Volume 6 -  11th May 2006
Week 2 .... Term 2

Ph: 8381 7166
Fax: 8381 6041

Email:
hvsadmin@happyvalley.sa.edu.au

Website:
www.happyvalley.sa.edu.au

Inside this issue...........
Poor Sleep, Parents as Partners, Fundraising, Pupil Free Day, School Rules, Student Activities, Forums, Principal's Awards, Resource Centre News, Praise for our Students, Kookaburra Cafe, Head Lice, Sport, OSHC, Parent Club, Community News, Asthma Foundation, Come 'n Try Art & Tear off slip.

CHANGE OF RECESS & LUNCH TIME

From Monday the 29^th of May staff have decided to move our recess time to 11.00 until 11.20 and lunch from 1.00 until 1.30. [20 minutes later than the current time].

Our prime reason for doing this is to further enhance our teaching / learning programmes, especially in Literacy & Numeracy. Up until now the biggest block of learning time has been the 2-hour block after lunch. This 2-hour block will now be first thing in the morning, which is the optimum time for student learning.

As some children have had their breakfast quite early all classes will be having a small fruit break during this time.

This has however made us further aware of a concern with the canteen.

The canteen provides a service to the school community & is only viable because a number of years ago our Governing Council instituted a "Canteen Support" line to the school's budget as opposed to the auditor's recommendation to close it altogether.

In spite of this support, Helen, our Canteen Manager, still works far in excess of the hours for which she is paid. This is clearly not fair or equitable. The changes of recess & lunch times would have further exacerbated this.

As we are unable to pay more in salaries the Governing Council have taken the decision to have the canteen opened for only 4 days a week, being closed on a Monday.

Page 2

Last term I attended a very interesting and informative evening on the topic of Sleep Disorders in Children held at the Women's and Children's Hospital. Researchers, Sarah Blundell's and Chris Pearson's presentations emphasised the need for children to have adequate sleep. A regular bedtime is very important.  Reasons for inadequate sleep can be physical or lifestyle based and inadequate sleep can have social and learning repercussions. Adolescents require a large amount of sleep during their physical and emotional development and are perhaps among the most sleep deprived in our community.

If you are interested in this topic, I have a list of available websites and pamphlets that may be of assistance to you.

Other topics on the Women's and Children's Hospital Public Health Seminar Calendar 2006 include: Mental Health -- Friendships and Young People, Healthy Women -- Panel discussion, Taming twos, threes and fours, Getting Kids off the Couch and Eating Healthier Foods, Coping with your baby's first few months. 

As mentioned in our newsletter late last term, we will again be offering the program, "Parents as Partners" this term. There will be 5 sessions, which will be on Wednesday afternoons in Unit 5, in the free classroom. A flier will be sent to parents of Year R -- 3 children. Please send back the return slip as soon as possible if you would like to participate, as numbers will be limited. Many thanks.                                                       Judy Davies

A huge thank you to those who supported our "Bulb Order" fundraising event. We raised nearly $600!!
Forthcoming fundraising events are:

OBSTACLE-ATHON
We will hold our annual "Obstacle-athon" in Week 4, on Monday and Tuesday, May 22^nd and 23^rd. Junior Primary classes will participate on the Monday and Yr 3 -- 7 on the Tuesday. Sponsor forms will be sent home in the near future. We ask for your support in this fundraising event, by helping your child/children to find sponsors. We would really appreciate help from any parents of Junior Primary students to assist the children with their obstacle laps.

QUIZ NIGHT

We will again have our Quiz Night this term. We are planning it for Saturday July 1^st. Some local businesses have already begun to donate prizes. We would love to have any donations of prizes, either goods or vouchers, to use as prizes for the night. More information will be sent home as the term progresses.

On this day all staff got together to work on a number of issues to help make the school a friendly and safe place for everyone.

We spent part of the day working on Relationships planning and prioritising. We collated and compared staff and parent responses to our Survey and found that the things we think are important in this area are very similar indeed. We also looked for links to National Policy.

We found that the priorities are:

•  a consistent, whole school approach

• parent information, involvement and support

• available resources

• respect

• skills for students

• open communication

• acknowledgement of students doing the right thing

• consistent behaviour management

• support for students (eg harasser/harassee, students with behaviour difficulties)

I also shared with staff the results of the lunchtime workshops I have been holding with students who have a number of Time Out 2s for yard behaviour. (Time Out 2 is the consequence for more serious inappropriate behaviours in the yard and those students attend the time out room for two half sessions in lieu of yard play). These students need further intervention to enable them to develop skills to play successfully in the yard. Happily these workshops have been very successful in reducing problem behaviours and this will continue to be monitored.

We reviewed the school Policy and Procedures for Student Behaviour Management and clarified a number of issues which we have been able to follow up with students in classes and at assembly. This enables everyone to be clear about what is expected and ensures consistency. Policy review is ongoing.

We feel that the day was very successful and forms a strong foundation for continuing work in the area of Relationships throughout the year.

Stephanie Kakoschke
Coordinator

Page 3

BEFORE SCHOOL SUPERVISION
An important reminder! Children may arrive at school from 8.30am. They are not to arrive at school before then unless they are booked into the Out of School Hours Care. This is very important, as staff are not on duty until 8.30 and therefore students are not supervised if they do arrive early. However, if on occasion, students are in the school before this time, they need to wait in the courtyard area, near the canteen.

TOURNAMENT OF MINDS
Year 6 & 7 students are being given the opportunity to take part in TOM again this year.  This involves students cooperating in a team of 7 to solve a given problem using creativity and sound reasoning.  The group writes a script and produces a 10 minute play / presentation that includes their solution to the problem. Maths & Engineering, English & Literature and Social Sciences are the three areas from which the problems can be selected.

The final presentations are made at Flinders University on Sunday September 10th. when Primary and Secondary students from around the State, compete for selection to attend the National Finals.

We will meet each week at Thursday lunchtimes for preparatory activities in drama, problem solving, and public speaking before the Question Problems are released at the beginning of Term 3.

CHESS
Thanks to Mark and Yvonne Smith, the Happy Valley Chess Teams are being organised for this year's Chess Season.  They will play at Woodcroft College fortnightly on Tuesday nights.  A very valuable experience for developing thinking skills and logic.  Last Tuesday evening found upwards of 70 students from across our district challenging each other with great concentration.
 

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL CHOIR MEMBERS
Last week the choir was very successful in its assessment.  Although we had not had a solid rehearsal for five weeks, the students showed that they have put in a wonderful effort learning words and music.  The assessor was impressed with their word knowledge, part-singing and musicality as well as the positive attitude of the students and their understanding of the meanings and purpose of the songs.

TERM 2 MUSIC NIGHT 
Our first Music Night for the year will be held in the Hall on Thursday June 1^st at 7:30pm.  Students who learn a musical instrument out of school are also invited to perform.  Any family who would like to present an item as a group is also welcome.

At the beginning of this year, staff discussed the idea of initiating Student Forums for students from Years 3 -- 7. The forums will replace Kookaburra Council Meetings with traditional interest groups. 

Over first term, staff nominated areas of interest, which could be used as a basis for a forum. At the end of term we had 15 forums from which students in those years could make selections. Students are in the process of choosing which forums they would like to join. Hopefully we will be able to start in the next weeks. We will form a student executive with students representing each of the forums. Junior Primary children will continue with Kookaburra Council. More news as our forums develop.

Congratulations to the following students who have received Principal's Awards, for demonstrating our school values.  They are Corey Tyrell-Baker, Teea Price, Matthew Kite, Liam Goldfinch, Eleanor Keizer, Jake de Graaf, Jesse Millsteed, Steph Hommelhoff, Amelia Jutilane-Maynard, Sean Goldfinch, Nicole Robertson, Jaimee Walden, Jordan Veale, Ashlee Cutts, Dylan Halse, Isabella Suchocki, Kane Erlandsen, Nia Hughes, Lachie Schofield, Dayna Wilkins, Olivia Culliver, Thomas Foster, Vanessa Kreslin, Ben Lawrence, Jesse Moore, Adrian Mitic, Carly Hammond, Austin Gordon, Kieren Phillips, Jack Reynolds, Lauri Hogan, Laura Smith, Aaron Finan and Kimberley McBride.

Thank you awards go to Rebecca May and Joshua Snares (free books).  The following people received a 'Pot Luck' for also helping to make the Resource Centre a better place -- Taylah Low, Toby Ray-Zwar, Brett Evans and Jarrad Tregenza.

Premier's Reading Challenge is gaining momentum as the children strive to achieve their challenge.  The Premier requires 12 books to be read, however, some of our children are setting their own personal challenges whether it be a greater amount of books, the whole of a series, choosing different genres or moving from junior novels to longer novels.

It is pleasing to see the encouragement shown from staff, parents and carers.  The recording sheets need to be completed by September 8^th.

Thanks must go again to Kathy Bartel, Judy Tester and Sandie Sherriff for the long hours they put in helping to keep the Resource Centre running smoothly.

Judy, Phyllis and Denise

Page 4

Last term students in years 3 and 4 went to the Clipsal 500 and were accompanied by a number of adults.  The following comments are contained in a letter received from a grandparent of one of the students --

I would be grateful if you would convey to the other staff involved my congratulations on the good behaviour of the children overall.

For their age I thought they managed the noise and the crowds very well and remained in order at all times.  They certainly did all students of Happy Valley proud, as I believe they were the most disciplined of any of the students from other schools as I observed during the day.

We know that this is an ongoing problem, but please be vigilant and check your child's hair regularly. If you should detect head lice, please contact the school, so that we can advise other parents to check their child's hair.

Welcome back from the holidays.

• We have sent home a new price list (pink) and volunteer forms.  Thank you to those who have sent them back.  We do need a few more for Thursdays and Fridays -- even once a fortnight would be appreciated.

• Please use the new price list.  If you haven't received one, call in to the office or canteen. Check the new price list for the Kid’s Meal Deals.

• Just by ordering Potato Smiles -- 5 for $1 or 10 for $2 children can enter a colouring competition and win prizes for themselves and the school.  They have been approved by the School Canteen Assoc. and Starchoice Foods (focis).  Order early so you can start colouring in.  Entries must be returned to the Canteen by 19^th June.
  1^st Panasonic DVD Player (student) and 68cm TV & Panasonic DVD/VCR Player (school)
  Three of each 1^st prizes to be won.
  2^nd Hi Fi Stereo System (student) Digital Video Camera (school)
  3^rd $150 K.Mart voucher (student) DVD/VCR Player (school)
  4^th Portable CD Player (student)
  5^th Greater Union Passes (student) 10 to be won.

SOCCER
Boys in years 5, 6 & 7 are urgently required for our Soccer teams.   Contact the school if your child is interested.

SAPSASA BASKETBALL RESULTS
The Year 7 boys from Happy Valley had a great day out at the recent basketball carnival at Morphett Vale Stadium.

We started well with a big win over Hallett Cove with all players contributing to the score.  Our next game against McLaren Vale was a great competition and we managed to hang on by 1 point.  We then played Kangarilla and Hawthorndene and were able to win both of those games. 

Our last game was our best and we were against strong opposition in Victor Harbor.  We fought hard and went down 27 to 5.  Great effort guys, and excellent sportsmanship.

Thanks again to all parents who attended on the day with encouragement for players, help on the score bench and transport.

Lisa Fauser
SAPSASA Coach (Year 7 Boys)

HAPPY VALLEY FOOTBALL
Well, the season has got off to a great start.  It was terrific to hear the long awaited sound of the siren, the whistle blowing and watch our children play and show off their skills to their Mums and Dads, but most of all to see them enjoying themselves, and that's what it is all about, the children having FUN.

A couple of reminders.  The program for the season is out and has been handed to all grades. Please note that the game for the 12^th May on Friday night that was to be played at South Adelaide Football Club grounds under lights has been cancelled, as our opposition comes back from a school camp late that afternoon. I will endeavour to make sure that we can get another game under lights at a later date.

So the games are now to be played at Braeview School at Montana Road Happy Valley on Saturday 13^th May.  The AFL has  asked  me to have a  6/7's  team available on  Sunday

Page 5

There will be a Pupil Free Day on Tuesday 13^th June, 2006.  OSHC bookings must be made at least two weeks prior to this date if care is needed.

Our next Committee Meeting is on Monday 15^th May at 6:15pm.  in the OSHC room.  All welcome.

Roxanne Longbottom -- Director
8322 2411 or 0417 898 739
 

A big thank you to all who participated in and on the Mother's Day stall.  It went very well and all enjoyed the experience.

Keep an eye out for the order forms for Kytons -- Pies, Pasties, Lamingtons etc.  They are coming soon.

We have some discounted Uniform Shop items for sale --
Original H.V. Polos (Green or Gold)$10.00 Save $8.00
Yr. 6/7 Polos (Green)                     $12.00 Save $8.00
Shorts (Green or Black)                   $9.00 Save $7.50

These can be purchased in the Uniform Shop on Wednesday 3.00 -- 3.30pm and Fridays 8.30 -- 9.30 am.

Our next meeting is on Wednesday 7^th June at 9.00am in the Long Room.  All welcome, children included.  Join us for a cuppa.

Karen Erlandsen - Parent Club Secretary.

The Adelaide Boys Choir has vacancies.  Contact the choir manager for more details on 82944265.

HAPPY VALLEY SCOUTS -- Quiz Night May 27^th Happy Valley Scout Hall, Candy's Rd.  Doors open 6.30pm $10 each, tables of 10.  Phone Penny Braddon 8381 5974 to pre-purchase tickets.

UCOUNT SUPPORT SERVICES INC.  A community agency of the Aberfoyle Uniting Church provides a range of integrated services, which help individuals and families strengthen their relationships.  Pamphlets available from the school or ph. 8358 6960.

ROTARY CLUB OF NOARLUNGA ART EXHIBITION -- Opens 2.00pm on Saturday 13^th May at The Arts Centre -- Pt. Noarlunga, Gawler St. Pt. Noarlunga.  Open week days 9 -- 4pm.

Aberfoyle Park High School

Taylors Road, Aberfoyle Park  5159
Telephone: 8270 4455
www.aphs.sa.edu.au

Students and parents are invited to attend our
OPEN NIGHT
Tuesday 16^th May

Meet the Principal 6.00pm and 7.00pm
In the Performing Arts centre
Guided School Tours afterwards

Principal Tours also available
Please contact the school to make a booking for either:
Tuesday 23^rd May 2.00 -- 3.00pm
Thursday 25^th May 9.30 -- 10.30am

ASTHMA FOUNDATION OF SA
"Live Well with Allergy and Anaphylaxis”

The Asthma Foundation of South Australia and Anaphylaxis Australia have joined forces to create this new informative session.  Topics covered include: introducing allergy, asthma, hay fever, eczema and anaphylaxis, determining allergies and the general management of each condition.  This is an ideal session to increase the confidence of grandparents and babysitters of children with allergy or anaphylaxis.

Thursday 1^st June 10 - 12 noon.

Venue:  Held at The Asthma Foundation of SA located at 300 South Road, Hilton.  Car parking is available.

Cost:  Free for members of the Asthma Foundation and Anaphylaxis Australia.  A donation is appreciated from non-members. 

For further information and books phone 1800 645 130.

Other services offered by The Asthma Foundation -

Telephone Breathe Better Health Line 1800 645 130, Community Education, Asthma First Training and Resource Information.

Contacts: Ph. 8238 9300,  Fax. 8238 9303,
Email:info@asthmasa.org.au Website: www.asthmasa.org.au

Page 6

POOR SLEEP AFFECTS PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN

Primary school children who have sleep problems can have trouble with their schoolwork and behaviour. Some signs of sleep disorders can include night terrors, sleepwalking and talking, and trouble going to sleep and staying asleep. 

There are some things that parents and carers can do to help their child get a good night's sleep:

• Have a regular bedtime and wake time (this shouldn't be more than an hour later on weekends and during holidays).

• Have a good bedtime routine (read to younger children or let older children listen to relaxation music).

• Children's rooms should be quiet and dark and not too hot or cold.

• Reward good night time behaviour.

• Avoid caffeine-based drinks (coffee and cola).

• Avoid spicy or salty foods in the evening (pizza).

• Avoid scary movies, computer games and rough play before bed.

• Remove TVs and computers from children's bedrooms.

Children who wake at night and are afraid need comfort. If your child does wake in the night tell them quietly that they are safe and encourage them to go back to bed. Try to be boring when dealing with your child during the night.

Most sleep problems can be easily treated. Visit your GP if you are worried about your child's sleeping patterns.

This information was provided by the Centre for Health Promotion at the Women's and Children's Hospital. For further information please contact the WCH Health Information Centre on 8161 6875 or email cywhs.healthinformation@cywhs.sa.gov.au

________________________________________________________________________________________

ART ACTIVITIES -- COME 'N TRY

Have you ever wanted to try printmaking or play with clay? 
Here's an exciting opportunity.

Debby Haskard-Strauss, our resident artist, along with other artists is offering Art Workshops to the Parents and Friends of the School Community. 

What's being offered:  Printmaking, Ceramics, Painting & Drawing
Where: Debby's Art Studio at Happy Valley School
When:  Monday evenings on May 29^th & June 5^th from 7:15pm -- 8:45pm.

Cost will be minimal to cover the materials used.
No experience is necessary as the aim is to introduce participants to try new activities.
As numbers are limited, please return the expression of interest slip to the front office by Friday May 19^th.  This is not a commitment to attend.

 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Please return to the front office (D.Haskard-Strauss)

ART ACTIVITIES -- COME 'N TRY

Expression of Interest Only

I am interested in receiving more information regarding the Come 'n Try activities

Name: __________________________________________

Contact Phone number: _____________________________

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