Volume 2 -  17th February 2005
Week 3 .... Term 1

Ph: 8381 7166
Fax: 8381 6041

Email:
hvsadmin@happyvalley.sa.edu.au

Website:
www.happyvalley.sa.edu.au
 

Inside this issue…
Weather, Dogs at School, Acquaintance Night, Governing Council, Weather Watch, Parking, OSHC, Tort Laws, Panalatinga Reserve, Resource Centre, Physical Education, Adelaide 36er’s, Aberfoyle Park High, Kookaburra Café, Parent Club, Sport, Festival of Music, LAP, Schools & Traffic, Community News, Term 1 Calendar, OSHC Newsletter.

As many of you will have read in the media, the Education Department has provided resourcing for a new initiative, in the form of grants to all schools and pre-schools, to support young children in the area of literacy learning. Late last year our school received information about the Early Years Literacy Program, in particular, that support will target Year 1 students. There is also a training and development allocation for all schools and Kindergartens, for Pre-school to Year 3 teachers. Our teachers will be participating, with others from our district, in a day of T&D, early in Term 2. As Literacy is a school priority as well as a DECS one, we welcome this focus at Happy Valley for the next years.

Over the first part of this term, teachers will be identifying Year 1 students who would benefit from extra support, and we will be providing a program for these children.

In addition, there will be children in other year levels, who also require support. We have a variety of other programs, which will ensure that these students also receive the support they need. If you have any questions about our support programs, which include Early Intervention, classroom support, Fun and Games, LaN support and LAP, please contact Judy Davies.
 

We are into our third week of our Korean students' stay, which will end on Friday of Week 4. The students have all settled in really well to school life at Happy Valley. Apart from early difficulties, such as when the weather turned so cold and the Korean students had come prepared for summer weather, the time has gone so quickly with no huge problems! The visit has been a very positive learning experience for all of our students. Many classes, not only those with Korean students, have been doing research about Korea. Judy Miller has also focused on Korea with some classes in the Resource Centre.

The students themselves have been having a wonderful time with their families, going to the Central Market, restaurants, Cleland Wildlife Park, Victor Harbor, camping, trips to Adelaide, to name but a very few. We are extremely indebted to the five families who so willingly undertook this "adventure." Our special thanks to them all.

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When dealing with extremes of weather and students’ welfare, staff have adopted the following policy.

Wet
Recess and Lunch

• two sirens - students to stay inside or return to rooms immediately. The Principal or the person on north-central yard duty makes the decision.

• Resource Centre closed for the rest of that period.

• one siren - will be sounded if weather improves and students to be dismissed. The Principal or the person on north-central yard duty makes the decision.

Where recess or lunch is inside, class teachers cover the supervision of classroom areas.  

Hot
Under normal circumstances the Policy will be temperature based as follows:
Up to and including 35 degrees -- no change

• Children play and move around the school in all play areas

• We encourage children to consume water regularly

• We encourage children to store their lunch box in the classroom if the food includes high bacterial risk factors

36 degrees plus -- children have a 15-minute ‘outside lunch time' with the remainder of the lunch being in classrooms with staff supervision.

The Principal or nominee will do a temperature verification at 12.30pm using the Happy Valley School Weather station.

The 15 minutes 'outside lunch time' provides an opportunity for all students to access the canteen for ice-blocks and drinks as well as getting some fresh air.

On the days where forecasted temperatures are predicted to be 36 degrees plus we encourage:

• parents to pack a nutritional lunch and snack items with a cooling device - frozen water, drink or cool pack

• parents to pack a lunch which requires little cooling eg bread, pita bread; bread rolls, processed cheese or cheese sticks, canned or fresh fruit, rice cakes, pikelets, dried fruit, mixed nuts, frozen UHT milk

• children and parents to purchase fresh foods from the Happy Valley School Canteen, ensuring the canteen is a viable service to the school community

Can we remind parents and community members of our policy on dogs being brought on to the school grounds. "No dogs are allowed onto the Happy Valley School grounds - ovals, play and grassed areas and around buildings."

This direction is regardless of time of day or day of week and relates to The Dog and Cat Management Act 1995.

There are exceptions or permissions to this explicit direction:

• an owner approaches the Principal, seeking direct permission to have a dog on the grounds for a particular reason, and commits to having the dog under the complete control and supervision of an adult
• visiting for the purposes of an organised "show and tell" session negotiated with the classroom teacher (this occurs mainly at the beginning of the school day).

Parents or community members who seek permission from the Principal to bring a dog on to the grounds, as in point one above, must reapply each year and be issued with a permission card

Acquaintance night will be on Tuesday, Week 4, February 22^nd 

This event provides teachers the opportunity to meet with parents early in the year and raise such topics as

• students' educational program

• assessment and reporting processes and expectations

• class routines, procedures, structures and expectations

• student behaviour management

• planned and possible excursions

This is a general information-sharing event and parents are asked that if you have a specific issue which needs to be raised with the teacher, please do so by using the time at the end of the meeting to make a separate appointment with the class teacher.  This allows more quality time to raise and resolve any issue.

Times are:-

• 6.30pm                               German Trans. 2

• 7.00 - 7.30pm                      Junior Primary

• 7.35 - 8.05pm                      Years 3,4 and 5

• 8.10 - 8.40pm                      Years 6 and 7

A creche is provided from 6.30 - 8.45pm in the Resource Centre, for parents who cannot make alternative arrangements and is supervised by the specialist teaching staff.  Bookings at the Front Office are essential.

A diary date for you to remember:
The Governing Council AGM will be on Monday 7^th March.
Details about the meeting will be sent home soon.

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Happy Valley’s Weather Station will once again be providing valuable data to Channel Nine’s T.V. weather reports at 6.25pm

As an Airwatch school, we will be sending weather reports to be aired by Channel Nine on the following Wednesdays -- 9th March, 13th April and 29th June.
We would also like to thank Channel Nine for their generous sponsorship that enabled us to install our computerised weather station at a significantly reduced cost.
D'Arcy Jones  Airwatch Coordinator

Over the last two years, since the development of the Bethsalem Aged Care facility next to the school, there has been a lot of negotiation about the land right in the corner of Education Road and Greenbriar Avenue, land which is currently used for casual parking by parents of the school, and by others.  Negotiations centred around who should be responsible for the land, which was originally part of the school 'drop-off' zone. The land had been offered free of charge by Bethsalem to the school to continue to be used as parking.

Because neither the Onkaparinga Council nor the Education Department were prepared to accept the land and take responsibility for it, Bethsalem have resumed responsibility for it and will incorporate it into parking facilities for Bethsalem’s exclusive use. Reconstruction of the area to incorporate it into their parking arrangements will begin soon.

Once this happens, the Onkaparinga Council will create three parallel car parking spaces on Education Road adjacent to this private parking area, for general use. Sharon Nash, a parent of the school and local Ward Councillor, is working with the Council to improve parking access for parents of the school in the surrounding streets.

These changes will continue to put pressure on the movement of cars and parking around the school and we ask drivers to be patient.

Our next Committee Meeting will be held on Monday 21st February at 6.15pm in the OSHC room.  Please come along and support our OSHC program.

A reminder that Vacation Care bookings can be made from Monday 7th March 2005 (Week 6) in the OSHC room, after 3.00pm.

Roxanne Longbottom -- Director OSHC 8322 2411
Carol Forte -- Direction Vacation Care 8322 2411

Changes to Tort Law came into effect on 1 May 2004.  Torts are civil wrongs that by law may be grounds for a lawsuit.  These changes will only effect incidents that take place after that date.

The law generally covers a child injured through some one else’s negligent actions. The changes to the law are brought to your attention so that you are aware of what they mean for you and your child in the case of your child being injured as the result of someone else's negligent actions.

Generally a child has until they are 21 to sue for an injury.  The changes to the Tort Laws now mean that if a child is under 15 years of age when injured, parents, carers or legal guardians must notify the person allegedly responsible for the injury of the child’s intention to make a legal claim within six years of the date of injury.

Failure to do so does not exclude your child from suing later, but by the time your child reaches 21 years of age and has not taken legal action for the injury she/he may face a reduction in compensation or a loss of their legal rights.

The person being sued has a legal right to certain information about your child's injury.  This includes the right to have the child examined by a doctor of their choosing, and also the right to ask that the court case begin within six months.

It is important that if your child is injured, and you believe this is through the negligent actions of someone else, you seek legal advice as soon as possible after the injury has occurred.

Free legal advice may be obtainable from the Legal Services Commission (legal aid) on 1300 366 424, or from your local community legal centre.  The Law Society also may offer you a low-cost first interview.  The society may be contacted on 8229 0222.

Each working bee is from 1.30 to 4.00pm.  Meet on the porch by the oval.
Sat. March 5th - Woody weed control
Removal/cutting and swabbing of olive and bone seed plants.
Sat. April 9th - Removing guards from plants.
- Weeding around young plants planted in 2004.
- Weed control as for March if required.

Frid. June 4th - Years 3, 4 and 5 planting in Reserve. (wear boots, bring gloves and a trowel)
*Parental help will be required on this day to help with planting and watering.*
Sat. June 5th  - Working bee to check trees have been correctly planted on Friday 4th - check guards and water seedlings.
Sat. August 6th - Hand pulling our most invasive weed – 3-cornered Garlic.  This has previously been sprayed in barren areas, but now we need to get in and hand weed, removing bulbs from around plants and seedlings.
- Water and weed around seedlings planted on 4^th June if required.
Sat. September 17th -  Hand pulling our most invasive weeds – 3-cornered Garlic, Freesia and Sparaxis, as well as any other non-native bulbs.
- Tidy propagation shed.
Sat. October 22^nd or 29^th - Plant Identification Session.
Learn to recognise the wide variety of flora in the area, with our Catchment Care Officer, Caroline Dorr.

(Early 4th Term some students and classes will be invited to take part in seed propagation)

Sat. November 5th - Continue hand removal of invasive bulbs, 3-cornered Garlic, Freesia and Sparaxis, from area.
Sat. November 27^th - Water seedlings and weed around them in readiness for summer
Followed by  ***  Break-up and social get-together  ***
at the home of Sharon and David Nash.  More details later.

SECOND HAND BOOK SALE Thursday 24^th February.  Books for 5c.

SCHOLASTIC BOOK CLUB.  Please ensure that order forms are completely filled out with your child's first name and surname and the teacher’s name NOT ROOM NUMBER.  Thank you.

This year I will be taking all classes including junior primary for at least one lesson per week. I would ask that students come prepared for Physical Education lessons by having appropriate clothing, especially footwear and a suitable drink (water). I have included a timetable showing what day(s) your child(ren) have P.E.

This term Junior Primary classes will be learning ball skills, including throwing, hitting and catching and will also focus on basic gymnastics skills, including spring and landing, rotations and statics (supports and balances). A lot of the term one program for Yr 3--7 students will be athletics based in preparation for sports day and district athletics day.

YR       TEACHER                 P.E. DAY(S)
Rec:      Mrs Neemann --            Wednesday
R/1:     Mrs Saunders --              Monday & Thursday
R/1:     Mrs Kakoschke --           Wednesday & Thursday
1-2:       Mrs Nicholson --           Wednesday & Thursday
1-2:       Mrs Bailey --                  Wednesday & Thursday
2:          Mrs Higgins --               Wednesday & Thursday
3-4:       Mr Graham --               Thursday
3-4:       Mrs Atherton --             Wednesday
3-4:       Mrs Whisson --              Friday
5:          Mr Mueller --                 Thursday
5:          Mrs Petho --                  Friday
6:          Mr Draper --                 Friday
6-7:       Miss Williams/Mr Inglis Wednesday & Friday
6-7:       Mr Jones --                     Friday

Scott Francis
Physical Education Teacher

Last Thursday the school's basketball teams went on a bus to see the 36er’s train and have a coaching clinic with them. When we got to the Distinctive Homes Dome we sat in seats and watched the training. After about 45 minutes we had our lunch and then a girl asked us to bring down our things we wanted signed by some of the players. Our training session was with two of the players, Jason Williams and Nick Hambour. It was really fun. Josh and I were partners for nearly every activity. After the training we got into a line and got autographs from Jason and Nick. Finally we waited for the bus to come and take us back to school.

Josh Cryer

Page 5

We welcome the following students from Happy Valley Primary School as Year 8 students at Aberfoyle Park High School this year ~

Greg Abroe, Kyle Adamson, Nicholas Bauer, Jarrad Braham, Daniel Brown, Stephen Brown, Scott Butler, Jack Campbell, Matt Canny, Michael Crisp, Abigail  Ellacott, Sammy Gray, Sam Hall, Christopher Knobloch, Alex McDonald, Gregory Mitic, Jake Moore, Jessica Ottewell, Samuel Pater, James Pilic, David Sargent, Daniel Spraakman, Zoe Udy and Charlotte Wakefield

We are looking forward to a rewarding and happy association with the students and their families throughout the students’ secondary education.

We congratulate our 2004 Year 12 students for outstanding results in their exams.   Five students received over 99%, and 17 students received between 90 -- 99%.  26 perfect scores of 20/20 were received and one of our students received the Don Maynard SSABSA prize for Music.

Wendy Teasdale-Smith Principal

•  Please add to your new PINK Price List.  BIG M Choc. and BIG M Strawberry 250ml. $1.25 ea.
  Feelgood Choc. or Ice Coffee (no added sugar)$1.80

• Due to an increase in the cost of ingredients, our cookies will now cost 75c ea.  The cookies are home made by one of our parents and are excellent value - large and tasty!

• Slush Puppie has no sugar -- contains apple concentrate and water only.  We have prizes for cups sold -- call in a have a look at what your child could receive.

• A reminder about Sports Day on Thursday 24^th March.  A flyer will be sent home to parents with special deals.  Students, parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles -- in fact everyone can order.  No waiting in lines for lunches.

ROSTER
Mon. 21^st Feb
Tues. 22^nd Feb               Kate Battersby
Wed. 23^rd Feb
Thur. 24^th Feb
Frid. 25^th Feb                Julie Day
Mon. 28^th Feb
Tues. 1^st Mar                 Katrina Allen
Wed. 2^nd Mar               
Thur. 3^rd Mar
Frid. 4^th Mar

Volunteers are especially needed on a Friday.  Call in and speak to me if you are interested.

Thanks, Helen King

Welcome back to a new school year.  Our AGM was held on 9^th February and positions for 2005 are as follows.

Co-President                 Andrea Chapman
Co-President                 Sue Phillips
Vice President                Robyn Draper
Secretary                       Nyree Haese
Treasurer                       Lee Bache
Uniform Coordinator    Sandy Hutchings

Next meeting is Wednesday 2^nd March.  Note the new time of 1.30pm.

Uniform Room Times:
            Wednesday 3.00 -- 3.30pm
            Thursday 8.30 -- 9.30am

We will be holding our fabulous Sports Day Cake Stall and will be looking for donations of food and volunteers to help out on the day Thursday 24^th March.  Notices about this will come out soon.

We will also be holding a raffle with 1^st prize being a great CD Player and Easter Goodies as the other prizes.

Nyree Haese -- Secretary
 

BASKETBALL RESULTS
The year 3/4's had their very first match this week and played a great game.  Although our opposition was older and more experienced our team performed very well.

A great team effort by the Szeitz brothers.  Nathanael showed great tenacity, Nicole and Jordan were full of enthusiasm and Jasmin was a great inspiration.  Well done team!
 

Auditions are now being called for places as Assisting Artists and Foyer Concert performers in the 2005 Festival of Music.  All students from DECS schools are eligible.  For more information and application forms please see your Principal, Music, Dance or Arts Teacher.

 

There will be an information session in the Long Room at 2.15pm on Wednesday 23^rd February.

Any parents interested in finding out more about our Learning Assistance Program, please feel free to attend.

Wendy Nicolle -- LAP Coordinator

Page 6

Children, schools and traffic are a potentially dangerous combination…
Parking restrictions at schools are for the safety of the children.

Local Councils impose a variety of parking restrictions at and near schools to achieve a safe environment for the children.  These zones are also to optimise traffic safety and movement.

• No Stopping Zones

• No Parking Zones

• Double Ranking

• Driveways

• Footpaths

• School Crossings

• Speed Limits

Council Rangers will be monitoring school traffic and warnings will be given initially.  From 14^th February 2005 expiations will be issued to anyone found to be in breach of any parking traffic regulation.

HAPPY VALLEY CHRISTIAN MISSION -- The Salvation Army.  Kid's Club starts Thursday 17^th Feb.  First and third Thursday of each month at the Happy Valley Salvation Army "The Hub".  4.30 -- 6.00pm for 5 -- 12 year olds.  Cost:  Gold Coin Donation.

CITY OF ONKAPARINGA -- Sunday in the Parks.  Bring along a blanket to sit on, a hat to wear, and supper to enjoy while listening to some fantastic music in two of the City of Onkaparinga’s fabulous parks!
Jaz Buz!  A five piece jazz band from the Adelaide Hills on Sunday 20^th February 4 -- 6pm.  Serpentine Reserve, Cnr. Of Serpentine Road and Candy Road, Happy Valley.
TNT Latinoz.  A seven piece Latino band to groove to!  Sunday 27^th February 4 -- 6pm.  Market Square, Old Noarlunga.

SOUTHERN AREAS NETBALL CLINIC brought to you by the Happy Valley Netball Club.  All welcome 1/2 day clinic for all ages.  Special guests are members of Suna League.  Sunday 20^th March at 8.45am at SUNA (Wilfred Taylor Reserve, States Road, Morphett Vale).  Phone 8370 7409 to register or pick up an application form from your local school.  Each registration receives a free raffle entry for a signed Thunderbird netball.

KIDS IN THE SWIM is a participation program for children aged between 7 and 11 years who can already swim but who are not registered members of a SwimSA swimming club.  There are three sessions running at three venues -- Adelaide Aquatic Centre, Parafield Gardens Swimming Centre and Noarlunga Leisure Centre.  The program costs $15 for the three sessions.  For more information contact Tracy Dancer on 8269 5595 or email on tracy.dancer@swimsa.swimming.org.au or download a registration form from www.swimsa.swimming.org.au

UNITING CARE WESLEY -- Ever wondered how you could make a difference?  We currently have these opportunities available

• Phone Support -- make a weekly phone call to some socially isolated people in the community.

• Telelink -- Convenor -- Lead a weekly group phone conversation for socially isolated individuals in the community.

• Friendly Visiting -- visit someone in their own home for some social support.

These positions are voluntary and within your own community.  We provide support and training.  For more information please call Jean on 8202 513

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