Newsletter - Term 1, Week 11 2024
Principal's Update
We have made it to the end of term 1 and we are all looking forward to a well-deserved break. The term has been very successful with many highlights along the way. This year we held the Learning Conversations at the end of term 1, rather than the traditional time of the first week in term 2. We did this because we thought you would value the opportunity to speak with teachers before the holiday break to hear how your child is progressing in each of their subjects. This would also provide you with the opportunity to put some things in place over the holiday period if required. Over 2000 interviews were booked and we thank you for your continued support of the school and your child’s progress and achievement.
Please note term 2 begins with a Student Free Day on Monday 29 April. The first day of lessons for all year levels is Tuesday 30 April.
Staff Collaborative Learning Time
The teaching staff are deeply appreciative of the Governing Council’s support to have an early finish on Mondays which has created dedicated time for staff to work together on improving their teaching practices. This term we have focussed on developing our knowledge and expertise in teaching literacy. In term two, staff will focus on going deeper in one or two of the high impact teaching strategies.
Bunnings Sausage Sizzle Fundraiser
On Sunday 7 April a team of energetic and enthusiastic volunteers comprising staff, parents and students cooked and sold sausages, and cold drinks at the Parafield Bunnings store from 8.30am until 4.30pm. I gave three hours of my time and thoroughly enjoyed myself. It was fabulous spending this time with a great bunch of people. It was excellent publicity for the school, and we were very thankful for the facebook shout out provided by the Education Minister, Mr Blair Boyer. Over the course of the day, we sold nearly 1000 sausages and approximately 500 drinks. Once we accounted for the purchase of our stock, we raised just over $3000. The money raised will be put towards the redevelopment of the quadrangle space. A massive thank you to everyone who volunteered their time – it is greatly appreciated.
Staff Updates
It is with a mixture of sadness and joy I inform the school community that Natasha Dunn was the successful applicant for the Clare High School Principal position. Natasha will begin in the role from the start of term 2. She has been working hard over the last 18 months to prepare herself to take on her first principal role and she thoroughly deserves this wonderful opportunity. This has happened very quickly, and we will need to take some time next term to work out how we will backfill behind her. We thank Natasha for her very successful three years and one term at GGHS and wish her all the best for her exciting new challenge and adventure. Natasha, we will all miss you.
Kristy Power will be heading off on maternity leave from the end of week 4 in term 2 and we wish her all the best for the upcoming birth. It is with great pleasure I announce Rob Yeend will be taking over as the Acting Assistant Principal – Student Wellbeing until the end of the year. Rob has a wealth of successful wellbeing leadership experience from a previous site, and we wish him all the best for what will be his first Assistant Principal role. Congratulations Rob.
Parent Concerns School Contact
There are times when things go wrong, and you will want to raise a concern with the school. It is best if concerns can be raised and followed up in a timely manner at the school level, but often you may not be sure who to raise the concern with. We have created a dedicated email address (dl.1834.parentconcerns@schools.sa.edu.au) to support families to let us know what your concerns are. The email will be actively monitored by Belinda Noack (Wellbeing Leader). She will triage your concern and connect you with the person in the school who can respond most appropriately. You can expect to be contacted by the person who will be responding to your concern within 2 working days.
Disc Golf Excursion
On Thursday 4 April I had the pleasure of spending the afternoon with eight year 11 students from the Disc Golf club and Mr Liam Davis. We travelled up into the hills to play the disc golf course at the Woodhouse Adventure Park. It was a lovely afternoon, and everyone played well and threw some awesome shots. I am so proud of these students who have been coming out one lunchtime a week for the last 18 months to learn this new activity. They have all improved enormously.
When school returns in term 2 I am hoping for the school’s own nine-hole disc golf course to have been completed, ready for community use (out of school hours of course). If you would like to have a go at this exciting sport, keep an eye out for the details of a Come ‘N’ Try, which will held on a Sunday afternoon sometime during term 2 (date to be advised).
Have a great break and I look forward to welcoming everyone back to the start of term 2 on Tuesday 30 April.
Sometimes special people come into our life, stay for a bit and they have to go. But the bit where they were here was happy, wasn't it? Maybe that makes it all worth it - Chilli, Bluey
Meet GGHS Family
My Name is Megan Napier, I was born Megan Hall.
I grew up in Quorn in the Flinders Rangers. I had the BEST childhood, I climbed trees, played with sleepy lizards, swam in creeks, and had swings off bridges and climbed lots of hills, and had lots of bush BBQ’s. I was driving, and riding motor bikes since I can remember. My home town of Quorn is only 1200 people, in the heart of the Flinders Rangers, and a great place to grow up.
While growing up in Quorn I got to see some amazing Movies being made, we used to walk home from school and watch the crew filming scenes… met some very famous people, which a lot of today’s youth will not know, like Bryan Brown, Lewis Fitzgerald, Jack Thompson, Linda Evans (Dynasty fame) Rachel Ward and Noni Hazelhurst as well as many more.
I am the eldest of 4 children, I have 2 sisters and a brother.
When I got married a year after I moved to Cairns Queensland for 2 years when I moved back to Adelaide when I got pregnant with my first baby.
I have 3 children Dylan 21, Braden 19 and Tayla 12, so I am well versed in working with children.
I love camping, when I can get to. I go home to the Flinders Rangers whenever I can get there, I have a favourite hill in Warrens George.
My mum is still alive, unfortunately I lost my dad to a road accident, and we are currently working on changing driving laws.
My favourite Performer is John Farnham, I’ve loved him since I was about 10, I have seen him in concert MANY times, including Jesus Christ Superstar.
My favourite actor is Robert Downey Jr, has been for more than 20 years.
I have a new position at Golden Grove High School, I have gone from Curriculum Support working with children in the classroom to working in Student Services, speaking with parents, leaders and lots of students, as well as fixing, cuts, headaches, anxiety and scratches.
Most of all I’m learning new things every day. The job at GGHS is amazing, I love my work mates, and we have fun everyday.
I look forward to talking with you again…
Megan
Middle School Snapshot
What an incredible first term we have had in the Middle School. To our Year 7s and their families, congratulations on completing your first term of high school, and doing it with such positivity, integrity and success. It has been a period of adjustment, growth, and new experiences as both students and families navigate the transition from primary to high school. We’re incredibly proud of how this cohort has embraced this transition with courage, resilience, and enthusiasm. They’ve quickly settled into their new routines, formed friendships, and embraced the opportunities that high school has to offer.
As well as showing an excellent dedication to their studies this term, our Middle School students have also been actively involved in various community initiatives. Within the Years 7-9 Australian Curriculum, there are cross-curriculum priorities that enriches our subjects and gives students the tools and language to engage with and better understand their world. This term our Middle School students have gone above and beyond to deepen their understanding of sustainability through participating in local biodiversity projects and co-hosting the northern Student Leaders for Sustainability Forum. We have also seen some of our Middle School students actively participate in the 2024 Closing the Gap day, highlighting our commitment to the priority of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures. Our students joined over 3000 individuals gathered on Kaurna country at the Adelaide Showgrounds to promote our school value of ‘Equality’ and celebrate First Nations culture.
During the latter part of this term we also saw the majority of our Middle School students participate in NAPLAN. During Weeks 7 and 8, we saw over 500 Year 7 and Year 9 students undertake all 4 national tests in Writing, Reading, Conventions of Language, and Numeracy. This was a huge undertaking, but one that went smoothly, with many students showing our School Values of ‘Resilience’ and ‘Respect’. A special congratulations to our Year 9s who have completed NAPLAN for the last time! We celebrated with them on the last day of testing by using our ID lesson to provide them with hot cross buns and fruit platters, allowing students to socialise and play a range of sports and games on the oval.
As we bid farewell to Term 1 and prepare for a well-deserved break, we encourage all students to rest, rejuvenate, and return refreshed for the next chapter of their learning journey.
Wishing you an enjoyable break. See you in Term 2!
Kirsty Ujhelyi
Assistant Principal for Middle School
Senior School Snapshot
Year 10 News - Program ID
In Program ID students have been continuing to work on their work experience planning and completing their online work, health and safety certificate. We have also done a two week block on resilience and the importance of this for our day to day wellbeing.
In week 9 we did an easter egg hunt and also had a daily hunting challenge, where a small pink bunny was hidden around the school somewhere for the students to find. If a student found the bunny, then it was exchanged for a large chocolate bunny. Pictured below are two students who found the bunny on day two.
Program ID is an important part of the Year 10 curriculum and takes place on a Monday during lesson 3. In term 2 we will be covering some important information on career pathways and options at GGHS.
In Grove time our weekly quiz is hotting up, and the most recent ladder is picture below. The winning Grove will receive a pizza party at the start of term 2.
Positive Behaviour records
Students can receive Positive Behaviour records from any staff member at the school and it has been great to read these and see some of the ‘good stuff’ that happens at our school. I would like to share some of the student names who have received these PBR’s and look forward to seeing many
Jameson – for showing respect to others at school
Riley – for showing respect and being self-motivated at school
Caitlyn – for showing respect and resilience at school
Brendan – for showing pride in your work and being self-motivated at school
Ahmed – for being an excellent student in English and showing respect to others
Damon – for showing Integrity, pride and respect at school
Ella – for being self-motivated at school
Alfie – for being self-motivated at school
Sasha – for being self-motivated and showing respect and pride
Mikayla – for working collaboratively and being self-motivated at school
Year 10 Try a Trade Course
Some students in year 10 embarked on a 4 day journey from week 5 every Friday. They developed an understanding of trades through various practical activities. This type of experience is helpful to students as it allows them to try different trades to help them make decisions for their future. During this time students completed their White Card qualification which is an important competency that allows them to attend a construction site in the future.
White Card Training
During Term 1 on the One+ Campus, students undertook White Card Training with PEER. This qualification is important and provides students with the required safety training to allow them on a construction site.
It is also excellent evidence of industry immersion which students can use as part of their application for 2025 VET courses.
Numerous Year 10 students participated in this activity to support their work experience in Term 2, week 8. All students participating in this activity will be completing work experience in some of the following trades, electrical, engineering, plumbing, cabinet making and carpentry. If students would like information about this type of training, they can seek support from the VET office in the Hub.
The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams - Eleanor Roosevelt
Faculty Focus
Music at Golden Grove
Did you know?
We have spaces in some of our instrumental lessons, including trumpet, trombone, clarinet, saxophone, flute and voice.
If you’d like to know more, please get in touch with me via jenni.lester365@schools.sa.edu.au, or students can come and see me (Mrs Stam) in the Music Suite.
What ensembles/bands do we currently have?
- Percussion ensemble- this is for those students who have prior drumming/sheet music reading knowledge
- Vocal group/Choir- all welcome
We are looking to expand our music ensemble opportunities for those students who have an interest.
Adam Page Music Workshops- Wednesday 20th March
Our Year 7-12 music students were treated to a series of workshops provided by award-winning multi-instrumentalist Adam Page. Hailing from Mt Gambier originally, Page combines the elements of live performance with looping and other electronic forms. Page ran a workshop with our Year 12 on melody writing. Page used examples of pop songs to show that repetition and simple ideas can be the basis of a smash hit.
In the other workshop Adam performed pieces using his looping equipment, guitar, melodica, saxophone and auxiliary percussion, starting with one idea and then layering different musical phrases, and some of our year 7 and 8 music students got to join the fun on drums and woodwind. The results were impressive with one song being formed just by using someone’s name.
These workshops showed a non-traditional approach to performing, with students loving the energy that Adam Page presented with.
Jenni Stam
Music Teacher
Multi-Instrumentalist
GeoTourism
Our Year 10 GeoTourism students embarked on an exciting excursion to four stunning Adelaide beaches on Wednesday, March 27th! They delved into the world of coastal geography, studying the effects of Longshore drift and discovering the innovative coastal management strategies in place to mitigate these impacts. Not only did our students collect valuable data through dune transects to analyse slope and angles of the dune systems, but they also had the opportunity to immerse themselves in hands-on learning experiences outside the classroom. And of course, no excursion is complete without a well-deserved break! Students enjoyed a leisurely lunch in the Glenelg.
Daniel Langholz
HaSS and Languages Teacher
Global Perspectives
Across Weeks 9 & 10, all Year 8 Global Perspectives classes embarked on a walking tour of the Wynn Vale Dam. This included studying the history of the Wynn Vale Area, along with the various features of the Dam that control the course and re-distribution of water in the local area. Students also worked in small groups to conduct fieldwork experiments in the dry creek beds in order to analyse the impact of erosion and deposition, along with the human impacts visible in this natural environment.
Professional Development
Restorative Practices
During our Student Free Day our entire staff body undertook the first of a 3 day training on Restorative Practices with Kerrie Sellan from Restorative Journeys. This training is an important part of our whole school focus on building positive relationships and sense of community at the school.
Our school has a strong relationship with Kerrie, who comes with a wealth of knowledge working with disengaged youth to bring understanding about the motivations behind human behaviour through our biological affects and how relationships can be repaired and strengthened when given an opportunity to come together and talk through harm that is caused when there is a breakdown.We believe our school community is made stronger and better when we think of others in all we do and take responsibility for our choices.
Restorative Practices compliments our commitment to the Positive Behaviour for Learning framework as it allows a holistic approach to behaviour, from developing and teaching the behaviours we want to see in our community, through to how to provide feedback when wanting to improve a behaviour to restoring relationships when there has been harm caused. Many of our teachers already incorporate elements of Restorative Practices in their classrooms proactively to build strong relationships and trust between students and our Sub-school Leaders use a restorative lense in their conversations with studens for behaviour development support.
We look forward to the second day of training and upcoming student and parent workshops in term 2.
Positive Behaviour for Learning - Encouragement Systems
This term our staff were taken through the last elements of the PBL framework which focuses on behaviour feedback and encouragement systems. We learned of the importance in maintaining a 4:1 ratio of positive to corrective feedback for fostering strong relationships with our students and promoting the expected behaviours from our School Values Matrix.
Aiming to maintain a ratio of 4 positive feedback to 1 corrective feedback has shown to be most effective in influencing behaviour and also supports the productivity and positive relationships in the classroom. This is not unique to schooling either, it can be applied to all areas of our lives from our careers to our families. We also recognise there are times when things can get off track, and with a strong foundation of trust and support through balanced feedback, needing to provide corrective feedback is better received and more likely to be responded to positively.
This final element to the PBL framework will now be trialled in all classes across the school throughout term 2, with each teacher focusing on one expected behaviour that they would like to embed in their classes, and incorporating an encouragement system to promote this behaviour. Many of our staff already have a successful system working in their class, from raffle tickets to MVP points!
Sarah West
Assistant Principal for School Culture
Take the attitude of a student, never be too big to ask questions, never know too much to learn something new - Maya Angelou
Parent Workshop in Restorative Practices
Embedding Restorative Practices within our school is best done when all our school community members understand its philosophy and how these practices can be incorporated in our day to day interactions. Our families are an important part of this journey and we invite you to come along and learn from Kerrie Sellen from Restorative Journeys at a parent workshop we will be hosting on Wednesday 15th May from 5:30pm in our DRMC Performing Arts Centre.
We would love to see all of our families there where Kerrie will take you through understanding what motivates our behaviour choices and how taking a restorative approach to our thinking, our actions and our conversations maintains a positive connection with others, and allows us a supportive environment to repair harm and foster relationships. Restorative Practices is not just relevant within the school context, but can be taken into our everyday lives at work and at home as well and Kerrie will provide you with the tools to practice this at home with your child.
RSVP information will be sent to all families through EdSmart through the school holiday period, so look out in your emails for your chance to book a seat!
Discovery Centre
On the 5th of March, students from the DC had the opportunity to participate in a bowling carnival. They enjoyed friendly competition with their peers, teachers, and SSOs, showcasing impressive bowling talents. It was a delightful day of relaxation and fun, with everyone thoroughly enjoying the experience.
Sports
Sports Day
The date: Friday the 22nd of March
A new venue: The amazing Bridgestone Athletics Centre
The weather: A perfect, sunny 26-degree day
The students: Ready to put on a show and settled in for a day of intense competition
The scene was set for another Golden Grove High School Sports Day Spectacular! As competition kicked off, the four houses were neck and neck early on, with fierce rivalries on display for all to see. There were some amazing individual performances with records falling left, right and centre. But as the day came to a close, there could only be one winner. This year, an absolute landslide, with one house victorious by over 200 points!
Final House Results:
4th Place- Stevens on 865 points
3rd Place- Robertson on 881 points
2nd Place- Tilley on 1125 points
1st Place- Milne on 1378 points
Congratulations to Milne House- Sports Day 2024 Champions!!!
Year Level Champions:
At each year level, one boy and one girl are awarded the title of year level champion based upon the number of points they personally contribute to their House score through their participation and success in athletic events. A huge congratulations to the following students:
Year 7 Girls Champion- Olivia
Year 7 Boys Champion- Sullivan
Year 8 Girls Champion- Mia
Year 8 Boys Champion- Lachlan
Year 9 Girls Champion- Alicia
Year 9 Boys Champion- Success
Year 10 Girls- Montana
Year 10 Boys Champion- Sam
Year 11 Girls Champion- Simone
Year 11 Boys Champion- Luke
Year 12 Girls Champion- Holly
Year 12 Boys Champion- Heno
Discovery Centre Boys- Kai
Discovery Centre Girls- Tashara
Records Broken:
We also had several records broken on the day, with some of these having stood for many years. Congratulations to the following students for breaking records in their respective events:
Year 7 Boys Triple Jump- Jack
Year 7 Girls Triple Jump- Maya
Year 7 Boys Long Jump- Chase
Year 7 Girls Long Jump- Olivia
Year 7 Boys Shot Put- Max
Year 7 Girls 200m- Amanda
Year 7 Boys 100m- Chase
Year 7 Girls 100m- Olivia
Year 7 Boys 1500m- Sullivan
Year 9 Boys Triple Jump- Success
Year 9 Boys 200m- Success
Year 12 Boys 400m- Heno
Congratulations to all year level champions, record breakers and indeed all students who participated in both the athletics and team games events, your effort, attitude and contribution is what makes Sports Day such a positive and enjoyable day for all.
A big thank you must also go out to the students and staff volunteers who assisted in the setting up and running of this event. Your time and assistance was greatly appreciated and the day could not run without such generous support. We also need to say a big thank you to Bridgestone Athletics Centre for the use of their amazing venue and the Golden Grove Little Athletics Club Officials for their help on the day and the use of their timing gates!
Matt Sharpe
HPE Learning Area Leader on behalf of the HPE Faculty
Wellbeing
Holidays can take young people away from friends and their usual school supports. Changes to routine can cause some young people to feel stressed, isolated, and alone. Parent/carer support is very important during this time.
Headspace has some information about keeping healthy over the holidays that may be helpful to share with young people and their families. Please also see the Be You Mental Health Services and Support infographic.
Tips for adults supporting young people:
- Encourage them to stay connected: Social relationships are an important aspect of young people’s general wellbeing. Friends can provide both play and support, and spending time with friends is also important for keeping and building existing friendships.
- Encourage them to stay involved: Whether it is work, hobbies, clubs, or sports – involvement with these can help a young person feel connected to their wider community.
- Partake in physical activity: If your young person is feeling down or finding things difficult, physical activities such as walking around the block can help relieve stress and frustration.
- Keeping to a regular routine: Getting a good sleep each night helps young people feel energised, focused, and motivated. Getting up and going to bed at the same time each day can help normalise their body clock.
- Help-seeking & support: Ensure that young people have access to support numbers, locally and nationally; and that parents/carers also are provided with these details.
We hope the school holiday period is a safe and relaxing time for you, where you’re able to connect with people and activities that bring you joy, energy and fulfilment.
Wellbeing and Engagement Collection Survey- Term 2
During weeks 2 to 5 of term 2 (Monday 6 May to Friday 31 May 2024) our whole school will participate in the annual Wellbeing Engagement Collection Survey. All students will complete the survey during our I.D. (Individual development) Program lessons on a Monday of the course of the 3 weeks.
The purpose of the survey
Young people’s wellbeing is an important part of how they learn at school. The survey seeks students’ views about their wellbeing and their engagement with school. Students in years 4 to 12 across the state are invited to participate and the information collected will help the education system and broader community to support young people’s health and wellbeing.
What is the survey about?
The survey asks students about their social and emotional wellbeing, school relationships, engagement and learning in school, physical health and wellbeing and after school activities.
How will students complete the survey?
Grove teachers will facilitate students to complete the survey. They will be asked if they would like to participate and are free to withdraw at any time.
How will students’ information be kept confidential?
Students’ personal information and identity will remain anonymous. Survey responses are confidential, and no one (including school staff) can use the results to identify individual students.
Where can I get more information?
More information on the Wellbeing and Engagement Collection can be found at www.education.sa.gov.au (search: wec) or can be collected from the school. For questions or concerns, or to view the questions, please email Education.WECSA@sa.gov.au. You will also receive this information and more in a letter early next term.
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