Kyre AveKINGSWOOD SAP 8272 8233F 8373 3013www.mitchamgirlshs.sa.edu.audl.0903.info@schools.sa.edu.au

No. 1 , 7 February 2014, Term 1

Dear Mitcham Families,Welcome to the 2014 school year. A very warm welcome is extended to the new families who have joined our community. Thank you for choosing Mitcham Girls High School for your daughter; we are keen to work with you so that your daughter can achieve her very best.

Year 12 ResultsThe 2014 year started on a very positive note. The Class of 2013 achieved outstanding results placing our school well above state averages overall. What is even more pleasing for us is the fact that there has been continuous improvement with our results over the past few years. The following graph illustrates quite well why we are very proud of the achievements of all of our students.

A B C D E2010 13.8 32.9 34.7 12.7 5.92011 19.2 37.8 36.6 4.9 1.22012 19.6 46.7 27.1 4.1 2.42013 19.2 46 27.9 4.7 2.2

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YEAR 12 RESULTS OVER FOUR YEARS

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It should also be noted that each year between 92% and 95% of all Year 12 students achieve their SACE and about 85% of our students choose to continue with tertiary studies.

We thank all staff at Mitcham for their commitment and support and congratulate all students on their achievements. In particular, we congratulate Min Kang and Kimberly Lai who received the highest ATAR (99.1%) and Rose Harvey who received the University of Adelaide Principal’s Scholarship.

What, When and Why No 1, Term 2014

Staffing We started the year off with all staff appointments in place. Our new members of staff are: Liz Rogers Science and Mathematics Bianca Reddy Science and PE Kristen Menadue Science and Mathematics Kate Ralph Drama

We welcome back from maternity leave Ms Michelle Beauchesne who teaches Home Economics and Health.

In this package you will also find a list of all teachers, their roles and their email addresses. We ask that you communicate with teachers whenever appropriate either by phone, email or via the student diary. You would be aware that teachers spend most of their time in the classroom and will not be able to contact you immediately. It is expected, however, that they will respond within forty eight hours.

Teaching and LearningOur focus will always be on teaching and learning so that students achieve their very best. We will also make a point of monitoring student attendance. It is important that your daughter attends school each day. Research shows that students cannot afford to stay away from school for more than five days a year without compromising their educational outcomes. If they are sick, they need to see a doctor so that their condition can improve as quickly as possible and they can return to school.

Resilience is a term we use very often and the experts (e.g. Amanda Ripley who has done a lot of research in this area) tell us that students need to learn to be resilient in order to be successful.

Resilient students learn to deal better with life challenges and we certainly want our girls to leave us as strong, resilient and confident young women. However, we need your trust and your confidence and your support in implementing the ethos of the school: homework, time lines, quality of work, dress code and all other school policies. Students should be encouraged to take responsibility for their behaviour and accept and/or negotiate consequences themselves rather than asking their parents to do it. These skills will serve them well in years to come; however, if you do feel that your daughter is being unfairly treated, please feel free to ring the teacher in question.

School excursions complement our teaching program. You will receive a letter with an attached consent form every time your daughter goes out of the school. It is important that the consent form is returned well before the due date. A phone call or an email cannot be accepted as “consent”; if the student has not returned the consent form before the excursion date, she will not participate in the excursion and will be provided with work at school.

Study SkillsThe school subscribes to the ELES Study Skills Handbook. It is a web based resource and accessible by students, staff and parents. It is a very comprehensive resource and I encourage you to look at it.

The content is divided into:1. At home (You will find this section extremely useful)2. At school3. Specific skills4. Tests and exams

To access it please go to: www.studyskillshandbook.com.auUser name: mitchamgirlshsPlease ask your daughter for the password.

PAgE 2

What, When and Why No 1, Term 1 2014

Annual General MeetingThe MgHS governing Council AgM will be held on Monday 3 March. Enclosed is a Notice of Meeting together with a brief explanation of the function of the governing Council. This information is also on our website.

Parents whose daughter finished Year 12 last year are not seeking re-election, therefore, we do have a large number of vacancies to fill and ask you to consider serving on the governing Council or at least on a sub committee.

HomeworkThe school diary provides students and parents with some guidelines and a homework timetable is usually devised for Years 8, 9 and 10. Sometimes students will tell you that they have finished their work in class. While this may be true, students should always find some work to do: revise vocab, rewrite a science report, attempt a question which they could not do in a test, go over the work done in class, attempt a difficult question out of a book, watch the news, read a novel, etc. The list is endless and all students should devote some time to school work each night. If all else fails, assign them tasks to help out at home.

Hot WeatherAs a school, we are fortunate to have effective air conditioning in every room, therefore, rain or shine, we do not dismiss the girls early for any reason. Normal dismissal also applies on the last day of term and the Thursday before Easter and before any other long week end.

A Workshop Not To Be MissedLast year Melinda Tankard Reist ran workshops for students and for parents. Melinda delivers strong messages about cybersafety, body image and media exploitation. The students certainly connected with everything she had to say as did the parents. At the girls’ request, we have invited Melinda to return to the school on 25 and 26 March. The parent workshop will be held on Wednesday 26 March at 7:00 pm. More information will be sent out soon. However, put this date in your diary so that you don’t miss out.

The School AppMost parents would be aware that we have an MgHS App which can be downloaded for free from iTunes or google Play. The school sends out important information using the App whenever there is a need to contact parents quickly; it is also used as reminders about certain events. So far about 880 people have downloaded the App and would like to encourage you to do the same.

Parent VoicePlease find enclosed a survey developed by the Parent Voice Committee (for Years 9-12). The governing Council would appreciate your feedback. Please complete and ask your daughter to return to Student Services.

Student Personal Data and Emergency ProceduresIt is important for the school to have up to date information so that we can contact you easily should the need arise.

Please check the enclosed Student Personal Data sheet, make any necessary changes and ask your daughter to return to her Care group teacher with or without changes.

Last year all families were asked to complete the Emergency Procedures Form. If circumstances have changed please complete the form again and return together with the Student Personal Data sheet.

It is customary for us to forward the first newsletter of the year to families. All other newsletters will be placed on our website and a reminder will be sent to you each time.

I wish you and the girls a very successful year. I hope to see many of you at our various functions throughout the year.

Regards,Antoinette Jones

PAgE 3

What, When and Why No 1, Term 2014PAgE 4

Celebrating 50 Years of Girls’ Education in 2014

What an exciting year! Mitcham girls High School is 50 years old and there will be lots of celebrations.

We would like to invite old scholars, teachers, support staff, parents, community members and friends to celebrate with us.

Many events have already been organised, on different dates, at different times, on different themes. Please look at the calendar of events below and join us as many times as possible.

Mitcham girls High School has educated, nurtured and supported thousands of girls over the past 50 years. We want to celebrate and honour all the confident, articulate, compassionate and creative women who attended this school. We also want to acknowledge all staff who, together with the students, have contributed to the development of this very proud school. Please join us! 19 February Swimming Carnival 3 March Leadership Assembly 7 March International Women’s Day 21 March Harmony Day 4 April Sports Day 9 May 60s Old Scholars Morning Tea Reunion 12 May Open Day 30 May 70s Old Scholars Morning Tea Reunion 4 July Past Staff Reunion 1 August 80s Old Scholars Morning Tea Reunion 22 August 90s Old Scholars Morning Tea Reunion 2 September Dance Showcase 29 August Quiz Night 24 October 2000+ Old Scholars Morning Tea Reunion Term 4 TBA Art and Photography Exhibition Term 4 17 November Celebrating Achievement Assembly 19 November Presentation Night

For updates and details visit www.mitchamgirlshs.sa.edu.au.

Expression of interest for events please contact the school on 8272 8233 or email dl.0903.info@schools.sa.edu.au.

Donations to MgHS Building fund (tax deductable) would be greatly appreciated at all events.

Antoinette Jones Meredith ArnoldPrincipal Assistant Principal

What, When and Why No 1, Term 1 2014 PAgE 5

2014 Materials & Services Charge

Thank you to all our parents who have either paid or arranged payment options for their daughter’s 2014 school fees. This is a reminder that the Materials & Services Charge is to be paid in full by the end of Term 2, 2014.

Parents/Caregivers requiring the option of paying by instalments, due to genuine financial hardship, need to register and sign the appropriate form available from the Finance Office. Arrangements need to be made within 30 days of receipt of invoice.

In 2014, as approved by the Mitcham girls High School governing Council, instalment payments must be made fortnightly or monthly. Payments can be made to the school direct by either Bizgate online or credit card over the phone.

If you have any questions regarding your daughter’s Materials & Services Charge please contact me or Suzie Pagnozzi in our Finance Office.

Sue King Business Manager

Sports News

Zone SportThe Zone Sport competition gets underway in week 4 and Mitcham will be fielding teams in the volleyball, basketball and indoor soccer competitions. good luck to all teams! Swimming CarnivalOur annual Swimming Carnival takes place on Wednesday 19 February and promises to once again be a close competition. Particularly as Fraser tries for three in a row, whereas Mitchell and Spence are both keen to lift the trophy after a drought for the last few years. Remember to come dressed in your House colours and to bring lunch money to support the Year 12 Food and Hospitality students. Swimming Carnival is the first oppourtunity to earn points in the Collyer Cup for 2014. Further oppourtunities in the year include Sports Day, House Sport, Premier’s Reading Challenge and Ambassador Badges.

2014 House Captains Mitchell Fraser SpenceYear 9 Deborah Katembwe Maddy Williams Marissa Serem Year 10 Alannah Kenny Alicia Murphy Kaitlyn TuckerYear 11 Nicola Sulley-Beales Kervania govender Nikki HuggardYear 12 Sienna Shaw Natalia Sciezka TJ Walkden Year 8 House Captains will be elected on the Year 8 camp in week 3 ... so stay tuned!

Georgina Sulley-BealesSports Assistant

What, When and Why No 1, Term 2014

Science News

New EquipmentThe science equipment from Woolworths Earn and Learn program has arrived!

Thank you to all the parents and students who collected dockets last year and to our wonderful Lab Manager, Lizzie for coordinating the process.

We look forward to your support again this year to buy more to continually update and improve science. National Lego LeagueAfter coming second at the state competition one team of Year 8 students was invited to compete at the national competition in Sydney. Although they didn’t win, they did a wonderful job representing the school and they should be very proud that they performed better in every category of the competition.This opportunity wouldn’t have been possible without help from the school, their parents, Rotary Hyde Park and Mitcham, and companies FYFE Engineering and Live Element. We would like to publically thank them for their generous support.

Helen MarussinszkyScience Coordinator

Lego League National Tournament - 7 December 2013When we first arrived in Sydney we were all very excited as the first placed team would receive an invitation to the International Tournament in America. In the lead up to the competition we had to complete a number of tasks including building and programming an autonomous robot made out of Lego to complete ‘missions’ on a themed playing board. We also had to complete a research project into a natural disaster, identify a problem and come up with an innovative solution.

When the day did finally come we all woke up early and hurried on our way. When we got to the venue everything appeared to already be in full swing. Throughout the day we had three judging sessions on Core Values, the Technical Judging of our robot design and the presentation of our project. Our robot also had three matches, each lasting for 2.5 minutes. The goal in each match was to complete as many missions as possible to earn points.

Our robot performed exceptionally well in our first match, achieving 376 points. This was high enough that we finished in 9th place in the robot matches, out of the 35 teams competing from around Australia. Even though we didn’t win, we all felt like we had given everything we had and came away feeling satisfied. Overall the trip was a great success and a lot of fun. It has definitely helped open our eyes to the potential careers out there in the fields of maths, science and engineering, and encouraged us to consider pursuing these subjects in our senior years at school.

Team Blaze (Year 8s, 2013)

PAgE 6

What, When and Why No 1, Term 1 2014

Christian Pastoral Support Worker

Welcome back to all of our MgHS families and a special welcome to all of our families who are new to Mitcham. My name is Bek Brown and I am the Christian Pastoral Support Worker (CPSW).

My primary role in the school is to support our community and I do this in a variety of ways such as, organising events that bring our school community together, coordinating programs that support our students or just being available for a chat. I work Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays and I also have a letter box outside my room so if students need to speak to me on a day I’m not here they can just write me a note and I’ll come and find them when I’m at school.

For parents and caregivers – you are most welcome to contact me either by calling the school or sending me an email at rebekah.brown659@schools.sa.edu.au. Hopefully I’ll meet some of you at the Swimming Carnival or, for new parents, at the Year 8 Parent BBQ Evening on Wednesday 26 February.

This is my fourth year at Mitcham girls and I am really looking forward to all it has in store! Already we have had one Random Acts group (this is a lunchtime group for students in Years 8 and 9 that is based on the idea of random acts of kindness and trying to create a culture of kindness at our school by making things that we give away) and this week our Sisters in Spirit (SiS) group (for students who are interested in exploring faith and spirituality) will meet for the first time in 2014. By the end of the week I hope to have the Community Support Program up and running again so if you have some spare time and you are interested in supporting a student in Year 11 or 12 who speaks English as a Second Language please contact me.

I’m really looking forward to the Year 8 Camp as it’s is always good fun and a wonderful opportunity to get to know our new Year 8 students.

Term 1 is always busy and it can feel a bit overwhelming – especially if it is all new to you, but just take a day (and sometimes a moment) at a time and remember to breathe!

Bek BrownChristian Pastoral Support Worker

PAgE 7

Whole School News

School BusesAt the commencement of the school year new bus route numbers were introduced and all school bus routes are now identified by a number not a letter, e.g. School Bus T which departs from the Marion Inter-change in the mornings is now identified as “School Bus 966”.

This information is on our website at http://www.mitchamgirlshs.sa.edu.au/students-and-parents/school-buses/ or the Adelaide Metro website at http://www.adelaidemetro.com.au/Timetables-Maps/Special-Services/School-Services.

What, When and Why No 1, Term 2014PAgE 8

VET / Career News

Flinders University : Extension Studies 2014Flinders University is once again offering their Extension Studies Program in 2014. This program provides high-achieving South Australian senior secondary school students with a taste of university life while also giving the opportunity to complement and extend their SACE or International Baccalaureate studies.

The aim of the program is enrich the educational opportunities of students by allowing them to enrol in a first year topic, while completing their Year 12 studies. Students will be able to undertake a maximum of one topic each semester from a variety of disciplines including sociology, history, media, psychology, medical science, philosophy, chemistry, health sciences, physics, biology and business. There is a comprehensive list of subjects with some flexibility and other topics may be considered. Please contact the University to discuss this if you wish to study a topic that is not on the list.

The program is open to Year 12 students from all schools in South Australia, the content and workload however, has been designed to suit high-achieving students with the maturity to adjust to a university learning environment.

On successful completion of their topic(s), students will gain credit towards both their SACE/IB and towards a subsequent university degree. For the purpose of calculating an ATAR, the SACE Board has determined that university grades will be converted in the following way:

High Distinction = 20 Distinction = 19.8 Credit = 18 Pass = 15.8

Under funding conditions imposed by the Commonwealth government, the University is required to charge a tuition fee. However, the University will invest some of its own resources to help meet this fee. To support students undertaking the program in 2014, Flinders University will offer scholarships equal to half of the tuition fee for each topic. This will require the student’s school or parents to fund the remaining half of the tuition fee for each topic. Fees are charged at the ‘non-award’ rate and do vary by topic, these can be checked by selecting the desired topic. The University will also cover the Student Services and Amenities fee.

Please note that the final day for enrolling is 14 March 2014. It is recommended early application and enrolment to avoid disappointment and ensure students are able to attend their preferred classes.

If you would like to discuss the program further please contact Jordana Lennox, Prospective Students Office on 08 8201 5918 or via email jordana.lennox@flinders.edu.au. The Extension Studies Orientation Day program for registered students is scheduled for Thursday 20 February.

UMAT Test 2014If students are in Year 12 and planning on studying Medicine or Dental Surgery at University of Adelaide or Clinical Sciences/Medicine or Vision Science at Flinders University in 2015 they need to sit the UMAT test. Details and dates available http://umat.acer.edu.au.

For assistance with career pathways or discussion regarding options available for the future, students and parents are welcome to make an appointment time to see me.

Jill OlifentVET / Careers Coordinator

What, When and Why No 1, Term 1 2014

VET / Career News

Gap Year/Exchanges: Lattitude

2015 applications now open! Applications are now open for students interested in embarking on a volunteering placement in a new culture and community during their gap year next year. Lattitude is the original gap year organisation, having supported young Australians on worthwhile and challenging placements for over 40 years.

Placements are available within Asia/Pacific, or further afield in the UK, Europe, the Americas and Africa.

The Lattitude website runs through all the details and includes an Application Form for students to download www.lattitude.org.au

The application deadline for all placement options this year is Friday 27 June.

Funding available for Asia/Pacific placements: This year funding is available for placements in five countries in Asia/Pacific; China, Fiji, India, Vanuatu and Vietnam. This funding has been made possible through their partners at Young People Without Borders. For further information and details about how to apply, visit their website.

Volunteering in the Asia/Pacific region offers invaluable life experiences for young people.

Projects AbroadInformation Session: Tuesday 11 February, 6:30pm, The Astor Hotel, Pulteney Street, Adelaide.Reservations www.projects-abroad.com.au

Jill OlifentVET / Careers Coordinator

DENTAL CARE FOR YOUR CHILDREN It is important for children to have strong, healthy teeth and gums. All children (0 – 17 years) are welcome to attend School Dental Service clinics. Dental treatment is free at School Dental Service clinics if: Family Tax Benefit Part A is paid for your child, or Your child is covered by a School Card, Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card. The School Dental Service will bulk-bill under the new Medicare Child Dental Benefits Schedule that starts in 2014. Under this scheme, most children aged between 2-17 years will be eligible to claim up to $1000 of Dental services over 2 years.

If your child already attends a SA Dental Service clinic, contact us when their next appointment is due. If your child does not already attend one of our clinics, please phone us to make an appointment. For more information contact your local clinic: Mitcham 8271 0371. Clinic list found at www.sadental.sa.gov.au

Community News

PAgE 9

What, When and Why No 1, Term 2014

Community News

PAgE 10

Parent Workshops 2014

For PARENTS/CAREGIVERS of students from

Unley, Mitcham Girls and Urrbrae Agricultural High Schools.

To help you be a support for your child in making important course and career decisions throughout their secondary schooling and beyond.

Venue for all workshops: Unley High School staff room Times for all workshops: 6:00pm to 8:00pm

The workshop will assist you to:

1. gain and share information and insights into the emerging world of work; 2. gain insights into the career development of your child; 3. explore how you can most effectively assist that career development. The workshop balances provision of information and ideas for parents with interactive activities that draw on parents’ own wisdom and experience.

Find out where the jobs will be in the future in S.A and Australia -what they might look like, what will be growth industries and the impact of our community needs on the labour market. The second part of the evening will be practical hands on exploration of the myfuture website (www.myfuture.edu.au) to investigate the many pathways and careers available.

What and why of Apprenticeships. Hear about selection processes used and how to win an apprenticeship. What employers value in a school leaver. Hear from recent school leavers who are now apprentices.

The second half will provide information about pathway courses available in yours and nearby schools – and how to access them, School Based Apprenticeships – how they work. How to get a head start by studying SACE and an nationally accredited VET qualifications whilst at school.

Hear from the 3 major universities about how things have changed in regards to getting into university. The ‘non-linear’ pathways. Hear about Bridging courses, University Entrance tests, No Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) - what now? Ask questions of a panel of University Course Counsellors and undergraduate students. Learn about some of the online tools the major universities have available for students to choose courses and careers.

The post school training environment in S.A – what are the options, opportunities and what career paths can this environment offer your child?

In the second half, find out about and try out some really useful websites and other resources which you could use with your child in guiding them along their path.

To register interest: Email careerpartners@uhs.sa.edu.au and indicate which workshops you would like to attend.

What, When and Why No 1, Term 1 2014

Community News

PAgE 11

A Parents as Career Partners (PACP) interactive and informative workshop is to be held at Unley High School on Wednesday 5 March 2014. The workshop will start promptly at 6:00pm and finish at 8:00pm. Parents must RSVP for the event – see details below. The workshop will be held in the U n l e y H i g h S c h o o l Staffroom – enter gate 2 off Kitchener Street and follow the corridor past the front office. The PACP concept is designed to cater for students and their emerging career development aspirations, and the impact both have upon interaction with their parents. The workshop balances provision of information and ideas for parents with interactive activities that draw on the parents’ own wisdom and experience. The PACP workshop will assist parents to: 1. gain and share information and insights into the emerging world of work; 2. gain insights into the career development of their children; 3. explore how they as parents/care givers can most effectively assist that

career development; & 4. share their own experiences and ideas with other parents. Key messages for parents: · Coach, respond, open doors and advise your child, but whenever possible do not direct them into a career. · Career development for teenagers is one aspect of their search for identity – it is about awareness,

exploration, planning and decision making. · This is not an easy time for many adolescents, let alone parents – show faith and trust and recognise their

journey. · You are not alone in supporting your child’s career development; you are a partner with professionals,

community, employers and their peers. Work with those partners. · Get to know and welcome your child’s peer group – they are a precious resource to teenagers today. · Remember, you are also a significant adult to other young people, as well as a parent to your own child; for

example to your children’s friends and to the children of your relatives and friends. · Tell your children to follow their heart and be open to change. Encourage your children to keep learning

(whether in school, college, workplace or community) and maximise their options until they are ready to choose a career direction.

To register interest: Email careerpartners@uhs.sa.edu.au

Supported by

Workshop 1 Parents as Career Partners

For parents at Unley, Mitcham Girls and Urrbrae Agricultural High Schools

Wednesday 5 March 2014

What, When and Why No 1, Term 2014PAgE 12

Diary Dates

February 10 – 14 Year 8 Camps 10 SACE Day (Unley Town Hall) 10 Governing Council 7:00pm 19 Swimming Carnival 26 Year 8 Parent BBQ Evening 6:00 – 7:30pm March 3 – 4 Year 10 Aquatics 3 Governing Council AGM 7:00pm 5 – 7 Year 12 Aquatics 7 International Women’s Day 10 PUBLIC HOLIDAY 17 Governing Council 7:00pm 21 Harmony Day 25 Melinda Tankard: Student Workshops 26 Melinda Tankard: Student Workshops 26 Melinda Tankard: Parent Workshop 7:00pm 28 WWW No. 2 published on website April 4 Sports Day 9 Year 10 Risky Business 11 END OF TERM 1 Reports distributed 3:10pm

Community News

COPE is offering free courses to assist in responding to everyday situations and challenges. The courses will also help build interpersonal skills and strengthen mental health and emotional wellbing.

For details please visit http://www.aitec.edu.au/sbcpb/images/stories/eAlerts/eAlerts61to70/copecalendar2014.jpg.