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WILLUNGA HIGH SCHOOL | Term 4 - Week 9 1

WHSNEWSLETTER

Term 4 | Week 9 | Friday 16 December 2016

FROM THE PRINCIPAL | Anthony van Ruiten

Dear Willunga High School Community,

The end of the year always comes along so quickly while we are immersed in the ‘hurly burly’ that is term 4. We have successfully negotiated the years 10, 11 and 12 exams, transition weeks and the ‘awards season’. The awards season is always special as we acknowledge the contributions and achievements of the many, many outstanding students that we have the good fortune to connect with on a day to day basis. The Willunga High students (and their parents) have demonstrated to me throughout the year how much they want to be successful and how they see the importance of education in creating their preferred futures. I still reflect fondly on how welcoming the student, families and staff have been since my arrival in term 2 and how this has made the transition from my previous school all a great deal easier.

The Willunga High School Awards and Middle School awards ceremonies provide a great opportunity to recognise students for their academic and sporting achievements and the persistence and resilience they show when they are striving for the goals and trying to

achieve the post school pathways. At these events I tend to talk a lot about ‘growth mind sets’ which refer to how anybody can improve their understandings and achieve success with ‘old fashioned’ hard work which is an important fact that all students need to understand. Sharing these events with their parents and wider community instils a great deal of pride in the students as their achievements are recognised and celebrated. The teams of people (Middle and Senior School teams and supporting SSOs) who spend a great deal of time and effort in the organisation of these awards events need to be congratulated for making sure these events run smoothly and be an absolute pleasure to be part of.

It has also been an absolute honour to attend the Flexible learning Centre’s awards ceremony. This ceremony held at the Aldinga ‘Campus’ demonstrated the power of education to enrich and enhance young people lives. The team at the FLC, Shaun, Kirsty, Jeremy and Creena and the fantastic Mission Australia case managers have provided a ‘model of excellence’ for how young people can be reconnected with their learning and how this


from thePRINCIPALcan change their lives. The students received awards for their application to their studies as well as the embodiment of the values of Willunga HS and Mission Australia. Awards for values such as perseverance, respect, integrity, compassion, responsibility and success were presented and a number of students provided very heartfelt accounts of their journey back into a successful education experience. All the deserving award winners were celebrated with a ceremony and shared morning tea. I would like to congratulate them all and wish them the best in there continued pursuit of their chosen pathway.

Term 4 is also the time when a year’s worth of hard work, intense organisation and dedication is ‘played out’ at the Australian Schools Cup in Melbourne. The dedicated team led by Andrew Gaunt and Ben Princi commit a huge number of hours and go ‘above and beyond’ to make this event a rewarding and successful event for all involved. The teachers, coaches and parents have all commented to me how amazingly the Willunga High School students represented us throughout the week. The students achieved great, and well deserved, success through their hard work and dedication to their sport. I always feel that sport, and in particular team sports, provide students with opportunities to develop great resilience, high level social and leadership skills that may otherwise not be possible in a classroom environment. This was absolutely the case in 2016 and I look forward to this program continuing to grow in stature over the coming years offering the Willunga students a unique academic and sporting pathway through the school.

It is always important that we acknowledge the ‘silent partners’ that help the school leaders and teachers develop a learning environment and curriculum that is highly regarded and one that provides excellent learning opportunities for all our 1100 students. We would sincerely like to thank:

• Ray Martin and the Governing Council for their support and guidance throughout the year.

• The schools and preschools in our Sea and Vines Partnership who are working together with us to help provide a seamless, high quality education for all young people in our region.

• Our University partners for their contribution to enriching the learning experiences for our students and those in the Partnership.

• Businesses and business organisations that provide opportunities and support for our students and our school programs that we would otherwise be unable to provide.

• The local Willunga community and the Onkaparinga Council who have shown a great interest in partnering with the school where ever possible.

• International Education Services for their support and the opportunities they provide our students and staff to develop their intercultural understandings.

We would like to welcome some new staff members to Willunga for 2017,

Phil Brown (yr. 9) and Katrina Hosking (yr. 8) have won middle school Wellbeing Coordinators positions, Adam Langley, the School Counsellor’s role for 2017. Bradley Haskett will fill the significant gap left behind when the Senior Leader- Inclusion, Megan Jacques, takes leave to have her baby.Seema Deo and Jeff Lines have been placed permanently at Willunga in the Maths and Science and Physical Education and English areas of learning respectively.

And finally we need to say some farewells, Marie Milne, Lyn Rowe, Kathy Scott and Patricia Walker have all decided that this year


from thePRINCIPALwill be their final year of service for DECD and we sincerely thank them for their many years of service to educating students in the government education system. Phil Boyle has won a leadership position at Victor Harbor High School after 18 years at Willunga, it has been unanimous that Phil’s knowledge of Willunga and its community and his amazing skills in maths, science and as a year level coordinator will be deeply missed as he pursues this new, exciting experience. Kirri Minnican has won the Deputy’s position at Christies Beach High School and we thank her for her service to the school over the past 3 years and Jeff Glass is not continuing in his role as student counsellor. We sincerely thank Jeff for his work with the Willunga High School students and staff and for his dedication to the programs such as Operation Flinders, World Challenge and Orchid Club, Jeff is pursuing other options within DECD from 2017.

Rob Love has won a leadership position at Glenunga International HS and Hannah Georgeson has won an ongoing teaching position at Aberfoyle Park High School enabling them to pursue their passion for teaching in their chosen fields. We thank all these staff members for their outstanding contributions to Willunga and wish them all well with the upcoming challenges of their new positions or as they move into retirement.

We would like to wish you all a safe and enjoyable Festive Season and hope the New Year brings you happiness, good health, and the realisation of your goals and aspirations.

I look forward to seeing you all in 2017.

Anthony van RuitenPrincipal

Willunga High SchoolFAREWELLSHello All,

I have had the privilege and honour of working at Willunga for three years. During this time I have seen huge changes in the school and community. I have met some wonderful people who I now call my friends and have worked with some amazing students who have flourished in this time. I have been lucky enough to attend Showcase events, eaten amazing food cooked and delivered by our VET students, encouraged the D2C team as they support the school through building, maintaining and helping me on occasions.

I have seen the formation of the STEM Squad and their ability to flourish in their role as leaders and witness the redevelopment of the SRC. I have seen people come and go and have had the fortune to meet some beautiful souls who are no longer with us; Janelle Reimann, Mark Whitington, Erin Griffen and Clyde Norris.

I have won a job at Christies Beach High School and will start there at the beginning of next year. I feel deeply saddened that I will not get the opportunity to say goodbye to the students, as many of them have finished for the year. I want them all to know that they all have impacted my life in some form or another and for that I will always be grateful. Take care, be kind to one another and don’t forget to say hi if you see me around.

Love

Kirri MinnicanDeputy Principal


end of yearMIDDLE SCHOOL REPORTAt Willunga High School we believe that recognition of student achievement plays a vital role in the development of an effective learning environment.

This year, in Middle School, we have been busy celebrating the many varied successes of all students.

At the end of Terms One, Two and Three, we held Recognition Events for our Year 8 and 9 students. The purpose of these events is to not only celebrate the achievements of the students, but also to foster a sense of belonging and continue the development of positive Middle School culture amongst the students.

In Term One, students who received numerous commendations were acknowledged with invites to climb a Rock Wall set up on the oval. These commendations recognised students’ positive contributions to school culture. We are so proud of all our students for upholding the values of Willunga High School, as well as the values of Middle School.

Term Three’s event was meant to be lawn bowls at Willunga Bowls Club. Unfortunately, weather did not permit this outdoor activity to go ahead so we improvised with carpet bowls in the Trade Training Centre and a pizza lunch. The pizza was a hit.

The students invited to this event showed an improvement in their Grade Point Average (GPA), which is a reflection of significant improvement from Semester One to Term Three.

In Week Seven of Term 4, a Transition Ceremony was held for the Middle School cohort. The purpose of this ceremony was to recognise and celebrate students for upholding the school values, the achievements of the Middle School cohort. Year 8 and 9 Home Group teachers nominated students within their class who have displayed acts of kindness, support and/or shown improvement in various

areas related to schooling.

The second purpose of this ceremony was to ‘handover’ the Year 9 students to the Senior School. Mrs Fiona Adams, Assistant Principal for Senior School, welcomed the year 9’s and outlined the Senior School expectations, whilst highlighting some of the differences between Middle School and Senior School. Throughout this ceremony, the students again conducted themselves with respect.

At the end of this ceremony we also bid farewell to Miss Lisa Stout, our Canadian Exchange Teacher. Miss Stout has been a valued teacher within Middle School this year and we wish her all the best as she heads home at the end of the school year.

We wish the year 9’s every success as they transition into Senior School next year, and we look forward to the Year 8’s entering into their second year of Middle School.

Miss Alice CarterYear 9 Coordinator

Stephen Moore and Canadian exchange teacher Lisa Stout, kayaking


end of yearSENIOR SCHOOL REPORT

Senior School encompasses many changes for our students. As students progress through their three years of Senior School they are met with many challenges from understanding new expectations to interacting with a large number of people who support their learning to meeting SACE Board requirements. Students have the opportunity of being involved in many different aspects of their schooling including leadership, excursions, transition, pastoral care programs and extra curricular activities.

It has been fantastic to witness many of our students becoming independent learners where they have shown positive evidence of having more responsibilities related to their goals and directions through the senior school.

We have celebrated the improvement students have shown in their achievement, attendance and behavior. Our data has indicated improvement in all these areas.

We wish all students success in 2017 with their future plans and hope the Year 12 students have met their goals and receive the results they are expecting. Results will be available on the SACE Board Website on the 20 December.

All the best for the holidays.

Mrs Fiona AdamsSenior School Assistant Principal

Willunga High School Rememberance Day Service

Willunga High School Awards Ceremony

WHS Science Balloon Launch in Term 3



embarked on their first full year of SACE at Willunga High School.

The students started this year being introduced to the SACE by the Senior School team in the Trade Training Centre. This informed them of the school vision of SACE improvement for students grades in 2016, the supports we would put in place to help them achieve this and the expectations of the Senior School.

Over the course of the year, the Year 11s participated in the Road Awareness Program, attended the Flinders University Open Day, participated in the Flinders University Speed Mentoring, and began the long journey to complete their SACE Stage II Research Project.

By the end of the year, the students certainly did not disappoint the Senior School team. Not only had most Year 11 students completed their Research Project by the end of Semester 2, but also their SACE Stage I results improved overall with more students achieving satisfactory grades in their subjects. In addition to this, 2016 saw the Year 11s being awarded more academic achievement awards than any other Year level, and also saw an increase in awards received overall compared to the previous three years.

On this note, I would like to personally congratulate the Year 11 cohort for “being the best that they can be”, and for achieving above and beyond in most of their subject areas and I would like to wish them luck in Year 12 in 2017.

Thank you.

Mr Thomas GradisarYear 11 Coordinator

YEAR 10

At the beginning of the year the Principal “challenged students to individually commit to improving their performances and in particular to not give up.” This has certainly been true of the Year 10 cohort. At the start of the year they embarked on their journey with slight trepidation, but it wasn’t long before most of the students started seeing success, which in turn built up more confidence to succeed.

I am very pleased to report that there has been a significant improvement in overall achievement. Over 97% of students have successfully completed their PLP and results for other subjects have also improved. I believe the students have definitely stepped up to the plate and taken ownership of their learning.

In Week 8 this term the students participated in a Transition Week, where they had the opportunity to experience life as a Year 11 student. In curriculum areas students participated in information sessions where details such as SACE requirements and expectations were provided. Students also had the opportunity to go to the movies, and from the feedback I received, they thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

As Year 10 Coordinator I have had the opportunity to get to know a wonderful group of young people. I feel honoured to have been able to share the learning experience with them this year and I know they will continue their learning journey with success.

Ms Raelene CreedYear 10 Coordinator

YEAR 11

This year was the year of big events: Donald Trump was elected President of the United States of America, Game of Thrones Season 6 was released, and our Year 11 Student cohort



YEAR 12

Twenty Sixteen, the year that was ‘the Final Year.’

For 32 weeks the Year 12 students worked on obtaining their SACE completion, and in many cases worked on achieving a high ATAR, in order to get into the University course of their choice.

Thirty two weeks pass extremely quickly when you are busy. Busy is what the Year 12’s were in 2016. They were busy helping out on Sports Day; as Senior students they had a big role to play, and big shoes to fill. The Year 12 turnout was the highest of any year level.

In between many, many assessment pieces they were also organising the formal, either as part of the committee or individually. The staff struggled to understand just how much time is needed to organize yourself for the Senior Formal.

In what seemed like just days after the formal the students bussed, on mass to Flinders University for the Open Day. Approximately 200 students walked the campus, finding out about courses, many of which were new for 2017.

It has always been a pleasure to work with the Senior Students, and 2016 was no different. The students were respectful of staff and each other, and generally speaking the year went well, without a hitch. I take this opportunity to wish all Year 12/13 students the best of luck in their future years.

Mr Phil BoyleYear 12 Coordinator

Year 12 Graduation Valedictorians: Liana Lovison and Judd Partridge

Year 12 Exams


end of yearFLO REPORTWow – what a year! I am sure that I start out every newsletter article in a similar manner, but everyday I am absolutely amazed at what we have achieved within our FLO program this year. Reflecting on what FLO has become since the beginning of the school year, from late January 2016, when we still didn’t have a lease on the Flexible Learning Centre (FLC), to today, as we work on the 2017 FLO model, I am so proud of what we have been able to offer our young people who, in many cases, are severely disengaged from school and at risk of not completing their education.

LEARNING ACHIEVEMENT

Our SACE results are on the up! At the beginning of the year I think it is fair to say that we all ‘jumped into the SACE’ with great trepidation, and many of our young people really didn’t see or value the SACE. Moving forward to today, the language of SACE is used by staff with great proficiency and our young people have actively engaged in SACE based learning and keep a watchful eye on their SACE credits.

The compulsory subjects we have offered throughout 2016 are:• Essential Maths and English• Personal Learning Plan (PLP)• Community Studies• Integrated Learning – BKSB (Basic Key

Skills Builder), Job Ready, Graphic Design, Art and Soccer

Well done to the young people who actively engaged in obtaining SACE credits throughout the year. We are so incredibly proud of them. Congratulations also to Jeremy Wood, our Learning Space Manager, who led the ‘SACE charge’ and mentored our students throughout the year. Huge thanks to Lyn Rowe, who also worked tirelessly to help our Young Parent Program provide rich and relevant learning opportunities for our young people.

Of course, learning is not just SACE based. Throughout the year, a number of community organisations have offered some amazing learning opportunities to our young people.

The list below, which I know has been in previous newsletters, is incredibly comprehensive:• Certificate II in Hospitality (Front of House)• Certificate II in Horticulture• Certificate II in Business• Individual tutoring for Students with

Disabilities and Learning Difficulties• Before and After school supported learning• Ice Factor• Senior First Aid• White Card• Start Smart – Financial ‘health’• Toddler First Aid• Rite Journey Program – wellbeing and

journey through adolescence• Sexual Health and Wellbeing – programs

based around SHINE SA• ‘Passport to Safety’ and Work Experience

readiness training• Independent Living program – cooking and

healthy lifestyles• Career Counselling• ‘Transition to Work’ services• ‘Job Club’ and resume/cover letter writing

SA Police presentations• Harmony Week• Sharing of local Indigenous history through

Willunga High School’s ASETO • New business start up and taxation office

information session• Book Week

In 2017, we will offer more SACE components, including the Research Project and opportunities for Community Learning interviews.


end of yearFLO REPORTTHANKS TO OUR AMAZING FLO ENROLLED YOUNG PEOPLE

Pivotal to the success of the FLO program has been the attitudes and commitment of our young people. At the beginning of the school year, we all worked together to address culture and attitudes at the new FLC. After some initial ‘teething problems’ and several frank and honest conversations, our FLO enrolled young people soon got the message that learning and personal success were going to be at the heart of everything we did throughout the year. It has been heartwarming to see the high levels of commitment and dedication shown throughout the year, and the sense of pride and acceptance of each other’s differences is consistently evident amongst our cohort. For many of our young people, stepping back into formal learning has been a huge step for them, so they are to be congratulated for their efforts and tenacity.

END OF YEAR CELEBRATION

On Friday 9th December, the end of year FLC awards ceremony took place. It was a great opportunity for our young people, along with their families and staff, to celebrate achievements, reflect and have some fun! Alongside this, we have the privilege of presenting a number of awards to some incredible recipients. The theme of each award is based around the Mission Australia and Willunga High School values:

Commitment to Study:• Josh McLaren• Warren Davidson• Tahlia DonnellyRespect:• Jye Mueller• Finn Pfluger• Matt Rendina• Kirsten Hartwig• Jacob Foster• Alex Stapleton

Integrity:• Jesse Quaass• Shani Brown• Zac Gregson• Finn PflugerSupport of Peers:• Teagan Dawes• Zhaine Reynolds• Sam KaplanLiteracy:• Lily Clark-McGuire• Brianna Horsnell• Karla White-GarciaNumeracy:• Jarrod Hardman• Brodie Hocking• Connor Dawes• Mahlet Lewis• Shari Hill-Dew• Warren Davidson• Kirsten HartwigArt:• Alicia HarcarikGraphic Design:• Sam McLarenPerseverance:• Nathan Wilson • Jye Mueller• Jade Lewitzke• Jarrod Hardman• Liam Hilton• Hayden Sayers• Lily Clark-McGuire• Rama Ween-

Vermazen

Compassion:• Abbie FinchCelebration:• Sam McLaren• Shani Brown• Bonnie Madge-

Brady• Karla White-Garcia• Jacob Foster

Resilience:• Chantelle Sullivan• Lachie Perry• Abbie Finch• Amber SuppleCourage:• Flynn O’MalleyCommunity Studies:• Tymika Wilson-Fox

Commitment to Young Parent Program:• Monique Boothby

Participation in Sport:• Connor Best• Lily Clark-McGuire• Jacob Foster• Kirsten Hartwig• Daniel Jackson• Sam Kaplan• Lachlan Morgan• Liam Morgan• Kyle Murphy• James Rawling• Matt Rawling• Billie Soan• Zhaine Reynolds• Corey Sheehy-

Buckley• Ashleigh Walters

Ice Factor:• Zac Gregson• Sam Kaplan• James Rawling• Matt Rawling• Zhaine Reynolds• Brodie Hocking


end of yearFLO REPORTWell done to these amazing young people – you have done yourselves and the FLO program proud. Thanks also must go to the amazing Mission Australia and Willunga High School teams for their individual student nominations and unwavering support on the day.

THE WILLUNGA RAIDERS AND ICE FACTOR

Throughout 2016, a dedicated and energetic group of young people attended the Thebarton Ice Arena to take part in the Ice Factor Program.

The purpose behind Ice Factor is to enable young people to focus on their physical fitness, learn the skills of ice hockey, compete with other schools, and most importantly, work together as part of a team! At the recent end of year tournament, our Raiders made a valiant effort, winning several games overall. Feedback from Rick Foster (supervising teacher on the day) was positive, saying the team supported each other and conducted themselves in a professional and mature manner.

Thanks must also go to John ‘Griff’ Griffen, who led the Ice Factor team throughout 2014, 2015 and 2016. Along with all of the young people involved, we pass on our gratitude to John for all of his work.

STAFF THANKS

A huge aspect of the FLC’s success this year has been due to the incredible group of people who have supported the FLC FLO program. Our wonderful Mission Australia Case Managers, who have brought with them amazing skills in working with our young people and have been instrumental to the FLC’s success must be acknowledged and thanked. Theo Gaitantzis, Nicolle Green, Dayna Fisher, Tamara Warner, Chris White and Greg Dyer, have all shown such a high level of care and compassion towards our young people. Without their professionalism and amazing insights, the program would not have been the success it is.

Cert ll Construction: Sam Kaplan and Liam Morgan

The Willunga Raiders and Ice Factor


Stephen Fowler, Mission Australia’s Program Manager for the Southern Adelaide and Fleurieu region, has played a pivotal role in making the FLC run smoothly and to code. Words cannot describe how comforting it is to have Stephen ‘on our side’, making sure that everyone involved in the FLC is safe, happy and working towards a common goal.

Alongside the Mission Australia team, Willunga High School has provided some incredibly talented staff to work within the FLC. Kirsty Parker, the FLO Coordinator, was instrumental in the set up and management of the FLC throughout 2016. Her energy, drive, compassion and friendship continue to be at the forefront of all that she does. Creena Baird, Admin and Data Officer, keeps the Front Desk under control and our data accurate. Creena has an amazing knack at engaging our young people in conversation, and they absolutely adore her. She is a trusted and reliable colleague. Within the Learning Space at the FLC, Jeremy Wood ‘stepped in and stepped up’ to create an incredibly diverse and inclusive learning environment. Jeremy’s passion for learning, his love of art and design and his sense of social justice have made him an invaluable part of the FLO program. As Learning Space Manager, Jeremy has had a steep learning curve throughout 2016, and he has led his students to achieve some amazing results in a variety of different subject areas.

Thanks must also go to Mollie Sandercock, an ex-Willunga HS teacher and 4th Year Education student, who volunteered her time throughout Term 3 and 4, to support our learners within the FLC. Her patience and calmness was so greatly appreciated by us all, and we wish her luck as she embarks on her education career. Thanks also to Louise Fechner, Willunga High School’s Pastoral Care worker, who volunteered her time and expertise to support the Young Parent Program.

end of yearFLO REPORT

Louise’s nursing background and genuine passion for supporting wellbeing were so greatly appreciated throughout the year. We wish her every success in her future endeavours.

A very special acknowledgement and thank you to Lyn Rowe who has worked at Willunga High School for over 12 years and joined the FLO team in 2016. Lyn’s counselling skills, caring nature and general sense of calmness have been invaluable this year, as she has spearheaded the Young Parent’s program and supported young people through their SACE Community Studies. Lyn leaves us at the end of 2016, and we wish her every success with her travels and her counselling work.

CONNECTED YOUTH - BE A JOB MAKER

Three of our FLO enrolled young people, Alex Stapleton, Finn Pfluger and Tim Walker, had an amazing opportunity to take part in the ‘Connected Youth – Be a Job Maker’ pilot program. Funded through the Department for Communities and Social Inclusion and made available for 16-25 year olds living in the south, the program aimed to engage young people with entrepreneurial/enterprise aspirations in Southern Adelaide. This five-week intensive pilot (focusing on entrepreneurship, career planning skills and work experience) provided real world, hands-on experience for young people, including working with start-ups, entrepreneurs, business, government, Flinders University’s New Venture Institute (located at Tonsley) and also University researchers.


end of yearFLO REPORTIncluded below is Finn Pfluger’s graduation speech, which he kindly agreed to share in the newsletter:

“I am Finn-Owen Pfluger and I started this course with high expectations of myself, I was going to become an entrepreneur and a businessman with my own business, I knew this for certain.

I was met by reality and I was stared down without pity. I realised that I had fallen for the sexy lifestyle of wealth that I had associated with being an entrepreneur/businessman. This Hollywood dream was not the reality of what goes into being such a person. Hard work, knowledge, execution, presentation, networking and many other attributes form an entrepreneur. Some I have, many I don’t... YET

I was impressed at the real life golden lessons I was being taught and I thrived of the hands on application, the content was made easy to understand even though many of the concepts were bigger than an everyday thought or tradition lessons.

The value that I received in these lessons took the form of networking. I now have two awesome entrepreneurial minded mentors. I managed to network my fitness ideas to find a local group who help me KICK ASS EARLY IN THE MORNING.

I learnt how to start building the beginning of the mindset that is to provide value. In my personal life I have practiced this so that I know it well, I am constantly looking for a way to create value for others. IT FEELS GOOD.

I learnt a lot about myself, many of my hypotheses were tested and some proven wrong. I know now that I need to work on following through. Saying I will be something then doing it.

I know that while I have a good foundation I have lots of room to improve on my whole person. THIS FEELING HUMBLES ME AND HELPS ME WANT IT MORE!

Struggle:

I struggled with coming up with an idea that I would then turn into a business. This step was too advanced for where I was even though I thought I could do it, it turns out that I needed to focus more on learning what goes into being a businessman then, actually doing it. I also struggled with my own weakness, the old me who found it difficult to listen and I had to change my attitude. This old me might have had a good go at derailing my new train on the road to success but it failed.

Thank you.

I want to thank the Sammy D foundation for doing the first ever cool talk being a responsible person. I would like to thank the team at flinders uni and NVI who made this happen, thank you. I would like to thank Jess, Ali, Oran, Ben, Pete and of course my team mates in the class!

Thank you to everyone, you made this an

awesome learning experience for me.”Finn PflugerNVI Class of 2016

Connected Youth - Be a Job Maker Program: Finn Pfluger and Lyn Rowe


end of yearFLO REPORTSEAFORD INTEGRATED LEARNING CENTRE

It would be remiss of me not to mention our alliance with Seaford Secondary College’s FLO program during 2015 and 2016. A very small group of Willunga HS FLO enrolled young people was engaged through this program, and supported through case management provider, Connected Self. These young people were offered SACE learning opportunities over the two-year period, along with a variety of other invaluable learning experiences. At the end of 2016, this alliance will end, and we will transition these young people into the Aldinga FLC. Huge thanks must go to the staff of Seaford Secondary’s FLO program, and the wonderful case managers of Connected Self for allowing our young people to take part in their FLO program.

2017

We will continue to support our FLO enrolled young people through the Aldinga FLC in 2017. Our aim is to offer Research Project, Stage 2 literacy and numeracy subjects, alongside Art and Graphic Design. We want to see as many of our young people as possible to achieve their SACE by the end of the school year – something I believe is most achievable!

On behalf of the FLO team, I would like to wish everyone a safe and wonderful festive season and we look forward to sharing more good news stories in 2017.

Shaun WalshHead of CampusAldinga FLC

Willunga High SchoolEVENTSAVSC VOLLEYBALL

Willunga High School competed in the Australian Volleyball Schools Cup for the 21st time in Melbourne during Week 8. Staff, Students and Coaches departed WHS at 9:30pm on Saturday December 3rd and travelled through the night arriving on Sunday morning.

The AVSC is the largest School Sport event in the Southern Hemisphere and this year over 500 teams from 140 schools competed. We were able to send 8 teams and managed to achieve a ranking of 24th Overall and 7th in South Australia.

Final Positions

Open Girls – 3rd16 Girls – 4th17 Girls – 5th15 Girls 1 – 5th15 Boys – 6thOpen Boys – 14th15 Girls 2 – 16th15 Girls 3 – 17th


Willunga High SchoolEVENTSAVSC VOLLEYBALL (continued)

This trip has enormous benefits for the students. Not only do they have to Umpire games and compete against other schools, they develop independence through being away from family for a week and for some, it is their first time in a city like Melbourne.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mr Ben Princi who has been running this program for the last number of years. The amount of time he puts into coaching and organising this trip is amazing. Thankyou to all the staff who were able to come along and either coach or manage a team. A big thankyou to the old scholars who love the program so much and keep coming back to coach the teams. Lastly, thanks to Kay Flower who organises all the lunches for the students and who manages to ensure that everything is organised. Kay was also awarded a plaque for her 15 years of service for Willunga at the AVSC.

We look forward to a bigger and better showing next year at our 22nd tournament.

Andrew GauntPhysical Education


Willunga High SchoolEVENTSVOLLEYBALL TEAM PHOTOS


Willunga High SchoolEVENTSSTUMP GALLERY

Year 12 students had their artwork on display in an exhibition at McLaren Vale Visitor Information Centre ‘Stump Gallery’ from November 11th to December 4th 2016.

Chief by Caitlin Mohr

Regnant by Brandon Reynolds

Rose by Brooke Ferguson

Broken Thought by Caitlin Mohr

Bark by Ethan Caithness

Carnation by Ethan Caithness


“ALEBRIJES”

This semester in Ms. Brennan’s Art class, the students explored a Mexican Art form called: “Alebrijes”. This form of Art was created circa 1930’s by Pedro Linares. The students worked really well creating their own Alebrijes.

Willunga High SchoolEVENTS

NATIONAL YOUR HEALTH LINK PHOTOGRAPHIC COMPETITION

Congratulations to Rebecca Steffe (Yr 12 Photography student) “Tale as old as time” received 3rd place in The National Your Health Link Photographic Competition which is a program developed by the Mid North Coast Local Health District and is endorsed by the NSW Office of Preventive Health and the Healthy Kids Association.

Rebecca won Third prize valued at more than $1,000.

Mr Dave HooperPhotography

Tale As Old As Time by Year 12 Photography Student Rebecca Steffe

Phosphorus by Amelia Morgan

Shark Turtle by Olivia Selfridge

Hubird by Cameron Hocking

Gunter and Betty byDanielle Allen


Willunga High SchoolEVENTSLADIES OF VARIETY CHRISTMAS PARTY

The Special Options Class have been busy this term, taking part in Aquatics at Port Noarlunga, attending the Ladies of Variety Christmas Party and having a visit from Animal Capers. At Aquatics the students participated in either surfing or boogie boarding. The Ladies of Variety Christmas party is held every year, and once again this year we were lucky enough to sit at one of over 200 tables reserved for schools all over the state. This week we had Jodie visit us from Animal Capers. Jodie brought along 8 different animals for us to look at, pat and hold: Albert the diamond python, Charlotte the bird eating spider, Wotarn the barn owl, Hush the ring tail possum, Stinger the scorpion, Frilly the frill necked lizard, Peter Pan and Tinkerbell the squirrel gliders and Smiles the Crocodile.

The students had a great time at all the events this year and were great ambassadors for Willunga High School.

Jackie VallanceSpecial Options Class SSO

AFTER SCHOOL SURFING PROGRAM

Upon my appointment to Willunga High School in 2003, I took over administration of the Afterschool Surfing Program, originally instigated by John Griffen. This program was developed based on wide-ranging research showing that increased participation in sport and other forms of physical activity is shown to lead to enhancement of cognitive functioning (the processing/understanding of information), improved retention of information, increased concentration span, decreases in poor behaviour and increased academic achievement for children.

Throughout 2016, 15 students across the middle school (Years 8 and 9) have taken part in after school surfing lessons at Southport Beach, Port Noarlunga.


Willunga High SchoolEVENTSAFTER SCHOOL SURFING PROGRAM(Continued)

These students have developed their surf safety skills and learnt how to read the conditions to remain safe when at the beach. Port Noarlunga Aquatics Centre staff provides supervision and individualised ability-based instruction, while Willunga High teachers and SSO’s support the students while also participating in the lessons.

This year has seen a number of students develop their confidence and surfing ability to the point where instructors have taken them further out where the larger waves are.

It is greatly satisfying to see the look on the student’s faces when they successfully catch bigger, faster waves.

Existing student friendships have been strengthened whilst others have developed throughout the program. Participating students feel stronger connection to the school, the participating staff, and their fellow participants, and education in general.

As the year draws to a close, I’d like to personally thank the following staff for their support throughout the year – Rob Love, Megan Jacques, Rob Minnican, Ashleigh Carey, and Caleb Macrow.Finally, thank you to the following students for their great attitude, superb manners and excellent representation of the school and it’s values: Tara, Kate, Kain, Ciara, Matiah, Danielle, Andy, Caitlin, Stellar, Hannah, Delainey, Tahlia, Kaitlyn and Shannon.

Wednesdays 4:15pm - 5:30pmTerm 1 and 4

For further information contact Mr Leith Gourlay at the school on

8557 0100

THE AFTER SCHOOL SURFING PROGRAM


Willunga High SchoolNOTICES

2017 SCHOOL PHOTO DAY

School photos will be taken at our school on Monday 30th January & Tuesday 31st January

2017

Please see last page for more information.

UNIFORM SALESSCHOOL CARD APPLICATIONS

DIRECT DEBIT SET-UP FOR SCHOOL FEES

Wednesday 18th & Thursday 19th January 20179:00am - 3:30pm

Location: Willunga High SchoolTrade Training Centre

(Entrance via Gaffney Road, off Main Road, Willunga)Tea & coffee available

THE NEW VITAL OFFICE WEBSITE HAS ARRIVED

www.vitaloffice.com.au

Willunga High School Stationery Orders for Year 8 and Year 9 students only are now available on our website through Vital Office. The delivery can be organised at the same time as the Uniform Sales and Fee paying on Wednesday 18th and Thursday 19th January 2017 (9am – 3.30pm).

To Logon visit www.vitaloffice.com.au/booklists

Logon – User Name: WILLUNGA Password: WILLUNGA17

Orders must be placed by 20th December to ensure delivery on the collection day. Phone (08) 8340 3522 for any enquiries.

Year 10 – 12 Stationery List is on the Willunga High School website and will need to be purchased by families at a store of your choice.

At this stage we are not participating in pre-packed stationery orders through Vital Office for these year levels.

SA MENINGOCOCCAL B HERD IMMUNITY STUDY

The University of Adelaide and SA Health will be conducting a Meningococcal B Vaccine Herd Immunity Study across the state during 2017 and 2018. This study will involve all students in Year 10, 11 and 12 in 2017. Our school has decided to participate in this exciting study. Students will be eligible to participate in the study with parental and student consent.

Students will be vaccinated with the meningococcal B vaccine Bexsero® (2 doses 1-2 months apart) free of charge. Schools will be randomly selected for students to be vaccinated in either 2017 or 2018. In addition, two throat swabs will be collected from participants over the two years.

In order for the program to be successful, and to provide clinical evidence into the effectiveness of the vaccine in the context of herd immunity, it is hoped that at least 80% of the state’s students will participate (approximately 44,000 students).

Further information is available via the Study Hub at: www.bpartofit.com.au or contact the City of Onkaparinga Immunisation Team on 83840666

This study will have a global impact and will inform policy makers around the Men B vaccine herd immunity benefits and how this can reduce the spread of the bacteria from person to person.

WHS LIBRARY

Thank you for all recent returns. There are still books and school loan computers outstanding. It is vital that these school resources are returned promptly, to assist with end of year clearance procedures and to ensure resources are available for students in the new school year. School Support staff will be onsite for most of the holiday break, so please drop in


items to the reception desk or library. Reminder notices will be sent out.

Please contact us on 8557 0100, if you have any queries or concerns.

Thank you.

Willunga High SchoolNOTICES

INTERNET BANKING

Families wishing to pay via Internet Banking, the a/c details are:

Bank: Bank SA BSB: 105 108A/c: 394002140

A/c Name: Willunga High SchoolRef: Student ID Must be supplied

239 Main RoadWILLUNGA, SA, 5172

P: (08) 8557 0100F: (08) 8556 2243

[email protected]

ABSENTEE LINE: 8557 0153


2017 SCHOOL PHOTO DAY

School Photos will be taken at our school on Monday 30th January & Tuesday 31st January 2017 Catch-up Photos will be taken on Wednesday,8th February 2017. We are proud that the country’s leading school photographer, MSP Photography will be taking our school photos this year. Parents can send the money to the school in the envelope supplied. On-Line Ordering is available so parents can select their preferred package making it easier for our parent community. Simply go to www.msp.com.au to view all available packages. Prices for Individual packs and Family packs are shown below in the sample. Individual envelopes with unique Order/shootkey code (for ordering online) will be given out at the beginning of Term 1 - 2017. Family envelopes will also be available from the front office in the New Year. An added incentive for our families is that MSP offers a 10% discount for all family orders above $90.00 a family.

Individual order form Family Order form

Please note that online ordering will stay open for an extended period, closing 8th February 2017.

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