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Damp
Over the last few weeks (since it started raining) we have
discovered that not all of our work on "damp-proofing" the school
over the last two years has been successful.
Despite following a comprehensive engineers report and spending a
considerable amount of money we have had only about a 75% success
rate in stopping the rising and falling damp across the school.
Unit 4 is still an ongoing problem which we are finding very
frustrating!
While we continue to try and discover the cause of the problem in
Unit 4 (we have underpinned the wall, put in new guttering,
downpipes, flashing and sealed many parts of the roof) we are
attacking the problem on the inside.
At night we have an air purification unit working which will kill
all fungus and bacteria present in the air so although
might still smell damp, there are no "nasties" that should impact on
children's and adult's health.
I am continuing to get advice from the experts although they tell me
it's like finding a "needle in a haystack" to locate the exact
problem.
Power of One
This performance was presented in the hall last Monday. It centred
on bullying, looking at different types of bullying including, cyber
bullying, and what you can do about it.
It particularly focused on the fact that there is no such thing as
an innocent bystander in bullying situations, and if you see
bullying and do nothing about it you are contributing to the
situation.
The performance has led to valuable discussions in classes and some
very interesting follow up work.
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PEER LEADERSHIP DRUG STRATEGY
PRESENTATION DAY |
Last Friday, five students from our Student Leadership Council
represented the school at the Peer Leadership Presentation Day,
where, in front of students, parents and teachers from all over the
state, they presented a summary of all the things our student
leadership group is doing this year.
In their presentation, the students talked about the Leadership Camp
held in February, and about the special days or activities which
they are organising -- the Fauna Rescue assembly, The Biggest
Morning Tea, involvement in the 40 Hour Famine, the Drama and Dance
groups, and the Sports activities -- to name just some!
Here are the students' impressions of the day from our 5
representatives. |
I found that the Conference was very interesting and gave me some
ideas about what to do in my drama group.
Alex A
It was a great experience. We learnt a lot about other schools and
our presentation was good. One school told me a great idea about big
brother and big sister.
Mitchell L
Today was a great day. It was a bit nerve wracking going up and
speaking but it wasn't as bad as I thought. It was good seeing what
other schools did and how we can change Happy Valley.
Bec M
Today was fun. We got to see what other students are doing to help
their school. Our speech was after recess, but it was scary standing
in front of everyone. One of the schools did a role play that I
could use during Drama lessons at lunchtime.
Katelyn S
It was a great experience to listen to other schools and their ideas
for leadership in their school and it was fun! I think we can help
little kids with their class meetings.
Kate S
The organiser for the day, Jan Burgess, has given us this feedback:
I'm hoping you are feeling proud and satisfied that your input into
managing your school's Peer Leadership project contributed to a
great experience for your students, your school, for furthering
student participation generally- and for you. I would like to thank
you very genuinely for your absolute energy ..... and for
your generosity in sharing.
The highlight on the day for me was having
.....
students speak at the front of the room, something I had not
visualised- and how well each shared their story!
Our student leaders really are doing amazing things this year!
Mitchell, Kate, Bec, Katelyn and Alex.
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At our Junior Primary assembly this week, a number of children
received awards for demonstrating one of our school values --
Respect, Responsibility or Integrity.
Those who received an award were Tyson C., Laura L., Jackson M.,
Jack K., Amy S., William B., Liam M., Aisha H. and Jaslyn W.
Congratulations to these people.
In addition, congratulations also need to go to the following
children who received awards from Oka Sensei for their work and
enthusiasm in Japanese -- Brianna W., Natasha J., Holly W., Matthew
H., Sarah C., Leila W., Shannon F., Nicola F. and Aisha H.
A number of parents have queried the recording of "late for school"
on the student reports sent home last week. Our school day starts
at 8.55, so children who arrive after this time are recorded as
being late.
Teachers are asked to record children's late arrivals and these are
what appear on the reports. It is a departmental requirement that
there are 5 and a half hours of instruction in the school day. If
children are 5 minutes late each day, that means they lose 25
minutes over one week. This means that, over a term, they miss out
on over 4 hours. It is also makes a much easier start to the school
day when children arrive in time to get themselves organised, such
as changing reading books, etc., and be ready to start at 8.55,
rather than arrive when all other children are settled and involved
in a class activity.
We appreciate that sometimes things just go wrong in the mornings
but we ask that you help your children to become responsible by
getting them to school before the bell. Many thanks.
Just a quick reminder about the Dress Up Movie Day tomorrow Friday 6th
June. Students are to bring a gold coin donation in order to
participate.
Robyn and Laura
On behalf of the Student Leadership Council
The Cross Country Season has finally come to an end for the ten
dedicated runners.
Our team competed in three events: Woodend on April 10th, Flagstaff
Hill on May 12th and the State Day at Cheltenham Racecourse on May
30th. Although we only had three medallists in these events each of
our runners can be very proud of their efforts.
They attended training sessions three mornings a week where
they ran a 2km course to prepare for
their
racing.
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The
team developed their strength and stamina and their training times
consistently improved. The great results in the races reflected
their efforts.
Our team:
Nicole R. -- Silver Medal (Woodend)
Alex S. -- Bronze Medals (Woodend & Flagstaff Hill)
Blake S. -- Silver Medal (Woodend)
Jesse M., Teea P., Justin S., Ellie K., Joel M., Matthew K. and
Tyson S.
A special mention must go to all of the parents who supported the
team. Their assistance with transport to and from events and through
motivating their children to come to trainings on cold mornings
ensured the success of Cross Country this year.
Jesse in the finishing straight on State Day
Scott Francis
-- PE Teacher
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RAINFOREST AND CENTRAL MARKET EXCURSION |
On Tuesday the Year 6/7l classes visited the Bicentennial
Conservatory and Adelaide Central Markets. The purpose of the
Excursion was to experience a Rainforest environment and to
understand the environmental importance of Rainforests. Students
were able to navigate their way through the Rainforest focusing on
specific plants and aspects of a Rainforest.
We completed the day with a successful trip into the Central Markets
where in groups led by parents and teachers we explored the Markets.
Students completed a Market Quiz, purchased tropical fruit and some
other interesting goodies. Ms Mousley in particular enjoyed the
buffet in the Asian food court!
Thankyou to the fantastic team of parents (Leisa Molnar, Mark
Stratton, Janet Velkjovic, Andrea Chapman, Nicky Foran and Suzanne
Stagg) for the way they led their groups and helped out on the day.
Special thanks to Matt Hocking and Wendy Nicolle for also attending
and helping out. The fruit salad at school made from our Market
purchases was enjoyed by all.
Simon Mueller, Sandra Mousley and Cindy Fishwick.
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On our excursion to the rainforest dome in the Botanical Gardens we
broke off into groups to work on sheets about the Rainforest. In
the dome were lots of different plants like the Red Hot Cat Tail,
the Cocoa Nut Tree and many more. We had to feel and describe some
of the plants; they all felt different to one another.
At the Central Market we broke off into our groups that we organized
on Monday. We did our question sheets before having lunch in the
food court. After lunch we set off to buy our tropical fruits for
the fruit salad we are going to make. I bought five Passion Fruit
for only $2.00 for the salad. Other people bought fruit like
Pineapples, Bananas and even a fruit called the Dragon Fruit. Once
we all met up again we went out to where the bus was to head home.
The whole excursion was great fun and I think everyone enjoyed
themselves.
By Laura S.
On Tuesday we went to the rainforest
conservatory to look at plants and find out about them. We went in
small groups through the conservatory. My favourite plant was the
Red Hot Cat Tail because it was a furry plant in the shape of a
cat's tail. It was very interesting because it was like we were in
a rainforest. My group was Ben, Ben and myself. It was fun.
After that we went to the Central Market and split into other groups
to eat lunch and do a quiz. My group was Ben, Ben, Bec, Katelyn and
myself. We had Wendy's for lunch. We did our quiz and there were
21 questions to answer. They were about the food and the prices.
At the end of the day it had been fun.
By Justin K.
On 3rd June Ms Mousley's class and Mr Mueller's class
went to the Botanic Gardens. In the rainforest conservatory, we saw
all different types of plants such as the Red Hot Cat Tail which was
my favourite. It felt like a cat's tail and it was red so that was
why it was called the Red Hot Cat Tail.
We went to the central markets shortly after the botanic gardens.
We bought our lunch in the central markets, I had a Wendy's shake
'n' dog and so did Adrian. Around the Central Markets we did a
workshop with 20+ questions. We bought an exotic piece of fruit
there as well from one of the fruit and veg. stores. I bought a
star fruit.
By Shane M
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On Tuesday we went to the Botanical Gardens. We separated
into groups. My group was Justin K., Ben M-S and me. The
trees were tall and they went all the way up to
the roof. |
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We had a question sheet. It had 20 questions on it all on
different types of rainforest plants. I think the
rainforest looked cool and I hope I
can go back there another day |
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some time.
The plants felt different to all of the other plants I've felt
before. Some felt fuzzy and some felt damp.
After the rainforest self guided tour we got back on the bus and
arrived at the central market and bought lunch. After lunch we got
a question sheet about the market that had questions like how much
is a 2 litre gallon of oil from the olive tree shop. It was fun.
It was like a discovery. I hope we can go again. We had to buy a
piece of tropical fruit to share in a fruit salad. I bought a
guava. I had a fun day.
By Ben F.
On 3rd June Mr Mueller's and Ms Mousley's classes went to
the rainforest dome. We had split up into groups and answered the
questions. We had to find out about all of the plants on the floor,
the under story and the canopy. It was interesting learning about
them all but it was hard because all of the numbers were mixed up.
It took us a long time to find everything. My favourite plant was
the Red Hot Cat Tails. We also saw some stick insects and bugs that
live in the rainforest. Everyone had fun there.
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The highlight of the day was the Adelaide Central Markets.
When we got there we went and had lunch. Most of my group
had hotdogs and milkshakes from Wendy's. We
then went to the |
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Asian
food court. We got our sheets organised at the questions
page. We went on a hunt for answers in all of the stalls.
My group finished all the questions and we bought our
fruit. I had to buy a pineapple for a massive fruit salad
with the rest of the class.
By Josh C. |
We arrived at the Botanical Gardens and visited the massive Eco Dome
where we did our worksheet. We filled out a couple of questions
before we walked onto the boardwalk and looked at a couple of
interesting trees. Andrea Chapman found one particular one that
looked quite different. We kept on walking and finding new things
to answer.
By Caleb D.
The excursion trip was really good for me and it was the first time
I've ever been to a real rainforest and central market.
We first went to the Botanic Gardens. It was great fun as that was
the point. I found spider eggs and saw plants that I'd never seen
before and huge ants.
After that we had recess then we went to the Central Market. That
was my favourite part of the day. We had question sheets and we had
to go all the way around the market to get the HARD questions
answered but we were allowed to buy lunch and I got a gob stopper
from the lollie shop!
By Corinne |
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My class went on an excursion to the Botanical Gardens. My teacher
Mr Mueller broke down in Craigburn, so we had to pick him up along
the way. When we got to the Botanical Gardens we broke into groups
and had to answer questions on a worksheet. We had recess across
the road.
At the Central Markets we broke up into groups. Everyone bought a
piece of fruit for $2.00. I got rockmelon. We had another
worksheet to fill out about the central market. After we finished
the worksheet we went to the Asian food court. I had fried rice and
coke.
By Cameron G
Our Wheel-a-thon is approaching fast. It will be on:
Friday June 20th. Please put this date in your diaries now.
Classes will be rostered to do their laps. There will be two
circuits, one for Junior Primary and one for Primary children. We
would love for mums, dads and grandparents to join us for this day.
(Parent Club will be selling tea and coffee.) A separate letter and
sponsorship form will be sent home in the next days.
Our Learning Assistance Program (LAP) is
up and running very smoothly, thanks to nine wonderful volunteers.
We have students involved in many varied activities. Ashleigh and
his volunteer have started a worm farm and have planted quite a few
seeds and seedlings; Jackson and Sharni are astounding their
volunteers with their knowledge and interest in their project
topics. All the students have had a great start and all the
volunteers are enjoying getting to know their student.
Ashleigh and Aileen with their worm farm
Eden, Eleanor A, Laura, Carly, Eleanor K and Isabella played their
violins in a string workshop on Tuesday 27th May.
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Violin and cello players came from Clarendon, Aberfoyle Hub and
Flagstaff Hill Primary Schools to form a large string ensemble. At
the end of the morning, they performed a concert to several classes.
I enjoyed the string workshop because it gave you a chance to get
together with other students from different schools. This year it
was held at Happy Valley. We use a whistle, electric violin,
bangers and a humming whistle.
The workshops involve learning songs in different parts, being able
to play a violin, viola, cello or a double bass and performing in
front of an audience.
Being in the string workshops is a great experience.
By Eden
It's been a frantic start to the season with games being played
weekly, rather than fortnightly.
Our Happy Valley Junior Team has shot to the top of the ladder with
a tally of 8.5 out of a possible 10 points. Special mentions to
Jacob B. who is undefeated in seat one and Sam C. who has matured
into a terrific player, also with two wins from two games. |
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The seniors had a 5-nil win on the first night but went down nil-5
in the second! It's certainly a volatile competition!
And for the first time, Happy Valley has joined forces with another
school to form a composite team. Reynella Primary had a couple of
students who desperately wanted to play chess, so put them together
and you get HappyNella!
Congratulations to Aiden L. who fought out a strong stalemate this
week in that composite junior team!
Next Tuesday is SPOT THE MATE.
Where: Woodcroft College, Bains Road.
When: 7.pm, Tuesday June 10.
Coordinators:
Mark and Yvonne Smith. 0418137777 or 0419811539
Soccer
There are no games this week due to the long weekend -- training
will be back on for the senior team on Tuesday 10th.
The next games are on June 14th with the Under 10s at
home to St. Teresa at 9.30 and the seniors at home to Seaview Downs
at 10.30. Please ensure that any outstanding fees are paid before
these games.
Both teams have had some great results over the past fortnight. The
Under 10s beat Hawthorndene 4-0 and followed that up with a 10-0 win
against Brighton last weekend. They are improving all the time.
The senior team had a comfortable 5-1 victory against Dover and then
put in their best performance for the season so far with a 6-3 win
against St. Johns Grammar on Saturday. It has been pleasing to see
a good even spread of goal scorers with some great finishing. More
importantly, the development and increasing confidence of the
younger players new to senior level is contributing to a full team
effort each week.
Gary Kite
- Soccer Co-ordinator.
Parent Club helpers needed for our tea and coffee stand on Friday 20th
June at the Wheel-a-thon. All money made from the sale of tea and
coffee will go towards Caleb Daniel's trip interstate for state
football. Please speak to Cindy if you can help. |
Cindy Kershaw
- Secretary
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Wendy Nicolle |
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