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
2
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.
Murray Bridge High School Newsletter 8 December 2014
3
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
Murray Bridge High School Newsletter 8 December 2014
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Presentation Night Cont…. by Helen Peake
Middle School ESL
(donated by Thomas Foods International)
Wen Liu
Chinese Background Speakers Award
(donated by Thomas Foods International)
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
(donated by Murray Bridge Players’ &
Singers’)
Kalimna Roe-Simons
Year 11 Drama
(donated by Murray Bridge Players’ &
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
Murray Bridge High School Newsletter 8 December 2014
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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
Murray Bridge High School Newsletter 8 December 2014
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.
Murray Bridge High School Newsletter 8 December 2014
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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.
Murray Bridge High School Newsletter 8 December 2014
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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.
Murray Bridge High School Newsletter 8 December 2014
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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.