Connections Newsletter 2010
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Brighton Secondary School Connections Connecting with the past, building the future 2010 was the year of the first female Prime The 2010 Year 11 students were the first students Minister of Australia and in State politics we to study the New SACE. The New SACE has gained a new State Minister for Education as provided challenges for both the staff and the well as a new Chief Executive. In 2010 teachers students. Students study a reduced number of finally gained a higher level of pay called Step 9 subjects including the new Research Project. after a protracted Enterprise Bargaining process. Programs for gifted students continue to develop. Brighton has led the way in South Australia in A talented student was invited to attend the learning with digital technologies. Although the Australian Mathematical Olympiad Committee process was delayed by government bureaucracy, examination, where fewer than seventy students this year we managed to issue Macbooks to the compete across Australia. A record number of Year 9 and 10 students in preparation for the students attended the National Mathematics whole school roll-out by 2012. Summer School and the National Science Forum in Canberra. One student achieved A grades in 2010 was a year for building improvement. Year 12 Mathematics and Physics during Year The Federal Government’s Building Education 11, thus securing entry into university in 2011 Revolution partially funded the refurbishment whilst at the same time completing his SACE. of the Spence Hall foyer, officially opened by Senator Don Farrell during the SALA Arts Festival. The Volleyball teams continue to be state and national champions. The Drama students eagerly Brighton’s relationship with the wider community await the official opening of the Community grows stronger every year. The Lord and Lady Performing Arts Centre. The F1 in Schools teams Mayoress, Mr and Mrs Ken Rollond, held the made the National Finals. The Year 9 students Mayor’s Arts Ball with all proceeds going to were the first to commence the Brighton Duke of the new Performing Arts Centre currently being Edinburgh Award at Brighton and the Pedal Prix built on campus. The Sunday Market, led by teams improved their ranking with a new car, the Music Parents Support Committee of the taking pole position in their class. Governing Council, continues to provide a rich stream of income to support the Music tours. I The State Government’s “Expanding Schools was fortunate to travel with the Music tour to Program” plans for an increase of 250 enrolments Shanghai, Rome, Vienna, Venice, Zurich and by 2014. To accommodate these 1650 students, Tokyo. Whilst in Rome the Choir performed for the Science Laboratories must be refurbished and the Mary MacKillop celebrations. Back home an additional 12 learning spaces built within in Adelaide, the choir sang in front of 35,000 a 21st Century Learning Centre. The next four people for the first time at the SANFL Grand Final. years will be an exciting development phase for our school. I am proud to report that not long after the Strategic Plan (2005-2009) successfully achieved its I congratulate the staff for their dedication to targets, the Strategic Plan (2010-2014) has set their profession; I thank the Brighton families for the scene for Brighton to remain at the forefront of their support of school policies and I honour the education. Already we are reaping the rewards students who make Brighton the great school that of our plan. Feedback from the students reflects it is. To prepare our students to keep facing the Comments how happy they are with the changes to the future with optimism, courage and dignity, we uniform (new blue zip cardigan); the Macbook will continue building on the traditions that have program and the new student team model built underscored Brighton’s success since 1952. We Principal around the Houses (Cygnet, Rapid, Holdfast and look forward to working with the Old Scholars to Buffalo). plan a wonderful 60th celebration in 2012. Olivia O’Neill, Principal FrieNds OF BrightON secONdary schOOl Newsletter I ISSUE 15 cONNectiONs I 2 Governing Council Report Community is what drives school improvement. 2010 was a year to remember in the history of governance Safety on King George Avenue remains problematic. The of Brighton Secondary School. The Governing Councillors Governing Council has and will continue its communication have shown a professional dedication to their duties to with local and state governments to improve safety for the maintain the best that Brighton offers whilst making students and the public on this busy road. improvements to prepare for the future. I commend the Brighton Leadership team for continuing The annual Governing Council Conference focussed its search for innovative opportunities for our children. I on the Expansion of the School project. The Rann congratulate the Brighton staff for their dedication, and Government named Brighton as one of four high profile commitment in preparing our children for the future. I schools to receive a share of a $60 million financial continue to be in awe of the achievements of Brighton stimulus package to meet the demands of an additional students in their wide range of pursuits. 250 enrolments by 2014. By the end of 2010 a team of architects had prepared concept plans in preparation for On behalf of the Governing Councillors I congratulate the full design process early in 2011. This exciting project the class of 2010 and extend our congratulations to all will incorporate Stage 2 of the Community Performing students and staff who have performed to their best in Arts Centre - the Brighton Recital Centre. Stage 1 of the 2010. Performing Arts Centre progressed throughout 2010 and will open early in 2011. Nic szuster chairperson, governing council 2010 was a year for building improvement. The Federal Government’s Building Education Revolution partially funded the refurbishment of the Spence Hall foyer, officially opened by Senator Don Farrell during the SALA Arts Festival. The winners of the inaugural ‘Girl with the Dog’ art and writing competitions were announced during the ceremony. This will become an annual competition in the SALA Festival and a feature of the Arts trail. Brighton’s relationship with the wider community grows stronger every year. The Lord and Lady Mayoress, Mr and Mrs Ken Rollond, held the Mayor’s Arts Ball with all proceeds going to the new Performing Arts Centre. The Sunday Market, led by the Music Parent Support Affiliated Committee of the Governing Council, has become an iconic event in Adelaide, with the Traders coming from far afield as early as 3am to ensure entry. Profits from the Sunday Market subsidises the overseas Music tours. The 2010 tour included Shanghai, Venice, Rome and Tokyo. While in Rome the students performed in many cathedrals to celebrate the canonization of Australia’s first saint, Mary MacKillop - quite amazing for an Australian non-denominational school to perform at this level. Brighton has led the way in South Australia in learning with digital technologies and the Governing Council has demonstrated forward thinking by approving a fee structure that will make the 21st Century ‘One to One Learning with Laptops’ a sustainable program long after the Federal Government Digital Education Revolution funding finishes. Although the process was delayed by government bureaucracy, all year 9 and 10 students were issued with Macbooks in 2010 in preparation for the whole school roll-out by 2012. It is important to remember education is a costly business. Learning in the 21st Century requires additional support from parents to meet the ever changing demand on resources. For example, the wireless infrastructure enabling a One to One learning environment cost in excess of $200,000. FrieNds OF BrightON secONdary schOOl Newsletter I ISSUE 15 cONNectiONs I 3 Brighton High School Brighton Boys Technical School Mawson High School Brighton Secondary School Celebrating our 60 Anniversaryth in 2012 We are seeking any interested Old Scholars who would like to be involved in a planning committee Please contact Deb Parsons on 83758238 or email [email protected] ANNIVERSARY DINNER 10th November 2012 Morphettville Race Course FrieNds OF BrightON secONdary schOOl Newsletter I ISSUE 15 cONNectiONs I 4 2009 was the first year for all schools to implement the Personal Learning Plan (PLP). Brighton Secondary delivers this compulsory subject in the New SACE through Home Group. Professional Development opportunities, both outside and within the school, were provided for all teachers delivering the subject. Being one of the compulsory subjects in the New SACE, the PLP was externally moderated by an Assessment Officer from the SACE Board of SA. The feedback we received was very positive in all regards. The school was commended for the way teachers used the Performance Standards to make informed, professional and accurate judgements about student’s learning. Students were given many opportunities to meet the requirements of this subject. There were many changes made to the shape of the curriculum at Brighton Secondary School this year due to the introduction of the New SACE. A summary of these changes is outlined below. There are two stages to the SACE: Stage 1, which most students do in Year 11, apart from the Personal Learning Plan, which most students do in Year 10. SACE Stage 2, which most students do in Year 12. Each subject or course successfully completed earns ‘credits’ towards the SACE. At least 200 credits are required for students to gain the SACE certificate. Ten credits are equal to one semester, or two terms, of study in a subject, and 20 credits are equal to a full-year subject. Students will receive a grade from A to E at Stage 1 and A+ to E- at Stage 2 for each subject.