Volume 15 -  28th September 2006
Week 10 .... Term 3

Ph: 8381 7166
Fax: 8381 6041

Email:
hvsadmin@happyvalley.sa.edu.au

Website:
www.happyvalley.sa.edu.au

Inside this issue.........
Bus Timetable Change, Boys & Reading, Our Friendly School, Bully Audit, Festival of Music, Classes for 2007, Principal's Awards, JP Awards, Forum Report, Spelling Competition, Dist. Athletics Day, Pedal Prix, MS Readathon, Resource Centre, Edible Garden, Auskick, Head Lice, Free Workshop, Drum Lesson, Sport, OSHC, Chess, Kooka Cafe, Parent Club, Community News, Tear Off Slip.

PLEASE NOTE
Early Dismissal at 2:15 pm. on the last day of term TOMORROW Friday 29^th September.
First day of Term 4 is Monday 16^th October.
Please remember that the new Reception children will start school on Wednesday 18^th October.

MATERIAL & SERVICES CHARGES 2006
A reminder that the final payment of school fees as per the signed agreement for instalments is due Friday 20^th October 2006. 

Under Section 106 (6) of the Education Act 1972, the school material and services charge is the liability of the parent/guardian, and where this charge remains outstanding at the beginning of term 2, debt collection action can be commenced.  Governing council has approved the recovery of school charges through the Department of Education and Children's Services State Office and this process is currently underway.

MATERIAL & SERVICES CHARGES 2007
Planning is underway for school charges for 2007.  Governing Council has approved a change to the instalment plan to three payments, the last of which will be required no later than the end of week one, term three, after which the debt collection process will commence.  More details regarding the fees and the instalment plan will be available before the end of the school year.

Andrea Roberts, Finance Officer

MANDATORY NOTIFICATION FOR VOLUNTEERS
We have been advised that there will be a free Mandatory Notification Information session for school volunteers.   The session will be at Reynella East R - 7 School, on Thursday November 2^nd, from 9.30 - 11.30am.

The session will cover:

• Legislation about Mandatory Notification

• Definitions of abuse and indicators

• Notifying abuse

• Feedback to notifiers

All DECS employees have had to do a full day training during this year. This session is for any volunteers who work in the school. It would be useful for parents who help in the classroom in any way, for LAP volunteers, for sports coaches and for any parents who help with sports programs in any way.

If you would like more information, please contact me in the first week of Term 4. Many thanks,
                                                                                                                       Judy Davies.

SCHOOL PHOTOGRAPHS
Class, Family and individual photographs will be taken on the first Friday of Term 4, the 20^th of October.  You would have already received your individual envelopes.  Family envelopes are available from the front desk.

Page 2

We have been advised by the Torrens Transit Group, that there will be major changes to bus services and also to bus timetables, which will occur on Sunday October 15^th. If you use the bus services, please check if your current travel arrangements will be affected. New timetables will be available on Friday September 29^th.

At Happy Valley we are constantly working to improve our teaching methods and this has led to the introduction of Jolly Phonics at the Junior Primary level. This method of multi-sensory phonics teaching has been shown in studies in the U.K. to improve all students' literacy skills.

In Australia and indeed world wide, there is a disparity in achievement levels between girls and boys. In fact, boys' achievement levels in reading show a consistent deficit when compared to girls'. This affects their ongoing learning in all subject areas, especially now when assessment is very literacy focussed. This is independent of socioeconomic ranking and is specific to literacy -- not to other areas of learning.

What can we do about this?
Research in the UK "showed boys' reading scores improved sharply once fathers, uncles or older brothers began reading to them." This intervention involved reading together for five minutes per day. Research shows that "three-quarters of children aged five to seven are read to regularly by their mothers, but only half by their fathers. Boys need role models in this as in everything else. Part of the problem is that too many boys see reading as a female activity and shy away from it." Note that most Junior Primary teachers are women.

• "Boys need men reading to them from an early age, and helping them learn to read, so they grow up seeing reading as a legitimate male activity." literacy will improve.

(Source: Guardian Weekly 24^th May 1997)

Hints for Fathers: 

• Read regularly to your son and listen to him read as he gets older. Anyone can teach him to play football but you are in the best position to teach him that reading is important.

• When you do listen to your son read don’t be critical or correct mistakes but help out when he asks for assistance. It's not a test. Don't worry if your own literacy skills are not high. Listening is all that’s required to help him develop a positive attitude to reading. Research shows that if a father (or other male role model) reads to his son for five minutes a day the boys' literacy will improve.

(Dr. R. Stoessiger)

Bullying is when these things happen again and again to someone:

Being ignored, left out on purpose, or not allowed to join in; Being made afraid of getting hurt;
Being hit, kicked or pushed around; Being made fun of and teased in a mean and hurtful way; or Having lies or nasty stories told about them to make other kids not like them.
It is hard for the child being bullied to stop these things from happening again and again.
What can I do if I think my children are being bullied at school?
Try to talk with your children about what is going on; Listen to their concerns and believe them;
Be aware of your own response and react in a calm and helpful manner; Talk with your children's teachers and calmly discuss the situation and some possible strategies; and Encourage your children to ask for help if they are being bullied, e.g. talk about who they could talk to at school, and how to ask for help.

We are now in the process of asking children to complete our Term 3 Bully Audit. As we have advised in previous newsletters, a member of the leadership team will follow up with children who appear on the audit a number of times. This lets the children know that we are going to be supporting them to make good choices. We will also let parents know when we have discussed the audit with a student.

Congratulations to all members of our 2006 Choir and to students who were selected as accompanists. Parents and Staff who attended this magnificent event have commented that it was one of the best Festival performances that they had experienced for a while.

Our congratulations and thanks must go to Barb Williams. Barb's enthusiasm and commitment are contagious. Her incredibly hard work is much appreciated. Student reports will feature in the next newsletter.

Page 3

Decisions are currently under way with a view to establishing balanced and equitable class groups for next year.  If you feel that there is important educationally based information which you would like us to consider when discussing the best learning setting for your child, please put this in writing and send it to the Principal.

As you can imagine, requests for a specific teacher cannot be considered as a part of this process.  Teachers will be considering 'learning' friendships and relationships when formulating classes for next year.

The placement criteria of students within class structures will be done by the teaching staff taking into consideration:

Priority 1  -- A balance in:-

• Year level numbers

• Gender

• Academic ability

• Academic ability

• Behavioural issues

Priority 2 -- Consideration of:-

• Peer relations (friendships)

Please feel free to discuss any issues with your child's class teacher.  If from these discussions there is an identified educational issue you wish to highlight and be considered as part of the placement of your child, please put this in writing to the Principal, Prue Rosevear.  Such information can only be considered if received no later than FRIDAY October 20^th.

Parents and students will be notified of class -- teacher placements on Friday December 8^th.

Congratulations to the following students who have received Principal's Awards, for demonstrating our school values -- COOPERATION / LEARNING / COMMUNICATION / STRIVING FOR EXCELLENCE - Jordan Paech, Rhys Kavanagh-Jones, Matthew Draper, Connor Wright, Ashleigh Paterson, Tally Cox, Olivia Culliver and Caitlyn Thomas

At our week 9 assembly, the following Junior Primary children received a "Program Achieve" award for demonstrating one or more of the Keys to Success -- Nikki Freeman, Nicholas Ielasi, Trinity Ellacott, Bailey Furniss, Caleb Whetton and Hannah Glass. Well done to these people!

Dear Parents and Caregivers,
Our School has put in an application for the Million Trees Program.  If the application is accepted, we may get a grant for $1,000.

By Cody C, and Ben B.
Environmental Group

10 students participated and were awarded 2 Distinctions, 3 Credits and 5 Participation Certificates.

Distinction
Eleanor Keizer Year 3

Credit
Georgia Braddon Year 3
Claire Davidson Year 3
Lucy Vardas Year 3
Amelia Jutilane-Maynard Year 7

Participation
Caleb Daniel Year 4
Vanessa Kreslin Year 4
Shane Stagg Year 4
Josh Cryer Year 5
James Brown Year 7

Last Thursday 34 students participated in the district athletics day at SANTOS Stadium. It was a pleasant but windy day, well supported by parents and grandparents. After a couple of years of close results, particularly last year losing by one point, Happy Valley finally won!

Final Scores

* Happy Valley                                    192 pts
* Braeview                                           134pts
* Woodend/ Aberfoyle Hub                110pts 

Everyone competed very well, supporting each other and offering to fill in when injuries or illness occurred. Several students will be back at SANTOS Stadium next term after winning selection for the State Athletics Day. Congratulations to everyone for their outstanding behaviour and the high standards they achieved in their events.

Our most successful athletes were:

Page 4

Once again we had a fabulous weekend up at Murray Bridge with our 2 bikes completing the 24-hour race.

This year we had an all girls team in the Vortex and an all boys in the Viper.  This has never occurred at Happy Valley since Pedal Prix was introduced.  It was with great interest that the boys kept a keen eye on the girls' lap times and position throughout the 24-hour race. The girls' great enthusiasm and strength was amazing as they almost completed as many laps. The boys however ensured they kept ahead. This was a great way of friendly in-house competition. Congratulations to the 27 riders who participated. Their manner throughout the weekend was an excellent showcase of how great the students of Happy Valley are.

We have not got our final results as yet as they have not been posted on the Pedal Prix website to date.

We must thank some people who will be leaving us this year who worked hard to make Pedal Prix happen at Happy Valley.

• Kim Wilson our Leader for the last four years who has also been involved for seven years.  Thank you for all your efforts in making Pedal Prix a success.

• The McDonald family who have supplied our mess tent and mess storage for a number of years.

• Trevor Hogan for uniforms and many other parents who have helped over time.

• A big thankyou to all the parents who helped out at training and at the races.

• Scott Francis for taking Wednesday morning training at school.

We would like to also thank our sponsors this year.
ASSOCIATED SIGNS
WALLIS THEATRES
PLYMPTON STEEL
WILLOW CREEK FURNITURE
CHAMPAN'S FABRICATION
SNOWY'S OUTDOORS
REDLINE EXHAUSTS
BAKERS DELIGHT HAPPY VALLEY
HUB GOURMET BUTCHER

Georgie Goldfinch
On behalf of the Pedal Prix Committee

Top Fundraisers and Legendary Readers - Happy Valley School.  Our students have topped the MS Readathon class!

Congratulations and thank you to the 18 students who have worked extremely hard to raise an impressive $1,559.30 to help   Australians  living  with   Multiple  Sclerosis   (MS),  by

There have been books returned to the Resource Centre with remnants of the student's last meal attached!

Would parents please explain to their children not to eat or drink while reading?  Also, please ensure that food and drink is kept quite separate from library books in their school bag.

Thank you.
Resource Centre Staff

Students in Ms Strachan's class have written about their experiences looking after their plot in the Edible Garden.

I had lots of fun planting Marigolds.  Robyn and Jim were helping in the Edible Garden.  They were the best gardeners.  The Marigolds were lovely yellow flowers.
                                                                          By Jackson

I had fun at the Edible Garden.  I planted cucumber.
                                                                               By Kristy

I had fun planting in the Edible Garden.  I grew strawberries.  Robyn and Jim helped me.
                                                                               By Jamie

We planted tomatoes and I had great fun planting tomatoes.
                                                                            By Tahnee

Page 5

SANFL Grand Final Day Reminder
Sunday 8^th October, AAMI Stadium.  Meet outside the Crows clubrooms (eastern side) at 2:15pm. (or ring me if you arrive earlier).  I will issue entry tickets on the day.  Auskickers wear your footy gear, parents too.

Thank you to all the parent helpers this year, it made my job so much easier.  Any questions about the Grand Final, please ring me on 0402 884 986.

Michael Fowler -- Auskick Coordinator

A good thing about sharing newsletters between schools is that we often pick up ideas. The following article recently appeared in the Craigburn Primary School's newsletter.

"GOOD NEWS!
A school parent has shared her remedy for head lice.  She has discovered a range of products called 'eco.kid', which are designed to stop the head lice cycle.  They are a preventative not a treatment.
Eco.kid products prevent head lice by using a high percentage of twice distilled pure Australian essential oils which help to create a lethal environment to head lice.  They are natural products and according to our source, really work!  If the product is sprayed onto the hair daily, head lice stay away.
Hair Machine at Marion stock Eco.kid products.

Head lice can be a distressing condition for children and families and can be a disruptive problem in schools.  It is important that parents check their children's hair and treat the child and the family for head lice.  If evidence of head lice is found, the child will be sent home with a note requesting that the head lice be treated."
 

I felt really excited; I was counting down the days, hour and minutes.  I really wanted to start.  I wanted to learn how to drum.  I could never read music until last Thursday.  It took about one minute for me to learn how to read music.  I really enjoyed my lesson and can't wait until my next one.

By Mitchell M

Page 6

Senior Primary
Standing -- Jesse Hommelhoff, Aaron Brown, Daniel Moore, Andrew Kite, Braden Howard, Jesse Moore.
Front -- Zacharia Hamilton, Sean Goldfinch, Shane Martin, Justin Kite, Wesley Evans, Ben Fischer, Adam Davidson.

Under 10s
Back -- Kieren Phillips, Liam Tester, Sam Archer, Chloee Price, Nathan Brown
Front -- Daniel Rowe, Aidan Whitmore, Josh Logan, Blake Schunke, Joel Martin, Matthew Kite, Jordan Fowler, Nathanael Hamilton, Ryan McGregor

Senior Girls (Cup Final Night)
Standing -- Kate Moore, Lucy Robertson, Taylah Low, Emma-Faye Nottle, Casey Robertson, Amy Adams
Sitting -- Nicole Robertson, Amelia Vardas, Lauri Hogan, Elle Campbell, Elise Hardwick, Kristina Grigoris
Front -- Kristen Kammerman, Absent -- Leah Wright

 

OSHC

Some vacancies still exist during Vacation Care.  Please see OSHC staff.  Thank you to all parents who have been donating jars, wood, material, balls etc. during the term.  It is very much appreciated.

Roxanne Longbottom
Director -- 8322 2411 or 0417 898 739

Presentation Night
What an amazing result for our Junior team!  They were running equal fifth going into the final round, with just 1.5 games separating the top 2^nd to 7^th teams, but their 3-2 win catapulted them into joint 2^nd for the season.

"Valley's Wetsail". Southern Chess League Junior joint runners up.  From left to right Justin Kite, Nathanael Hamilton, Adam Davidson, Zacharia Hamilton, Shane Martin, Ben Schofield, Lachlan Schofield. Co-ordinator Yvonne Smith.

Congratulations to all the Silver team members.  It really was an unexpected, stunning achievement in such a tight competition, and all the players can be very proud of themselves.

Our senior team narrowly missed out on collecting a medal, but everyone played particularly well.

Presentation night also marked senior player Laura Smith's medal for joint winner of the Lightning Carnival where she defeated players above her level of experience.

Our Senior Seat One player Jack Price received a bronze medal for his achievements, as did Senior Rookie Luke Szeitz.  It should also be mentioned that Jack and fellow senior Kieren Smith have completed five years each with the Happy Valley Chess Team.  Well done!

Yvonne Smith 0419 811539 and Mark Smith
0418 137777 - Coordinators

Thank you to all the parent and student volunteers for their help during Term 3.  It has been very much appreciated.

w        A new price list for Term 4 will be going home soon.  Please make a note of the changes.

w        New parents are reminded that iceblocks and ice creams are only sold over the counter at recess and lunchtimes.

w        Frozen Yoghurt is now available in Wild Strawberry or Peach & Mango.

Thank you to those parents who have already put their names down for the Term 4 Roster.  If the following dates are not suitable, please let me know.

Page 7

ROSTER -- Term 4, Week 1.
Mon. 16^th Oct.               CLOSED
Tues. 17^th Oct.               Katrina Allen
Wed. 18^th Oct.              Karen Erlandsen
Thur. 19^th Oct.               Tracey Willshire
Fri. 20^th Oct.                  Glenys Moylan
Mon. 23^rd Oct.              CLOSED
Tues. 24^th Oct.              
Wed. 25^th Oct.              Suzanne Boyce
Thur. 26^th Oct.              
Fri. 27^th Oct.                 

Have a safe and happy holiday.  Regards, Helen King.

The next Parent Club meeting will be held on Wednesday 18^th October in the Long Room after the new parent morning tea.  All helpers will be welcomed.

We hope everyone has a very safe and happy holiday.

Karen Erlandsen
Secretary

REYNELLA EAST HIGH SCHOOL --  PRINCIPAL TOURS
Are you a Year 6 parent?  Are you aware that you only have 9 months to decide on a High School for your child?
That's right!  The DECS High School enrolment process requires you to make your decision by the end of May next year.  So if you're serious about making the right decision for your child's secondary education, it's time to start 'shopping around'!

At Reynella East High School we run regular tours of our school, and encourage you to take a first hand look at the diverse range of opportunities available.  Coming tour dates are - Mon 23^rd Oct, and Thurs 16^th Nov.  The tours run from 9.30am to 10.30am, followed by morning tea. 
Please phone Tania Guest on 8381 8466 to book your place.
AUSTRALIAN GIRLS CHOIR
All girls are invited to join the Australian Girls Choir.
Girls will have fun as they learn singing, dancing, acting and performing.

PERFORMING ARTS HOLIDAY PROGRAMME --Oct. 11 and 12 a two-day Performing Arts Holiday Programme will be held in the October school holidays, and is open for any girl aged 8 - 13 with an interest in the Performing Arts. 
Activities will include workshops in drama, circus skills, modern dance and fun singing sessions.
2007 Enrolments -- join us at our Open Day on Saturday October 28 to find out more!
Open Day offers the opportunity to participate in a demonstration class or a group assessment, attend an information session and find out further details about 2007 classes.
Please phone the Australian Girls Choir office for further information about the Performing Arts Holiday Programme or Open Day.  Phone: 8271 1622

EXHIBITION Artists from Broken Hill have kindly donated their work to help raise money for the Krause family and Cancer Research.  Some of the Artists involved are Jack Absalom, Howard Steer, Wendy Martin, Pat Coffey and Deirdre Edwards.  Informal opening of the exhibition will be held on Sat. 30^th Sept. at 11am.  During Paper Plus, an event held on the long weekend, unframed works on paper, includes drawings, paintings, printmaking, photography, digital art plus ceramics, pottery & glass by local professional and emerging artists, will be on sale 30^th Sept. 1^st and 2^nd October.  The exhibition is on from 18^th Sept. to 18^th Oct. at the Arts Centre, Pt. Noarlunga. 9am - 4pm weekdays or phone 8326 5577 for weekend times.

WAKEFIELD HOUSE POTTERY STUDIO presents Holiday Pottery 4 Kids Wed. 4^th Oct. & 11^th Oct.  9.30 - 11am or 11.30am - 1pm. $8 per session. Wakefield House Community Centre. 65 Acre Ave. Morphett Vale. Bookings essential.  Ph.83846158

SCHOOL HOLIDAY ART 4 KIDS at Clarendon. Tues. 3^rd Oct. or Tues. 10^th Oct. Ph. Michelle 0411 329 377

FLAGSTAFF HILL GOLF CLUB Junior Golf Clinics. Juniors of all standards welcome. Phone 8270 2300 or 8270 2208 for more details.

AUSTRALIAN RED CROSS -- Preliminary First Aid Course for the younger age group Monday 9^th October or Monday 18^th December.  Phone 1300 367 428 or 8293 9200 for enrolment details.

Back to Top

Back to School Newsletters                               Go to School Home Page