WSS Newsletter

2015 December

PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE Inside this issue: Welcome to our final School ❖ Principal’s Message Newsletter for 2015. It has been ❖ Farewell another exciting and busy year at Wirreanda Secondary School with ❖ Year 12 Graduation many changes leading into 2016. We ❖ Transition Day have a new Principal starting next year, ❖ Zonta Ms Caroline Fishpool, supported by a ❖ ATSI Girls Group new Deputy (to be announced). Senior ❖ Sport Leaders will include, Ms Teresa Bruno; Ms Caroline Redding; Mr Paul ❖ Volunteer Dinner Sherman; Mr Shane Cunningham; Mr ❖ Road Safety Nick Jackson & Ms Rhoni McFarlane. A ❖ Community Information very talented and passionate group of leaders who I know will lead the school well over the next few years. I’m very proud of what we’ve achieved this year as a school community and I would like to share some particular highlights from this term with Join us on: you. Facebook Instagram Twitter The Learning Hub ​ Staff and students accessed the different spaces and resources of the

Learning Hub in a variety of ways:­ ● Worked with Louiza Hebhardt on wellbeing and mindfulness. ● Showcased their learning in the formal year 9 & 10 Round Table presentations, supported by community members including Katrine Hildyard. ● Year 10 students involved in Pop Culture, planning and filming authentic music clips from various eras. ● Cross curricula Science & HASS 3D poster tasks. ● Hosted the Year 7 Parent Information Evening. ● Staff up­skilled in use of Google Apps for Education and learn new Department of Education & Child skills in a range of areas. Development ● Photoshop tutorials for students. T/A South Australian Government Schools ● Big Idea presentations with the year 8’s. CRICOS Provider Number ● Teachmeets for staff and Professional Learning Communities 00018A focussing on Feedback for Learning

105 Richards Drive, Phone: (08) 8329 7200 LEARNING FOR LIFE Morphett Vale 5162 Absences: (08) 8329 7141 Respect Responsibility Honesty Achievement www.wirreandasecondary.sa.edu.au Text message: 0427 016 253

● Feeder Primary School students visited for their STEAM activity White Ribbon Day The Learner Wellbeing Centre The Learner Wellbeing Centre continued to provide a range of services that support the wellbeing of our students and families, in order to enhance student learning and adding to the cultural experiences of our students. ● Staff, students, parents and members of the community came together to volunteer their time for a Bunnings BBQ to raise funds for the Wirreanda Cambodia Project. ● Students and staff campaigned to prevent violence against women

for White Ribbon Day. Cambodia Project BBQ ● Wirreanda hosted The Southern Counsellors Network. Participants involved were from approximately 20 different school settings. The first session highlighted to other schools the difference it has made to the Wirreanda Community having a GP and Psychologist on site. The ongoing partnerships with Tabor College Masters Counselling students ,The Smith Family, Flinders University Masters Social Work placements and Medical and Nursing students placements was also presented as a positive aspect of the work the LWC leads.

Student Voice, Participation and Culture

There is a great deal of evidence that student connection to school, Wellbeing Forum including participation in decision­making and extra­curricular activities, improves learning outcomes for students. Over the last few years, we have been strongly promoting student participation and leadership at Wirreanda, and this is an area we will continue to focus on and grow in the future. This term students were involved in:­ ● Teachmeets for staff, with presentations from students. ● Adolescent Wellbeing Forum hosted by our students, involving ​ ​ students from eleven secondary schools. This event was the Darren Smith Memorial result of the vision, collaborative planning, promotion and ​ management of a fantastic group of our young leaders in years 10­12 led by our two school captains Cara Rodgers and Ben Dragovelic and supported by Camilla West and Rhoni McFarlane.

● A number of Staff vs Student sporting events ● BBQ Breakfasts hosted by student leaders. ● On 11/11/15, Wirreanda Secondary School students & staff observed Remembrance Day at the Memorial Plaque of Sapper

Darren Smith, who attended Wirreanda. He was killed on duty in Afghanistan on 7th June 2010.

● ​iTrack Mentoring through the Smith Family ● Our dancers performed at the opening of the Pacific Games

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Our newly appointed Captains & Vice Captains were announced at a Whole School Assembly. Congratulations to:­ Captains: Isbah Sarwar and Nick West Vice Captains: Carlos Atis; Laura Rundle; Andrew Cowie­Taylor; Leah Phillips. Isabh and Nick I have no doubts that these students will lead our student body with commitment and dedication during 2016.

Recent School Events Our School Calendar has been very full this term with the following events: ● Year 7/8 Transition and Parent Information Evening, which was well­attended and featured talks and musical performances from our students. ● Unit Camp­ greatly enjoyed by our students and staff. ● Year 9 & Year 10 Roundtables, providing the opportunity for students to present their work to panels comprising teachers, family and community members. ● VET Information Night. ● Year 8 Aquatics. ● SMAF Orientation Day for Year 11’s CD Cover ​ ● Year 12 Graduation, which was very successful, featuring an old scholar – Eamon Pielow. ● Our Dance & Music Night, held at the Hopgood Theatre. “Melodic Warfare” CD Launch & “Choreographic Blitz” included VET Music performers from Wirreanda, Seaford, Reynella East, Yankalilla, Aberfoyle & Willunga and Dancers from Wirreanda. ● Music Nights and Drama performances by students in a range of year levels. ● Year 12 Formal, held at The Grand, providing the final opportunity for our Year 12 students to enjoy a great night and say goodbye to each other. ● Year 10, 11 and 12 Exams

Events in the last few weeks Year 8 Business Week This year we introduced a new exciting initiative with the inaugural “Year 8 Business Week ” Business Week

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It is a stimulating and intriguing concept where students work in groups with a teacher mentor:­ ● to develop a business concept or product ​ ● form and operate a business relating to the product ​ ● develop an understanding of business structures and ​ processes ● demonstrate the product through a public Trade Expo display ​ The community has been invited to view and provide feedback regarding the designs, prototype products and business acumen skills of the groups.

Certificate Night for Years 8 to 11 We look forward to seeing invited guests at the Certificate Night in week 9. Students will be receiving awards for their academic performance,

sporting and community involvement. Formal acknowledgement of

student achievement is important and students are recognized throughout the year at whole school and cohort assemblies. The end of year celebration highlights the achievements of years 8 to 12 in a more formal setting and we hope all invited guests are able to attend.

Staffing 2016 I’d like to take this opportunity to welcome the following staff to Wirreanda or 2016:­ Nick Jackson – Senior Leader Sue­Ellen Shepherdson – Dance & Drama Other vacancies will be filled before the beginning of next year. We welcome Fiona Gray back in 2016 as – Coordinator Tracking & Tim Byers­Thomas Monitoring Student Growth.

Farewells Tim Byers­Thomas has been with us for 26 years and has been a key

contributor to the school and the wider community in a variety of roles. He started at Wirreanda as a teacher of Geography and worked in the Humanities Faculty. He won a number of leadership positions over this time including VET/Work Experience Coordinator and has been a Senior Leader for over 10 years. His commitment and dedication to the school, its students, parents and staff has been invaluable. He will be missed by staff and the wider school community. We thank him sincerely for his hard work and leadership and wish him well in his next placement.

Geraldine Suckling has been with us as a School Service Office for 25 years and has contributed to the Wirreanda Community responsible Geraldine Suckling primarily for data entry over this period. Her wealth of knowledge,

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UPCOMING EVENTS kindness and support of others will be greatly missed. Geraldine will be retiring and we wish her well in this next stage of her life. FRIDAY 11 DECEMBER Last Day of Term 4. Early dismissal at 1.05pm Tash Thornton has won a leadership position at Blackwood High School MONDAY 1 FEBRUARY 2016 and we wish her well in this new venture. Her work within Special Training and Development day for Education and Dance has been commendable and we thank her for her staff – Task Design Student Free Day hardwork and dedication to all our students, staff and school community.

TUESDAY 2 FEBRUARY Belinda Keatley has won a position as Principal at East Murray Area First day for Year 8 and Year 12 School and we wish her well in this new venture. She has been a students New Year 8 Parent Morning Tea. significant contributor within the WAVE program over the last 6 months we 8.45am – 10.00am in the Boardroom thank her for her leadership and hardwork.

WEDNESDAY 3 FEBRUARY Farewell and thank you also to the following staff who have made a major First day for Year 9, 10 and 11 contribution over the year. students ● Laura DeGaris WEDNESDAY 10 FEBRUARY ● Brett Whittaker Family BBQ for Years 8 To 12 ● Ingrid Cobiac

● Katrina Williams TUESDAY 16 FEBRUARY Training and Development – Learner Wellbeing We would also like to wish Camilla West and Sally Nadebaum well as Student Free Day they take both take Maternity leave across 2016. We hope to see them

back in 2017. THURSDAY 18 FEBRUARY Wirreanda Secondary School has been a huge part of my life, and I Whole School Photographs ​ would like to thank the Wirreanda Community for the many opportunities, both teaching and leadership that I’ve been fortunate to be involved in over the last 25 years. I will take with me many fond memories and friendships. I wish the school every success and look forward to hearing about the many successes as the school continues to move forward. Best wishes to you all and I hope you have a wonderful Christmas and New Year. Kind regards Zoe Christopher ​

FAREWELL TO ZOE CHRISTOPHER Congratulations to Zoe Christopher, our current Principal, who will be retiring after 37 years in education. Zoe has been at Wirreanda Secondary School from 1992 to 2015 and has held a number of roles including Deputy Principal, Assistant Principal, Coordinator and Teacher. Her most recent position has of course been Principal, a position that she has undertaken with passion and strong leadership that will no Zoe Christopher doubt move us forward into 2016.

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Zoe has always been 100% committed to Wirreanda Secondary

School and she will be sadly missed by staff, students, parents and the wider community. She has made an enormous contribution over the last 24 years to the development and improvement journey we have been on.

We thank her for everything she has done for the school over this time. We wish Zoe all the best in her retirement and look forward to hearing of her travels and future endeavours.

YEAR 12 GRADUATION 2015 Wirreanda Secondary School held the year 12 Graduation Ceremony on Wednesday 18 November at the Hopgood Theatre. It was a celebration of achievement, resilience and a year of hard work! Congratulations to the Class of 2015! Ben D, Zoe and Cara Thank you to the following invited guests for being part of our celebration.

Mayor Lorraine Rosenberg City of Onkaparinga, Dr Jonathon Louth representing Mrs Katrine Hildyard MP Member for Reynell, Ms Amanda Rishworth MP Federal Member for Kingston, former Principal Mr Tony Lunniss, Colin Jevons Governing Council Chairperson, past student Mr

Eamon Pielow and Ms Ann Leenders representing zonta. We wish all these amazing young people all the best for the future. Thank you to 2015 School Captains Ben D and Cara R for being our presenters for the evening and to Alex Z and Clayton B­W for giving the student address.

DUX of the School for 2015 is Lucy W The next 10 students in ranking order are as follows: 2nd Place Makayla K 3rd Place Hannah M Equal 4th Place Michael G Equal 4th Place Mitchell S Equal 4th Place Brandon S 7th Place James H Equal 8th Place Nathan A­S Equal 8th Place Sarah E Equal 8th Place Lachlan F Equal 8th Place Jack R

Special Awards Caltex All Rounder Makayla K Lucy W Katrine Hildyard MP Citizenship Awards Cara R and Ben D Onkaparinga Council Awards Abigail S and Clayton B­W Zonta International Award Lucy W

Long Tan Defence Force Leadership Award Aleksander Z

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Sports Blue Award Lachlan F Southern Trade Schools Tegan W

Subject Awards English Communications Lucy W Food and Hospitality Lucy W

Furniture Construction Brandon S Health Studies Lucy W Mathematical Applications Hannah M Physical Education Lachlan F Psychology Hannah M Research Project Brandon S Society and Culture Hannah M

TRANSITION DAY On Friday, November 27th Wirreanda Secondary School welcomed our incoming Year 8 students, or Class of 2020! Students gathered in the gym for their welcome assembly with parents, siblings, home group teachers, leaders and current Year 8 mentors. Ms Caroline Redding, Senior Leader Year 8s, Mr Andrew Attwell­Gill, current Year Level Leader and Ms Rinaldi, Year Level Leader for 2016, each welcomed the group and Students enjoying a home discussed the day ahead. economics lesson Students were then led by their home group teachers and Year 8 mentors to their home groups where they learnt about our school, our community and each other. Students were then provided the opportunity to experience a range of classes, including cooking in Home Economics,

Science, PE and team building/critical thinking activities in the Learning Hub. Recess was provided and students were buzzing with excitement from ​ their lessons. Students quickly met up with friends from their primary schools, but were also introducing new friends! More classes were experienced and the group again came together for our shared BBQ lunch, where it was evident even more friendships had been made and

students were feeling more confident. At the end of the day we assembled in the gym to say our farewells. I was fortunate enough to get to see our incoming Year 8s throughout the day, meeting the majority of students and speaking with them about their day.

Each student was positive and excited for the year ahead, with most exclaiming, “I had so much fun!” I, too, had so much fun and am looking forward to seeing each of our Class of 2020 on Day 1 next year!

Ms Gabrielle Rinaldi ​ Counsellor/ 2016 Year 8 Year Level Leader

LEADERSHIP CAMP

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Year 10 student Isabella C and a number of other Year 10 students from schools across the City of Onkaparinga flew to Canberra on the 9 December for a five­day leadership camp run by the Christies Beach Blue Light. Students came from a range of schools including Cardijn College, Christies Beach High School, Reynella East College, Seaford Secondary College, Willunga High School and Woodcroft College. Students were asked to submit a leadership­based essay or multi­media project exploring the benefits and pitfalls of social media. The camp itinerary involved a variety of activities, including walking to the summit of Mount Kosciusko, and visiting places of national significance such as the Australian War Memorial, Old Parliament House and the National Police Memorial. The highlight of the camp was a day spent at Parliament House, where the students interacted with the nation’s political leaders and learnt how to debate new legislation before seeing our politicians in action during question time. Isabella C Kat Hosking Year 10 Year Level Leader

ZONTA Your local Zonta Club of Noarlunga Southern Vales is part of Zonta International, a service group in 65 countries with 10 clubs in SA. Club members join Zonta wanting to make a difference, to give their time to improving the lives of women locally and globally, both impoverished and

gifted. We do this through supporting international projects, through advocacy, by holding events to raise service funds, raising awareness of vital issues and having fun at the same time.

We are also well­known for our Breast Cushion Project and have made

and donated over 22000 cushions for the comfort of breast cancer patients in Australia. These are just two examples of the work undertaken by South Australian Clubs. ATSI Girls Group ​ ​ ​ Congratulations to year 12 student Lucy W who won the 2015 Zonta award at the recent Year 12 Graduation. Ms Ann Leenders

ATSI GIRLS’ WELLBEING GROUP! Recently we have been running weekly wellbeing sessions in the Nunga Room. During this time, we incorporate small group activities, written tasks, discussions and practical activities to allow students to get to know one another, build friendships and overall become more engaged in

school.

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Wellbeing is a vital aspect of a student’s ability to succeed in school and we believe these sessions allow students to improve their engagement,

attendance, academic results, and also their social and emotional wellbeing and skills.

In week two our session focussed on health, wellbeing and beauty. We

utilised the future career path of one year ten student, who was able to use and document her makeup skills whilst sharing tips and ideas with other students. Another aspect allowed students to look at beauty in regards to different cultures. Students had the opportunity to get a Henna

tattoo, a stick on tattoo, or add some hair extensions! This was a Segway into speaking with the girls about inner beauty and realising just how beautiful they really are. We believe this session was a success as all involved students were

engaging and communicating, whilst pampering themselves and working

on self­confidence. In the sessions we have covered topics such as health, bullying, self­care, safety and future career pathways and so much more. We also have honest discussions about some of the most pressing issues these young women face. The last session saw the girls design and make their own jewellery pieces. It was successful and the girls had special gifts to give to family for Christmas. We will keep you updated on all the wonderful things we do! Azra Rochester

SPORT NEWS Congratulations to Year 9 student Cheyenne S who in her first year of football boundary umpiring has taken out the Combined Southern League ​ ​ Football Umpire Panels ­ Most Dedicated Umpire Trophy. This is an outstanding achievement for Cheyenne with the acknowledgement being for the Combined league not just her local club. Photo Cheyenne S

Cheyenne S Year 11 student Jake C also took out the Panther League Umpire Panels Club Golden Whistle for 2015. This is the second year that Jake has won an award for his skills, dedication and commitment to football umpiring. Congratulations Jake. He also umpires for the Wirreanda Secondary

School junior football competitions. Year 9 student Karina B­W has just been selected to be the captain of the U16 Girls Indoor Netball State team to go to the National Titles in December. Karina is very proud of her selection and we know she will do

an outstanding job of leading the team. We wish Karina all the best at the Nationals.

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Year 12 student Clayton B­W has again been recognised for his achievements by the Basketball Official S.A. Clayton took out the State Adelaide 36’s Visit Golden Whistle ­ Officials of the Year in the category of 'Most Dedicated' official for referee, score table or statistician. This award recognises an individual for achieving a degree of dedication and commitment above their team mates and displaying support for basketball in general. He was also selected as a referee to attend the Southern Cross Basketball Challenge in Victoria. In addition, Clayton represents Wirreanda Secondary School in our basketball competitions as a referee and a player. Congratulations to Clayton.

Adelaide 36ers Visit On Friday 20 November Year 10 Specialist Sports students went to visit the 'Arena' the home of the Adelaide 36ers. The students we given T­Shirts, behind the scenes tours including the change rooms, photograph opportunities and a chance to chat with the players.

Observing these professional athletes in a training session gave the Wirreanda students an up close and personal chance to witness elite athletes in action. Assistant coach, Kevin Brooks, kept the students on the edge of their seats often lobbing a ball to them when least expected! Students were recording training drills, commenting on intensity and

reviewing facilities as part of this tour.

We are now looking forward to watching the 36ers play against Townsville on 12 December as the class was allocated free tickets. This was one of the most worthwhile experiences I have had with a Jake Brown ­Williams Report professional sporting organisation and I know the students thoroughly appreciated such an opportunity. Ben Woodhouse Coach

CRICKET 2015 Jake Brown­Williams Match Report On Tuesday 17 November, Heathfield High School came to Wirreanda Secondary School for the fourth match of the Jake Brown­Sean Williams Challenge Trophy. Wirreanda lost the toss and were invited to bat. Zack R and Mohit K

opened the batting and after seeing off the new ball Mohit was caught behind for 4. Zack played one of his more defensive innings scoring 7 off 50 balls. When Connor L came to the crease he started off cautiously, but when he was joined by Josh S the run rate improved with Connor finishing

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on 22 and Josh top scoring with 39 from 35 balls. After that the batting collapsed with no one else reaching double figures and Wirreanda

finishing on 9/105 after 30 overs. T20 Cricket The Wirreanda bowlers were on top at the start of the Heathfield innings. Nick R took the first wicket with the score on 10, and Connor L then chipped in with two more wickets from five balls leaving Heathfield on 3/23. Jake M took a brilliant catch at first slip to give the team a lot of confidence. However a dropped catch soon after gave Heathfield the impetus to regain control of the game and they never looked like they were in any further danger. They eventually finished on 5/152 from 19 overs. Two further highlights were that Brandon D, playing in his first game, took two catches and Trent G took two wickets from his only over. Despite the disappointing result, there were many passages of excellent play throughout the day.

T20 Blast Secondary Girls Cup 2015 During the first four weeks of Term 4 there were a number of Year 8 classes who were given cricket instruction from South Australian Cricket Association (SACA) coaches headed by the co­ordinator Amy Wiseman. There was a focus on teaching new skills to the girls leading up to their participation in the T20 Blast Secondary Girls School Cup held at Adelaide Oval on Monday 12 November. The girls were given instruction in all cricket skills and were taught about

match play.

On the final day of the programme, two games were set up in which the girls played against each other, as did the boys. In the second round, the winning girls’ team played the winning boys’ team on one field while the T20 Cricket losing teams played off against each other. Former Wirreanda student and Test cricketer, Megan Schutt came along to help the students and played as a guest in one of the girl’s teams. On the day of the T20 Blast Secondary Girls School Cup, the team travelled to Adelaide No 2 Oval by train and played against four other schools. The team won two games and lost two games. Tayla D and Kara B were successful in hitting a lot of fours and taking a few wickets. Kara actually hit a long shot on to the road. Alana M was the most outstanding player in game two hitting a six in the last over giving the team a win by three runs. After the games, the girls were able to catch up with Megan Schutt, had a

photo taken with English Test cricketer Sarah Taylor and meet Kane Richardson while he was training with the Redbacks. They also did a quick tour of Adelaide Oval. The entire experience was a positive one enjoyed by all students who

took part. For more cricket information and game results please visit www.cricketwirreanda.com.au

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Nick Moschetta Volunteer Dinner Photo

VOLUNTEER DINNER AND AWARD On Monday 30 November we held our volunteer ‘Thank You’ dinner. The school is fortunate to be supported by parent and community volunteers who work in various areas of the school and assist us to create a more positive learning environment for all students. Their support and generosity are sincerely appreciated. Congratulations to volunteers Cheryl Linn and Sue Meagher who were recently awarded a Southern Suburbs Volunteer Service Award by

Amanda Rishworth for their services to Wirreanda Secondary School Governing Council.

ROAD SAFETY INFORMATION Dear South Australian Road Users Please find attached the link for current Talkin Road Safety School Edition, Issue 17 November 2015:­ This newsletter is published on the South Australian Police Internet page under Road Safety. The edition discusses:­ ● New rules for safer cycling have started in October ● What can we expect for the future in regards to using our roads?

● East, Proven ways to make cities better for pedestrians

● One year since the Graduated Licensing Scheme changes ● On the right track ● Man killed in two­car crash when not wearing a seat­belt. It is suggested that the link to this document is included in your local newsletter for the information of your members. Here is the link: ­ https://www.police.sa.gov.au/services­and­events/community­programs/ro ad­safety­education If you would like any further information about this newsletter please ​ contact Senior Sergeant Paul Warren of the SAPOL Road Safety Section on telephone 82076587.

COMMUNITY INFORMATION Career Partners Plus

Students who have recently left school and are looking for career planning

are invited to contact Career Partners Plus for free career counselling. They can be contacted on 8326 6545 or visit www.careerpartnersplus.org.au Anne McKinlay VET Coordinator

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Head Lice There has been a case of head lice identified in the school. It extremely important for you to check your child's head for head lice as soon as possible. The Education Department regulations state that students who have head lice are not to come to school until they have had effective treatment. For further information on head lice and their treatment follow direct link below: http://www.dh.sa.gov.au/pehs/branches/headlice/headlice­index.htm ​ Learner Wellbeing Centre. ​

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