adrian has decided to take leave for term one, and the Year 8 Student Pathways role will be filled by Ty Burkett.

We strive to continually improve communication with parents and caregivers. If you have any questions or concerns for subject related issues please contact the teacher in the first instance, and the Home Class teacher for general information. In the busy life of a school it is very difficult to speak to teachers immediately. Contact can be made through email, or phone the front office and Ros will inform the person that you wish to be contacted. Teachers and leaders will respond as soon as they are able, within 24hrs of your initial contact.

A couple of key dates for this term. We will be holding a ‘Meet your Teachers’ evening for families of all year levels on Monday 17th February between 5 and 6.30 pm. The event will be a relaxed sausage sizzle in the quadrangle with all teachers available and I hope you can join us.

The role of Governing Council members will be an exciting and transformational one in 2020. Our first meeting is on 25th February at 6 pm in the Conference Room. We have many decisions to make in preparation of Year 7 students to High School, and overseeing the $20 million build, starting later this term. I value the voice of parents and caregivers as we evaluate progress and improvement priorities. Unlike primary schools, our Governing Council does not get involved in fundraising activities and we have two meetings per term. If you would like more information please contact me on Ruth.Mussger468@schools.sa.edu.au or by phone to talk to me about what it entails.

Lohmann Street, Tel: +61 8 8531 9500 Email: dl.0785.info@schools.sa.edu.au PO Box 1584, Fax: +61 8 8531 9595 Website: www.murraybridgehs.sa.edu.au Murray Bridge SA 5253

Entrepreneurial Specialist School and Music Focus School

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Murray Bridge High School Newsletter 3 February 2020

MBHS Executive Team Ruth Mussger - Principal Paula Hahesy - Deputy Principal Michael Pater - AP - Curriculum Darren O’Connor - AP – Engagement &Wellbeing Tiahne Wareing - AP - Entrepreneurial Education Penny Conway - AP – Diversity & Inclusion Bryce Gillett - Business Manager

We welcome new staff to MBHS for 2020 Teya Denaro - English Paegan Gebhardt - SSO Inclusive Education Centre Marie Leypoldt - Inclusive Education Centre Kerry McDonagh - Inclusive Education Centre Christine Oberholzer - Special Options Grace Sampson - Science/Agriculture Hannah Scott - Maths/Science Lachlan Stimson - Maths/Science

Student Pathways Leaders

L-R: Brock Herdman (Year 12), Kara McLaren (Year 10), Ty Burkett (Year 8), Mel Bennett (Year 11) and Jared Daly (Year 9)

Congratulations DUX OF 2019 Angello DeIonno Keefe Dela Cruz

ATAR 96.35 ATAR 92.6

Congratulations also goes to Angello DeIonno for receiving a Merit for his Research Project.

Overall SACE completion Rate: 100% 144 SACE Completers, 52 ATAR scores, 9 scores over 80. Independent Learning Centre (ILC) - 16 SACE completers Vocational Education - 63 students completed Certificate 3 up from 38 in 2018.

University Offers: To date 37 students have been offered places at Tertiary Institutes, with half of those venturing to Flinders University in 2020 and beyond. Over half of students were offered their course of first preference.

Some of the courses that students achieved entry into were;

Angello Deionno – Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering with Honours and Masters of Biomedical Engineering Madi Jones – Bachelor of Laws and Legal Practice Aiden Morrell – Bachelor of Law (Honours) Keefe Dela Kruz – Bachelor of Electrical and Electronic Engineering double degree with Honours Madison Kruschel – Bachelor of Architectural and Structural Engineering (Honours) Bailey Trezona – Bachelor of Science, Nanotechnology Sarah Westerholm and Lachlan Young – Bachelor of Veterinary Technology

Wellbeing Leaders

Chris Braun Leah Waye

High school life can be quite daunting and stressful for some of our students. Our role is to provide as much support as possible for students and families if needed. If you have any concerns with your child’s wellbeing, please contact us at the school on 8531 9500.

L-R: Penny Conway, Paula Hahesy, Darren O’Connor, Ruth Mussger, Michael Pater, Tiahne Wareing and Bryce Gillett

L-R: Hannah Scott, Teya Denaro, Kerry McDonagh, Paegan Gebhardt, Lachlan Stimson, Christine Oberholzer, Grace Sampson

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Murray Bridge High School Newsletter 3 February 2020

Our school robotics team, competing at Bunyips’ FTC Team 15215, was one of 40 teams from Australia, New Zealand and Asia invited (based on qualifying advancement criteria) to attend the National Robotics Championship in Sydney, on 6 &7 December 2019, at Macquarie University.

Overall, the Bunyips achieved a ranking of 23rd out of 39 teams at the National Championship. Everywhere we looked there are teams of students - cheering, strategising, or tinkering with robots of every size, shape, and design.

The five students and adult mentors present enjoyed the highs and lows of competing and also meeting like-minded people from around Australia and other countries. All five students were excellent ambassadors for MBHS, Murray Bridge and South Australia. Back: Brayden, Jalal, Mitchell, Ms Fiona Rabone and Mr Ryan O’Malley. Front: Samuel, Mohit and our robot ‘Egg bot’

Breaking news – the next SKYSTONE FTC Scrimmage is on Sunday, 1ST March, 2020 at Naracoorte High School – that’s in Week 5 which means the MBHS Bunyips have a short time to work on and improve the capabilities of their robot (aka. ‘Egg bot’). Students, if you think you might like to be part of the Student Robotics Club please drop by HG.0 at lunch on Tuesday and say “Hi”. We would also love it if some spectators were able to come and support our team at this event.

The Bunyips would not have been able to compete in the Nationals without the hard work from other students and mentors in the team who were unable to attend, or the generosity of the following local organisations. Rural City of Murray Bridge, Rotary Club of MB, Lions Club, Kiwanis Club and MB United Lodge No 44. We appreciate your support.

MURRAY BRIDGE BUNYIPS’ MADE IT TO SYDNEY!

The pits – where teams work together to keep robots working

Judging – presenting design aspects to Engineering panel

The Match Field – where teams in each alliance work together

The Match Field – where spectators support the alliances and gather intelligence about other robots.

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Murray Bridge High School Newsletter 3 February 2020

Pedal Prix 2020

The 2020 year has officially begun which means it won’t be long before the MBHS Pedal Prix season and trainings will be underway.

We’re very excited to have Pedal Prix up and running as a choice subject for our Year 9s and 10s this year but we are still looking for recruitments from all year levels to join the Pedal Prix team!

Our MBHS teams race at two 6 hour Adelaide races and the Murray Bridge 24 hour event throughout the year and offer exciting opportunities for our students such as developing leadership and team building skills, improving their fitness as well as gaining knowledge on trike mechanics.

We’d love to see as many students as possible join Pedal Prix this year so we can continue our all-boys and all-girls teams which happened for the first time last season and added a great competitive spirit between our students…the more the merrier!

If you’re interested in joining the team this year or want to know more information please contact either Mr Tuazon gilbert.tuazon87@schools.sa.edu.au or Breigh breigh.angove691@schools.sa.edu.au

Welcome to a new year in Vocational Education & Training.

Student Leaders 2020

We welcome our new student leaders for 2020. L-R: Alanah Baumann, Kiah Edwards, Carlie Gibbs and Zella Worden.

They are a voice for all students at MBHS and will have the opportunity to work together with staff and students to help make positive decisions for our school; at the same time achieving personal success in their leadership role. We look forward to working with them this year. Kiah Edwards, Carlie Gibbs, Zella Worden, Alanah Baumann

Roxanne, Helen, Neville and Michael would like to welcome all trainees who are starting a new VET course through the Lower Murray Trade Training Centre (LMTTC) this year.

All students who have enrolled in a VET course should now know their course start dates. Some courses have already started in week 1 with most beginning during week 2. If you are unsure as to when your VET course is starting or you require any help at all with information regarding your involvement at LMTTC please come over to the reception area at the Centre and someone will help you out.

Overall there has been 135 students enrolled into 21 courses.

There will be a number of short courses available as we progress through the year. Any students who would like to participate in these courses can lodge their interest with staff at the LMTTC and detail as to when, where and cost will be advised when this information becomes available.

LMTTC has a direct line 8531 9526; parents and students please use it for queries when not on the MBHS campus or use the following mobiles.

Roxanne Rowland 0427 406 584 Helen Wilden 0437 541 735 Michael McDonald 0411 657 105

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Murray Bridge High School Newsletter 3 February 2020

Stopping printing of Stage 1 records of achievement

Traditionally at this time of year the SACE Board sends you printed copies of Stage 1 records of achievement from the previous year for you to distribute to your students.

We are stopping this process and ask that you now simply direct students to their Students Online account to view their Stage 1 results online.

If they wish, students can print a copy of their record of achievement by clicking the download button at the bottom of the results page, which will generate a PDF ready for print.

This change was based on consultation and feedback from SACE Coordinators and students last year.

STAGE 1 RECORD OF ACHIEVEMENT NOW ONLINE ONLY

Symptoms may include fever, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, and sore throat. People who have travelled to China and have these symptoms should see a doctor or attend a hospital and call ahead so they can prepare.

The latest information is available on the Australian Government Department of Health website. www.health.gov.au/health-topics/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov

The South Australian Department for Education has indicated that it and SA Health will be providing us with further information as necessary, including advising us if there are any known specific risks to our school community.

The updated advice is that:

Students/children and staff who have traveled to Hubei Province in the last 14 days should not attend school and isolate themselves in their homes for 14 days after leaving Hubei Province.

Students/children and staff who have traveled to mainland China, not including Hubei Province, are able to return to school unless they are contacts of a confirmed case, or they have symptoms consistent with the virus.

All students and staff who have traveled to mainland China should monitor themselves for the 14 days from their departure from mainland China for symptoms of Coronavirus.

Coronavirus: information for schools, early childhood services and parents SA Health has provided updated advice to us about Novel Coronavirus, which is occurring in the Hubei Province of China and has also been reported in other parts of mainland China, and several other countries, including Australia.

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Murray Bridge High School Newsletter 3 February 2020

Dates to Remember – Term 1 Tue, 4 Feb SCHOOL PHOTOS

Thu, 13 Feb PHOTO Catch up day

Fri, 14 Feb STUDENT FREE DAY (Entrepreneurial Learning)

Mon, 17 Feb Meet your Teacher evening BBQ – 5pm

Tue, 18 Feb Finance Committee 5.00pm

Tue, 25 Feb Governing Council AGM 6pm

Mon, 9 Mar ADELAIDE CUP HOLIDAY

Fri, 20 Mar SENIOR FORMAL

Tue, 24 Mar Finance Committee 5.00pm

Tue, 31 Mar Governing Council – 6pm

Thu, 9 Apr SPORTS DAY Thu, 9 Apr Last Day of Term 1 – 2pm dismissal

1 in 3 people in Murray Bridge will need blood, and they need people like you to give it. We will be in Murray Bridge from 17 Feb to 20 Feb. Don’t forget to pre-book your spot at donateblood.com.au, on our app or on 13 14 95.

MURRAY BRIDGE HIGH SCHOOL

ATTENDANCE HOTLINE

Call: 08 8531 9555 or

Email: dl.0785.attend@schools.sa.edu.au

PAYMENT OF 2020 MATERIALS & SERVICE CHARGES

Just a reminder that the 2020 Materials & Service Charge is due to be paid in full by the last day of Term 1 2020 – Thursday 9th April 2020.

If you would like to make a formal payment arrangement to pay by instalments, please contact Deb Lang on 8531 9512.

2020 SCHOOL CARD Please note that applications for School Card are also due by Thursday, 9th April 2020. Forms can be accessed at www.sa.gov.au/education/schoolcard please see details on next page.

Any questions regarding School Card, please contact Deb Lang at the School.

The Murray Bridge United Soccer Club will be holding their 2020 Registration Information / Player Nomination Night on Friday 14th February, from 4.00pm to 6.30pm. (Week 3).

All Enquiries and/or Player Nominations to Grant please; klenkegc@internode.on.net or 0411 057 039 If you require any further details, please don't hesitate to contact Grant.

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Murray Bridge High School Newsletter 3 February 2020

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Murray Bridge High School Newsletter 3 February 2020