principal’s welcome - blackwood high school

Term 1 | Week 2 | 9 February 2018

Principal’s WelcomeWelcome to the 2018 school year at Blackwood High School. To our new Year 8 students and their families, and to other students and families new to the school this year, I extend a special welcome and look forward to meeting you across the year.

While Blackwood High School is a high performing school which is held in high regard within and beyond the local community, my vision, is to ‘lead’ the school to a school of excellence - excellence in learning, excellence in achievement and excellence in all that we do. This will require a whole school commitment from staff, students and families to aspire to be the best we can be. At the whole school assembly, held on the first day of the school year, I spoke about what this means for students at Blackwood High School:• Attend school each day as per your school timetable

and arrive on time for lessons• Be organised for lessons with required equipment

including your charged laptop• Wear school uniform correctly • Participate in class activities and ensure that you

understand the assessment requirements to be successful for each subject. This means asking questions when you need help or are unsure.

• Respectful behaviours towards staff and each other at all times. Be mindful of the needs of others in regard to their learning excellence; and this includes having mobile phones turned off and out of sight in class.

• Plan ahead and record key dates, such as due dates for draft and final pieces of work, in your diary.

• Attempt all tasks to the best of your ability and complete homework regularly and on time.

• Seek feedback from teachers about your work to identify next steps for your learning.

The school year has started smoothly for students and staff. During the first week all students participated in specific year level orientation programs. These programs have been designed to support students in

their transition to their new year level with a focus on the school’s Culture of Respect and those positive behaviours that support successful learning. I have been most impressed by the students’ positive attitude, participation and engagement during the first two weeks and look forward to this continuing across the year.

This year we welcome to Blackwood High School a number of new and returning staff. A special welcome to the following new staff:• Andrew Gormlie teaching Maths and HPE• Kim McGough teaching Japanese and English• Gaye Rose teaching Art and Home Economics• Sean Simper teaching Photography and Art• Nici Wahlstedt teaching Humanities• Jasmine Ingram, our new Aboriginal Education

Worker

Also, we welcome back the following teaching and support staff:• Hala Fabbian • Adrienne Kajewski• Oliver Garrett• Matt Loan• Bianca Reddy• Adeline Reiter• John Whitehorn• Sonia Bawden – student support • Emily Zilm – student support

Applications for the 2018/19 World Challenge Expedition will

open at the end of Term 1 for any students in Year 9 or 10.

Inspiring Achievement and Respect2

Staff at Blackwood High School care deeply about the students we work with everyday. We greatly value the positive partnerships we develop with families and the school community to achieve high standards, excellence and success for our students. Communication is an essential aspect of the partnership process. If you have any concerns or queries regarding your child’s schooling at any time across this year please contact us. Often the first point of contact is your child’s Care Group teacher however there are other staff who can provide support and follow up:Middle School - Year 8 and 9 Year 10 Senior School – Year 11 and 12Year 8 and 9 Leader: Ashley Robinson Year 10 Leader: Ben Dening Year 11/12 Leader: Luke Northcote

Assistant Principal: Shauna Thompson Deputy Principal: Jason Loke Assistant Principal: Mary Hodson

Also, our Student Wellbeing Leaders, Argie Buesnel and Michael Winter, are available to support students and families as well as Tash Thornton, our Personalised Learning leader.

Finally, I would like to thank those families who were able to attend the Year 8 Acquaintence evening and remind families of the upcoming Year 9 and 10 Parent/Caregiver evening and the Year 11 and 12 SACE Parent/Caregiver Information evening. These evenings provide parents/caregivers with the opportunity to meet school leaders and teachers, learn about specific year level programs and the support we provide so that students achieve their very best. I hope you can join us.I wish students the very best with their learning – aim high to achieve your personal best. I look forward to working in partnership with families so our students, your children, are successful.

Sharon Goldman, Principal

Blackwood High School high achievers

• Congratulations to Tori Wright, in Year 11, who participated in the Pacific School Games from 3 to 9 December 2017 and the SASI Swimming Camp from 11 to 22 December 2017.

• Congratulations to Olivia Wheeler, in Year 11, who participated in the National Track Titles in Brisbane from 1 to 4 February 2018. Olivia won a Bronze medal in the U19 25km Points Race.

• Congratulations to Thomas Matson, in Year 9, who competed in the National Downhill Bike Race in New South Wales from 1 to 5 February 2018. Thomas will also be participating in the National Championships in March this year.

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Year 8 and 9 updateWhat a busy week it has been for all students in the Year 8 and 9 cohort!They have been involved in a variety of activities focused on familiarisation and orientation and have all settled well into the start of the new school year.

The Year 8 students had a great Orientation Day at school where they participated in some administrative tasks like learning how to use and access Daymap and email. They had a great interactive session where they were introduced to Positive Education and enjoyed a BBQ lunch. The students finished off the day with a fun and active afternoon competing in Care Groups in Outdoor Activities.

The Year 9 students had two very different sessions and spent some time at school and some time exploring the Tonsley TAFE and Flinders Campus.

The gender stereotype session run at school by Dr. Monique Mulholland from Flinders University Department of Sociology was a unique learning opportunity and I am sure quite enlightening for many of the students.

On Monday 5 February we had Year 8 Pool Day at Unley Pool and were lucky enough to have near perfect weather. The students involved themselves at every opportunity and cheered on their teammates too.

I am pleased to say that the behaviour of all students throughout the Week 1 program has been outstanding.I look forward to continuing to work with families and students in partnership throughout the rest of 2018.

Shauna Thompson, Assistant Principal Middle School

2017 Year 12 SACE ResultsCongratulations to our 2017 Year 12 Graduates. 99.2% of the Year 12 cohort achieved their South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE) which is an outstanding result. Of these students, 95 received an Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) and 102 received a TAFE selection score.

Special congratulations to Hiromi Hill, Dux of Year 12, who achieved the highest ATAR of 99.65. Hiromi also received a Merit for Stage 2 Modern History.

The following students also received an ATAR greater than 90 and are to be congratulated:• Jaehoon Bae • Thomas Brown • Deqlhan Files • Jesse McKinnon • Molly McCarthy • Martin Nachazel • Casey Rutter • Charlotte Thomson • Hattie Waters

So far, 84% of the 2017 cohort have received first round offers to university. Courses chosen include:• Arts • Architecture • Business• Commerce • Criminology and Laws • Engineering - Mechanical and Electrical• Exercise Science • Forensics • Health Science• Nursing • Oral Health • Physiotherapy• Social Work • Sport and Health

We wish our 2017 graduates the very best as they embark on new challenges beyond school.



The Year 10 Orientation program for 2018 consisted of important introduction sessions for the main elements of the SACE Personal Learning Plan (PLP) for the year. These elements could simply be divided into what we can call Experience and Exploration, which incorporates Workplace awareness and safety, understanding careers and course selection and importantly, personal understanding and goal setting. The day was split into the 3 areas spread across the day. The first session of the day took place in the Auditorium for the entire cohort. The students were given the first of their sessions on Work Experience preparation in the form of a workplace health and safety (WHS) introductory presentation. These sessions across the term are required to safely prepare our students for work outside of the school environment with a focus on safety and hazards. The PLP Task 1, due at the end of Term, requires students to complete 5 hours of safety preparation, necessary to participate in Workplace Learning. Work Experience and Workplace Learning in general is an outstanding opportunity for students to apply their knowledge and experience in real world scenarios. Students who have not completed the preparation to a satisfactory level are unable to participate in Work Experience week scheduled for Week 8 Term 2. The remainder of the day had Care Groups rotating through IBMYP Project Introductory Sessions, SACE Capabilities familiarisation sessions and a new program we are proud to run this year, the SEKSEED program. IBMYP Leader Kate Young gave students the opportunity to get their IBMYP Project underway. The sessions proved very successful with the vast majority of students having made some excellent progress towards their planning and good familiarity with the processes involved. The SEKSEED program is a multi session course aimed at building growth mindsets and goal setting skills for young people at Blackwood High School, we believe this is of particular importance for our Year 10 cohort as they transition towards Senior School and plan their futures.

I would like to thank all staff involved for their efforts in preparing and working with the students on the day. More importantly I would like to commend the 2018 Year 10 cohort for the mature manner in which they went about the day taking in the important information and activities.

Ben Dening, Year 10 Leader

Year 10 update

2018 Whole School Athletics CarnivalThe 2018 Blackwood High School Athletics Carnival will be held on Friday 2 March and parents/caregivers are welcome to attend.

On Wednesday 14 February at 11am during the House Meeting 2 nominations will be taken for house captains.

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Year 11 presentation assemblyWe would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the 2017, Year 11 students on their fantastic attendance and behaviour on their last day official day of schooling last year. Our aim was for students to take into the holiday many special memories of their time so far at Blackwood, as students, but also as friends and members of our community. We hope that students and families were enthused by the large percentage of the Year 11 cohort who were recognised for their service to the school, academic effort and academic excellence.

During Year 11, we aim to instil in students an understanding of the importance of hard work, of determination, and learning from their mistakes. Moreover, we want all students to understand the importance of perseverance and the positive impact their education will continue to have on their lives.

It was wonderful to hear the reflections from Jai Brown and Misa Hirahara, who must also be commended for their flawless hosting duties.

Mary Hodson, Assistant Principal and Luke Northcote, Senior Leader

Major Awards:Lukas Gajdar International Student FarewellDavide Travaglino International Student FarewellEmma Dotti International Student FarewellYee Lok Eddy Tse Sports AwardRhianna Manfield Sports AwardJessi Stevens Vocational Student of the YearMaddi Gayther Blackwood Lions Club BursaryJarad Amos Blackwood Lions Club BursaryMisa Hirahara Rotary AwardRhianna Manfield Winn MedalYaqi Wei Dux 2017Amanda Bowne Zonta Award


Subject Awards:Hannah Goldman Biology Ashleigh Stain HealthCooper Smith Business and

EnterpriseCiara Walsh History

Cassandra Shannon Chemistry Shaya Hipper-Couch JapaneseMichelle Herriman Child Studies Hannah Goldman Legal StudiesJack Chaplin Community Studies Ethan Fielder-Izzillo Material Products - Furniture

ConstructionGeorgia Tuck Dance Joel Keen Mathematical MethodsHenning Ostendorf Digital Photography Erin Jenner NetballTabitha Knight Drama Jaidyn Maidment Physical EducationBrett Lewis Electrotechnology (IPP) Cassandra Shannon PhysicsCassandra Shannon English Erin Jenner PsychologyErin Jenner English Misa Hirahara SpanishShihan Zhang English as an

Additional LanguageAlina Tairli Specialist Mathematics

Georgina Swinfield Essential English Lukas Gajdar System and Control ProcductsSaffron Raynor Essential Mathematics Lea Dubois The World OutdoorsAlain Mulder Food and Hospitality Olivia Broadbent TourismReece Milsom Football Emma Dotti Visual Arts: ArtCaitlyn Blucher General Mathematics Jackson Millington Visual Arts: DesignHarriet Cooling German Ashleigh Mason Workplace Practices

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On Friday 2 February, Flinders University once again hosted our annual Senior School Orientation Day for Year 11 and 12 students. The purpose of this day is to prepare our senior students for the rigours of Year 11 and 12 studies and to begin planning for life beyond school.

Year 11 and 12 students began the day setting themselves some individual and personal goals that they will have a chance to reflect on throughout the year. Our aim was to capture the enthusiasm of a new year and new resolutions with the hope that these can be used for inspiration as the year moves forward.

The Year 11 students then heard an inspiring speech from a graduating Psychology student about effective habits, before breaking off into 3 groups with some students on specialised Campus Tours or the World Café, discussing a range of topics with student advisors such as Careers, Interviews, Personality and Maximising the University Experience. The final group went with Mr. Northcote to hear about VET options, Apprenticeships, Traineeships and using Vocational Education to complete the SACE. Year 11 students also heard from motivational speaker and educator Lee Harrison, who uses science and magic to teach students about the power of critical and creative thinking.

Following their morning session, the Year 12 students listened to Clinical Psychiatrist Amanda Taylor talk about finding and keeping their drive before they broke into smaller interactive workshops such as University subject workshops, Flash Mentoring and using Vocational Education to complete the SACE.

This is always a rewarding day and it is fantastic to see the best of many of our students on display. It also serves to highlight the importance of the Senior Years in helping to shape our students’ futures.

Mary Hodson, Assistant Principal and Luke Northcote, Senior Leader

Senior School Orientation Day


A high percentage of our students have achieved entrance to their chosen course of study at Tertiary level. These courses covered many of the different discipline areas. Some of these courses include: Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Physiotherapy, Bachelor of Law and Society, Bachelor of Medical Science, Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Science, Bachelor of Information Technology, Bachelor of Engineering, Bachelor of Sport, Health and Physical, Bachelor of Teaching, Bachelor of Health and Medical Science, Bachelor of Speech Pathology, Bachelor of Nursing, Bachelor of Interior Architecture, Bachelor of Aviation, Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science (Forensic and Analytical), Bachelor Psychology Science, Bachelor of Oral Health.

At Blackwood High School a number of students have utilised their Certificate III or IV training in order to complete their SACE or to gain and enhance their ATAR. 13 students used a completed Certificate III or IV in a range of industry areas including Beauty Services, Fitness, Media, Children’s Services, Screen and Media, Health, Dance and Individual Support.

It was wonderful that 84% of our Year 12 students received a first round offer to gain entry into a large range of courses which spanned across numerous universities. Congratulations to all the students for their persistence and determination which has resulted in opportunities to follow their chosen career pathways.

Mary Hodson, Assistant Principal Senior School and SACE

2018 SATAC offers

Homestay Families WantedPlanning is underway for the arrival of our first Japanese Study Tour visit to Blackwood High School for 2018. The group of 12 boys and 4 girls, aged about 15 years, from Morioka Chuo High School will be with us from 10 – 22 March. This will be Morioka High School’s eighth visit to Blackwood. The visitors will have a full program of activities at school, including ESL, cooking, football and netball, art, a trip to Victor Harbor and the city and a farewell dinner.

Host families will receive a homestay payment of $480 per student to defray expenses for the 12-night visit. Morioka has agreed we can allocate two boys to a host family and this option may suit some family circumstances. The students may share a room for the short visit.

We hope you will consider being part of this exciting program. Prospective host families will need to complete an application process to become an accredited DECD homestay family including completing a DCSI child related screening and a home visit. If you are interested in being involved in this exciting program or would like further information, please contact either Karyn Jones or Nick Kusmanoff at school via phone (8278 0900) or email me at [email protected].

Karyn Jones, Leader International Student Programs and LOTE

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Laos and VietnamEntering the school’s fifth expedition presented many new and exciting challenges for the twenty four students and four staff travelling to Laos and Vietnam. Four weeks away from home, managing themselves, control of a budget – all experiences that many of our young people had never faced before.

Our base in Laos was Luang Prabang – a beautiful old town full of French and Buddhist history, sitting on the banks of the Mekong river. Exploring the town, we were able to take in the many Buddhist temples, walk the Night market, watch sunset over the river and rise early to give alms to the monks that paraded along the streets.

From Luang Prabang we travelled daily to our community engagement project with the Free the Bears organisation, which sat in the mountains 45 minutes drive away. Our task here was the construction of a new enclosure to house rescued monkeys and the building of a pool in the young bear enclosure. This was an amazing project as we were able to achieve a huge amount of work given the fundraising that had been done prior to the expedition.

Driving nine hours north, the teams took part in a three day Jungle trek. After experiencing the local market and shopping for supplies we were taken by tuk tuk to our starting point. Jungle mixed in with bamboo forest as we made our way in hot conditions to our jungle camp for the evening. Here we slept under a shelter made from branches and banana leaves, and cooked dinner over the open fire. After a longer day of trekking, the teams experienced life in a traditional village – playing rattan ball with the locals, swimming in the river, and talking about local customs with the elders.

After an intimate afternoon feeding and washing elephants it was time to take the long drive east to Vietnam. After three days of travel in a bus, some passport and visa trouble, we arrived in the cloudy mountain town of Sapa for our four day trek. Slippery conditions greeted us as we made our way through rice terraces and rural villages. At times it was a battle to stay on our feet but arriving at our homestay each night gave us the opportunity to change and experience Vietnamese culture and cooking.

Leaving Sapa behind, we boarded an overnight train bound for Hanoi. A bustling city, we were able to experience the sights and smells of the old quarter, traditional water puppets as well as a morning of ten pin bowling.

Halong bay had been a “must do” for the teams and gave us a great opportunity to wind down from a hectic trip. The day was spent cruising through the limestone coasts before stopping at Cat Ba island to swim and spend the night.

Our final destination was Hoi An – a UNESCO protected city full of old world charm. Here was a chance to walk around the old city and get in some final shopping before our trip home.

The success of these expeditions comes down to the hard work of the students and parents to save and prepare over a long period. We had significant community support this year, particularly from the Coromandel Rotary club who the teams worked with throughout the build up, assisting with their garden sales. Thanks also goes to our two expedition leaders, John and Rich for their efforts in providing opportunities for our young people to grow throughout the trip and to our hardworking staff Chris, Katrina and Rob who were great support to me and the students.

Daniel Smith, World Challenge Coordinator

World Challenge expedition


Late last year we developed a ‘draft’ Mobile Phone and Social Media Policy to support the effective use of such technologies within a school environment. The policy reinforces that communication devices, such as mobile phones, must be being turned off during all lesson times, assemblies and other school functions, and that students are not to make or receive any phone calls, text messages or access other social media messages during lesson times. This has always been the expectation at Blackwood High School and students were reminded of this expectation at the whole school assembly on the first day of the year. Staff are closely monitoring student behaviour in class to ensure students adhere to the expectation so they are not distracted from their own learning or interfere with the learning of others. So far we are most impressed by students’ responsible behaviours. Staff will continue to remind and support students to manage their communication devices, a real life skill expected in a ‘work environment’.

However, at times, communication devices may be used for educational purposes with direct permission from the subject teacher.

The Mobile Phone and Social Media Policy will be finalised early this term and presented to the Governing Council for endorsement. After this process we will distribute the policy to families.

To assist staff to maintain a safe, respectful and focused learning environment for all students we ask that families do not contact students on their mobile phones during lessons. Please contact the school if an urgent matter occurs and your child will be supported when necessary.

With nearly 960 students on site it is important that we monitor the traffic within and around the school grounds.

A reminder to parents/caregivers that there are no formal drop off and pick up locations on the Blackwood High School site. The school car parks, located on the southern side of Seymour Street, are only for the use of Blackwood High School staff, although one is currently only for the use of the builders constructing our new STEM Centre.

Also, the road that traverses through the school from Seymour Street to Northcote Street is restricted to school buses between 8am and 4pm. No parents/caregivers should be using this road during this time. Please note that parking provided along the edge of this road is only for staff use. The Blackwood Recreation Centre carpark also should not be used.

Parents/caregivers visiting the school for meetings with staff, to collect unwell students etc can park in the visitors’ car park located near the Student Wellbeing Centre.

I acknowledge that there are limited places for student ‘drop off and pick up’ directly at the front of the school and that the traffic congestion along Seymour Street before and after school is a major concern. I have been in contact with Mitcham Council to discuss our concerns and will work with them to identify solutions. With this newsletter is a brochure provided by the council which provides information about the Australian road rules in relation to children, schools and traffic.

Student safety

Mobile phone and social media policy

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An important part of building a positive culture and creating identity is the wearing of school uniform. At Blackwood High School it is an expectation that students wear school uniform. The School Uniform policy was developed by the school community and is supported and endorsed by the Governing Council, parents/caregivers, staff and students.

All students who enrol at Blackwood High school are expected to proudly wear the school uniform because it:• assists with the safety and care of students by identifying them as Blackwood

High School students on the school grounds, while on excursions and in the community.

• provides appropriate, cost effective clothing for the wide range of teaching and learning activities.

• develops a positive image of Blackwood High School in the wider community.• contributes to school identity and develops a sense of belonging.• reduces competitive dressing.• develops discipline in wearing a prescribed uniform, often required by

employers.

With the start of the new school year, it is pleasing to see so many students in uniform. However, there are a number of students wearing non uniform attire, particularly black shorts/pants and black shoes with white markings.

The student diary and school website clearly state the school uniform requirements. I ask that parents/caregivers speak to their children about the requirements to ensure students are dressed correctly for school.Starting this week students wearing non uniform attire will be followed up and parents/caregivers will be informed that their child is not adhering to the school uniform requirements. If there is a genuine reason a student cannot wear their uniform on a particular day we ask that the parent/caregiver provide a note in the student’s diary.

If families have questions or concerns about the uniform requirements or require support, please contact the school.

Parental support in ensuring all students meet the uniform requirements will ensure a consistent and successful implementation of this policy


School uniform

Students also need to take responsibility for their safety when travelling to and from school which includes:• Using the pedestrian crossing on Shepherds Hill Road wherever possible• Crossing neighbouring streets with care• Walking along designated footpaths to and from school. This includes using the footpath along the edge of

the football oval rather than walking along the road at the back of the shops on Shepherds Hill Road• Entering the school via pedestrian gates not driveway gates.

We will continue to closely monitor students’ safety and remind them of the above practices. Thank you to families for supporting us to maintain a safe school environment.

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The Hub Recreation Centre is holding a one term only coaching clinic in conjunction with State Soccer.It is a 8 week skills clinic Starting Friday 9/2/2018 for 8 weeksCost is $85.00 per person4:30 - 5:30pmPlease register at the center on 0403642189 Or [email protected]

Calendar DatesTerm 1 2018Wednesday 14 FebruaryYear 9 and 10 Parent Information Night 7pm

Thursday 15 FebruaryYear 8 Sports Day

Tuesday 20 FebruaryGoverning Council Meeting 7pm

Wednesday 21 FebruaryYear 11 and 12 SACE Parent Information Night 7pm

Thursday 22 FebruaryWhole School Assembly (SRC and House Captains)

Friday 2 MarchWhole School Athletics Carnival

Monday 5 to Friday 9 MarchYear 8 Camp

Tuesday 6 MarchGoverning Council Meeting AGM 7pm

Wednesday 7 MarchDaymap for Parents session 9:30am and 6pm Conference Room

Friday 9 MarchSTUDENT FREE DAYYear 12 Formal

Monday 12 MarchMARCH PUBLIC HOLIDAY

Tuesday 13 to Friday 23 MarchMorioka Study Tour

Monday 19 MarchOpen Night 4:30pm - 7:30pm

Tuesday 27 MarchPrincipal’s Tour 9amGoverning Council Meeting 7pm

Wednesday 28 MarchYear 8 Immunisations

Friday 30 MarchGOOD FRIDAY

Monday 2 AprilEASTER MONDAY

Wednesady 4 to Friday 6 AprilYear 11 Outdoor Education Camp Deep Creek

Thursday 12 AprilInterschool Athletics

Friday 12 AprilLast day of Term 1

Term 2 2018Monday 30 AprilFirst day of Term 2

School ContactsStudent Absences: [email protected] Services: 8278 0900 or see website for staff email contacts

principal’s welcome - blackwood high school

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