Volume 07 -  5th May 2005
Week 1 .... Term 2

Ph: 8381 7166
Fax: 8381 6041

Email:
hvsadmin@happyvalley.sa.edu.au
 

Website:
www.happyvalley.sa.edu.au

 

Inside this issue.......
Parent Club Spend on Students, Celebrity Visit, Drug Strategy, Dog Permits, Parents as Partners, Welcome, Walk Safely to School, Kooka Counci News, District Athletics Day, Parent Club, Kooka Café, OSHC, Sport, English Comp. Reminder, Art, Craft, Design, Aberfoyle Park High News, Mitcham Girls High, Tear Off Slips.

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Late last term Parent Club decided to spend some of their fund raising money on improving the facilities and resources for students in the school.

A new set of very attractive and robust outdoor timber furniture was purchased and placed in the courtyard outside the canteen.  The furniture, comprising a table and eight chairs, replaces the plastic set that has been there for some years and students are already enjoying the comfort of the new setting.

Scott, Nadia and Amy try out the new furniture.

Parent Club have also agreed to fund the development of Play Boxes for Junior Primary classes, to use during class developmental play times.

Students and staff thank our Parent Club for the hard work they put in for our school and for the wonderful resources they have provided with these latest purchases.

In the last week of last term we were very lucky to be visited by Michael Keelan and June Taylor from radio 5AA.  They came to the school to see and hear first hand about the really wonderful environmental and recycling projects that have been developed in our school.  On their Saturday morning gardening program they then reported on their visit to the school by interviewing Wendy Nicolle live on radio.  Thank you Wendy, who is a parent and a School Services Officer at the school, for helping with this wonderful promotion of our school.

Charli, Max, Jacob and Mikayla in their garden plot.

Adrian, Joshua and Justin watching birds in the reserve.

While they were at the school, Michael and June were taken by our student guides on a tour of the Panalatinga Reserve, the Propagation Area, the Edible Garden and the School Wetland.  The student guides -- Joshua Cryer, Adrian Veljkovic, Justin Szeitz, Kristi Grigoris, Elise Hardwick, Elle Campbell, Rebecca Jutilane-Maynard and Jayden Perry explained how the students of the school have developed these projects and of the value they bring to their study program through the year.  Well done to these students for being such great ambassadors for our school!

Jayden and Tom recycling food scraps.
 

Worms, Composting and Scraps
Every day after lunch three students from our class do scraps.  They are Jack Spacie, Jayden Perry and Tom Hall.  After lunch we collect Mr. Mueller's, the Staff Room and the Canteen's scrap bucket.  We get the key from the Front Office and take the scrap buckets down to the Propagation Shed.  We tip the food scraps into the bins that have the least food scraps in them and then we tip the other scraps into the worm bins.  We then water all the plants in the propagation shed.  We then use the compost on our garden and to propagate plants.

By Jayden, Jack and Tom.

Page 3

Jake, Ben and Elle sorting used paper for recycling.

Paper Recycling
Our class chose to do paper recycling so Mr Mueller had to choose some people to do it and he chose Elle Campbell, Ben Braddon and Jake Lawrence.  Every Tuesday after lunch we go to get the technology room key from the front office and then we unlock the technology room and get our boxes.  We then go to the staff room and the front office to collect the scrap paper.  We then take the paper back to the tech room.  The week after we put the boxes out on the side of the road to be collected by Onkaparinga Council for recycling.

By Elle Campbell, Ben Braddon and Jake Lawrence.

James, Caitlyn and Taylah explore the wetland area.

Alcohol and other Drug Council of Australia
Media Release: 7 April 2005
Information to reflect on

• 1 in every 3 Australians (aged 14 years and over) having used it at some time in their lives.

• Not all results from the survey are positive. Alcohol consumption has increased, with more Australians consuming alcohol on a weekly basis.  Greater proportions of the population are at risk of short-term harm including injury, accidents and assaults through risky or high risk drinking or 'binge drinking'.

• Alcohol and other drug use by teenage girls and young men is of particular concern. Around 1.2million teenagers consumed alcohol in 2004, with 10,000 drinking daily.

• Young men aged 20-29 are becoming more likely to drink at risky or high risk levels at least weekly, increasing from 14.6% in 2001 to 17.4% in 2004. This is a considerable increase in a short space of time and is cause for concern.

• The mean age of initiation of alcohol and other drug use has remained relatively stable over the decade (1995-2004) at around 16 years for tobacco; 17 for alcohol; 18 for cannabis and around 20-22 for other illicit drugs

The arrangements at Happy Valley School, which previously did not allow dogs on the school grounds except under special circumstances, were changed in 2004.

In 2004, dog owners who agreed to abide by permit conditions were issued with a permit allowing them to bring dogs on to the school grounds.  By issuing permits, and officially allowing dogs on to the school grounds, the school was accepting some responsibility for the behaviour of any dogs on school grounds.

This year we have sought advice on the extent of the liability of the school, under these new arrangements.  We have received advice from a Psychologist, an Animal Ethics Manager, and a Policy Advisor in the Legal and Risk Management section of the Education Department.

All the specialist people who have given advice concur.  The school has exposed itself to an unacceptable level of risk in its duty of care to students through implementing the Dog Permit Permission arrangements.

Therefore the permits allowing dogs to be brought onto the school grounds have been revoked and the pre-existing arrangement now takes effect.  Dogs may only be brought on to the school grounds under a pre-arranged plan with a class teacher, specifically for "show and tell", or as part of a school sanctioned event eg guide dogs for the blind assembly.  Where dogs are to be brought for "show and tell", we ask that they come into the school with an adult after the bell has sounded and students are in class.

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We are again running this very successful program to assist parents who work with children as part of learning programs at school and at home.  This invitation is extended to new parents, parents who support classroom programs, LAP volunteers and parents who wish to help their children at home.

The program will consist of a series of 5 workshops, to be held on Wednesday afternoons, from 1.00 - 3.15pm, commencing on May 18^th.  Subsequent sessions will be on May 25^th, June 1^st, June 8^th, June 15^th.

The program will be held at the school in Unit 4 (opposite OSHC Room).

If you are interested in attending this program please return the slip below to Judy Davies, as soon as possible, as numbers will be strictly limited.

Firstly, we would like to welcome our 14 new Reception children, who started school on Wednesday this week.  The children are spread across two classes, Steph Kakoschke's class, in Unit 4 and Margaret Neemann's class, in Unit 5.  They are Bridget Curtis, Sarah Davidson, Monica Maghsoodi, Joel Clavell, Aaron Jordan, Phoebe Bache, Laticia Bruce, Hannah Glass, Matthew Smolarek, Alicia Rawson, Tegan Gillies, Melanie Erlandsen and twins, Emma and Kelly McEwan. The children settled in very quickly and looked so confident. They were very happy to have their photo taken on their first day of school.
 

A special welcome also, to another three students, Sumē and Lerien Otto, who have recently arrived in Australia and also Ashlee McRostie-Weekley.  We know they will have a great time in their learning at our school.

Friday of this week is "Walk Safely to School Day."
The focus of the day is:

• To promote the health benefits of walking and help create regular walking habits at an early age

• To help children develop the vital road-crossing skills they will need as they become mature pedestrians

• To ensure that children up to 10 years old hold an adult's hand when crossing the road

• To reduce the car dependency habits that are being created at an early age and which will be difficult to change as children become adults

• To promote the use of Public Transport

• To reduce the level of air pollution created by motor vehicles

• To reduce the level of traffic congestion.

All students have been given a "Walk Safely to School Day" sticker and we encourage them to promote the idea of the day by wearing their sticker whenever they walk somewhere on Friday -- to school, to the shops, to the local park ........  Hope we'll see lots of students wearing their stickers after they have walked to school on Friday!

A huge Thank You to all parents for your support for our Casual Day, held on the last day of last term.  We raised $275, which was a great effort.  Some of the money will be used to buy a backpack for each class to use for Tsunami victims.  More news about this soon.

Kookaburra Council will soon be holding their first disco for 2005.
Date: Friday May 20^th
Time:              Reception -- Year 3: 6.00 -- 7.30pm.
                       Years 4 -- 6: 7.35 -- 9.30pm.
                       Year 7: 7.35 -- 10.00pm.
Cost:               $2.50 -- Reception -- Year 6.
                       $3.00 -- Year 7.

Page 5

Our DJ will again be Georgie Goldfinch.  Children will be able to buy drinks, chips and sweets.  Glow sticks will be available at the door.

Tickets will be on sale before and after school, outside the Resource Centre during the week before the disco and also at the door on the night.

Any parents who would be willing to help out, either supervising or in the canteen, please let Judy Davies know.

Many thanks,
Kooka Council Leadership Team

On Wednesday 34 students participated in the district athletics day at SANTOS Stadium.  It was an excellent day, well supported by parents and grandparents.  We finished 3^rd overall only one point behind the joint winners Woodend and Flagstaff Hill Schools.

Final Scores -- 133 points Woodend P.S/ Flagstaff Hill P.S.
                  -- 132 points Happy Valley P.S.

Everyone competed very well with several students winning selection for the State Athletics Day in two weeks.  Congratulations to everyone for their outstanding behaviour and the high standards they achieved in their events.

Our most successful athletes were:

Deni and Jack who achieved great success at District Day.

Special thanks to all the parents who supplied transport and cheered us on.

Welcome back!  Relaxed?  Hope everyone is ready for all our fundraising ventures this term.

Thanks to all those who helped out with the Mother's Day stall and all those who participated.  (We hopefully have raised lots of funds with this event).  Look out for our Pie/Lamington Drive later in the term.  This is always great to stock up for winter and help the Parent Club raise money at the same time.

Some of you may have noticed the new outdoor table setting in the courtyard, kindly donated with monies raised by Parent Club at the end of Term 1.  This is to replace the tired, worn out and broken furniture they previously used.

If you would like to help us with our events or just come and have a chat and a coffee, our next meeting is on Wednesday 11^th May at 12.30pm IN UNIT 4, ROOM 16.  Hope to see you there and remember we welcome younger children, so come along.

Nyree Haese -- Parent Club Secretary

Welcome back to school.  Hope you all had a great holiday.

A new price list will be going home soon.  Once again due to rising costs we are required to increase our prices.

• AUTUMN/WINTER SPECIALS ON PRICE LIST
  Tuesday Only Meal Deal
  Hot Cheese/Bacon Pizza & Hot yummy Custard & Apple Roll  $3.00
  Wednesday Only
  Baked Potato with our fillings of Cheese, Ham, Coleslaw, Sour Cream -- See Menu for prices.

• We still have Hot Milo, Noodles, Muffins, Spaghetti or Baked Bean Toasties, Hot Ham/Cheese/Pineapple Roll.  All sandwiches can be toasted.

• Snack Pack -- Cheese, Celery, Carrot sticks plus Cracker Biscuits, Popcorn (no salt).  $1.00

• If you have any other suggestions, please come and see me at the Canteen, have a cuppa over a chat.  I would be pleased to see you.

Thank you to the Parent Club for the lovely outdoor setting.  The students really enjoy sitting out there.

Helen King

 VOLUNTEER ROSTER
Mon. 9 May                  Katrina Allen    
Tues. 10 May    
Wed. 11 May
Thur. 12 May
Frid. 13 May                  Sue Phillips
Mon. 16 May
Tues. 17 May
Wed. 18 May
Thur. 19 May
Frid. 20 May                  Glenys Moylan

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Welcome back to a new term.  We are pleased to report that we are commencing Active After School Sports (a Government Funded Scheme) on Monday 9^th May.  We will be starting with Gymnastics and Martial Arts.  This is a good opportunity for children to experience different sports during their OSHC time.

Roxanne Longbottom
Director -- 8322 2411 or 0417 898 739.

FOOTBALL
An urgent reminder to anyone who played football last year.  Guernseys are to be returned immediately if you haven't already done so.

Fees must be paid before the first game.  ANY STUDENT WHO HASN'T PAID THEIR FEES WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO PLAY!

OPEN NIGHT Tuesday 17^th May.
Meet the Principal 6pm and 7pm in the Performing Arts Centre.  Guided School Tours afterwards.
Celebrating Excellence in Education

• Wide Range of subject offerings 8-12

• Ignite Program for students with high IQ

• Excellence in the Arts

• Computer ratio 1 to every 3 students

• Extensive sporting and extracurricular programs

• Excellent facilities

Principal tours also available.  Please contact the school to make a booking for either Friday 20^th May 9.30 -- 10.30am or Thursday 26^th May 2.00 -- 3.00pm.

MUSIC INFORMATION EVENING Thursday 26^th May.

Campus Schools Gymnasium at 7.00pm.
An information session about music at Aberfoyle Park High School.  The evening will start with a short concert from some of the schools ensembles -- Concert Band, Stage Band, Choir, Orchestra, Percussion Ensemble.

If you have any questions please contact Craig Bentley on 8270 4455.

NEWS FROM THE PRINCIPAL
We offer congratulations to the following ex Happy Valley Primary School student for her outstanding achievement in her Year 12 exams at Aberfoyle Park High School in 2004.  Chelsea Moss gained 99.7% and is now studying Nutrition & Dietics at Flinders University.

Many of you would be aware that I was fortunate enough to recently win a national award for "Excellence as a Principal".  This was for my work in previous school, however, it did acknowledge the special relationship built up between Parafield Gardens High School and local Primary/Junior Primary schools.  I feel very confident that what I learnt through this experience will mean that I am able to build even stronger relationships with the local primary schools in the area 

Wendy Teasdale-Smith
Principal

Promoting Success for Girls in a State Secondary School.
OPEN DAY Wednesday 18^th May 9.00 -- 11.00am and 5.30 -- 8.00pm.
Information sessions are available at 9.00am, 10.15am, 5.30pm, 6.30pm and 7.30pm.  Tours will be available throughout the opening times.  Mitcham Girls High School is an unzoned school.

I/We would like to purchase 5 squares for $5.  Please return to Front Office with your payment.

Name __________________________________ Child's class _______________________

Please find enclosed $5.00.

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QUIZ NIGHT

I / We would like to book a table for the Quiz Night on June 25^th

At this stage I would like a table for __________  people

Name ________________________________          Child's class _______________

Signed ______________________      Date: _____________

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QUIZ NIGHT PRIZE DONATION

I / We would be willing to donate a prize for the QUIZ Night on June 25^th.
The prize will be _____________________________

Name ________________________________          Child's class _______________

Signed ______________________      Date: _____________

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"YOUNG CHILDREN'S LEARNING -- PARENTS AS PARTNERS"

I would like to be involved in the program - "Young children's learning -- Parents as Partners"

Name ________________________________ Child's class _______________  Phone Number: _________________

Signed ______________________      Date: _____________

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