murray bridge high school · in the 3d imaging suite we used 3d ... now farewelled our visitors...

Principal: Jim Michalanney 8531 9500 – Chairperson Governing Council: Keith Simmons 0407 396 749

It is through working together, with respect, that we can achieve excellence

Murray Bridge High School

Excellence, Respect and Working Together Tel: 8531 9500 Fax: 8531 9595 Email: [email protected] Website: www.murraybridgehs.sa.edu.au

TERM 3, WEEK 4 – 15 August 2016

From the Principal Jim Michalanney

MBHS is now a Music Focus School! Earlier this year we submitted an expression of interest in taking

on the role of a Music Focus School.

Recently we were advised that Murray Bridge High School had been selected as a Music Focus School (MFS) from 2017. We

are one of only twelve schools selected within the state.

We will have the important role as a Music Focus School to lead the development of and work closely with the Instrumental Music teachers within our Murraylands

Partnership.

Well done to Mr Sean Hickey and Mr Alex McFarlane and the Music faculty on

their successful application.

$2.5 Million STEM Works here at MBHS Recently the Government announced that there was to be a $250m investment in

Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education. This

program is aimed to boost science, technology, engineering and mathematics education in schools across the state.

The ’STEM Works program’ will be rolled out to 139 public schools over the next 3 years and will fund the refurbishment or redevelopment of STEM facilities,

including furniture, fixtures and equipment.

Selected Primary schools were to receive $1m, Secondary schools like MBHS $2.5m and R-12 schools $3.5m. The aim is to provide students with skills that will

set them up for future jobs. The research indicates that 75% of jobs in the next 10

years will require STEM skills in-demand industries.

Late last week key staff met with Paul Unsworth (University SA), Dr Ann

Herraman (Chaffey Learning Exchange), Christine Willersdorf (Regional

Development Board), Vanessa Liebelt and Roxanne Rowland (Student Pathways)

to discuss the opportunities for community collaboration on STEM programmes

within Murray Bridge High School.

Minister Susan Close Visit to MBHS This week we look forward to the Minister of Education visiting our school. The

main reason for her visit is to discuss possibilities of the provision of improved

facilities for all of our students. We are particularly focusing on upgrades for our

Special Needs students and also to meet the increasing demand on our capacity as

our numbers continue to grow.

The Minister will be joined by our Governing Council Chair Mr Keith Simmons,

Education Director Mr Stan Hagias, Murray Bridge Mayor Mr Brenton Lewis and state member for Hammond Mr Adrian Pederick who will be hoping to impress on

the Minister the pressing need for considerable major works required here at our

school.

CALENDAR TERM 3

Monday 15 – Wednesday 17 August NAPLAN trial - Year 8

Tuesday, 16 August

VET Taster Day

Parents & Friends – 5pm Governing Council – 6pm

Wed, 31 August – Thu 1 September

Year 11/12 Subject Counselling Parent meetings - 1.30pm-7.30pm

Friday, 2 September SCHOOL CLOSURE – SHOW DAY

Tuesday, 6 September Year 12 Drama Production

Tuesday, 11 September Finance Committee – 4.30pm

Tuesday, 20 September

Parents & Friends – 5pm

Governing Council – 6pm

Wed 21 – Wed 28 September

Operation Flinders

Sat/Sun 24-25 September

Pedal Prix – Murray Bridge

Tuesday, 27 September Youth Opportunities Graduation – 3.30pm

Friday, 30 September

Last day of Term 3 – 2pm dismissal

Japanese Study Tour Last week we farewelled our 13 Japanese students

and their teacher Mr Akira Yahashi who lived with

several host families here in our school community.

This remarkable programme has been running for 18 years and is most probably the longest and most

successful of its kind in SA.

We thank all of our host families who have

generously opened their homes to these students for without this the programme would not enjoy the

success it does. Well done and thanks to Ms Helen

Peake for all her hard work and organisation to make

this programme so enjoyable.

Murray Bridge High School Newsletter 15 August 2016

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Stage 2 Chemistry students make it to the

National Final by Luke Starczak

On Saturday, 6th August six Stage 2 Chemistry students

competing in two teams attended the State Final of the Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI) Titration Competition for 2016. There were 13 other schools represented at this final and

a total of 38 teams were competing to get through to the National Final.

All MBHS students competed to the best of their ability and as a result of this they received some outstanding results. Georg-jah Mitchell was the best performed on the day by getting an

error for her titration of 0.09%. The overall team scores were as follows:

Charyse Allen, Chaitanya Bhandari and Georg-jah Mitchell

received the best score with a total team error of 1.12%. Wen Liu, Skye McGrath and Trang Tran received a total team error of 1.38%.

Both teams entered from Murray Bridge High School made it through to the National Final which will be held at the Reid

Building, UniSA in Adelaide on Saturday 17 September and I congratulate them for this.

Year 11 Science Excursion by Brayden George, Steven McGregor & Stephanie Smith

The biology students from both Year 11 Biology classes

went on an excursion to The University of Adelaide.

Students from Mr Herdman’s and Mr Watts’ classes went on

a tour of the university. We met with several professors and

students who attend the university and lecture different

courses and explored some of the facilities the university has

to offer. These included a 3D imaging suite and a Biology

practical laboratory. One of the lecturers, Velta, was hilarious

and made both the classes laugh showing that it is possible

to have fun and learn new things at the same time. We

applied the knowledge we learnt in class to the different

people working in the lab with Velta, it was so much fun

because we all had to randomly do the chicken dance when

the song came on.

In the 3D imaging suite we used 3D glasses to observe

different types of molecules including a protein that controls

cell growth, as well as DNA. In the laboratory we learnt

about agar plates, different types of cells and were also

educated about the bacteria that is found in Greek Yogurt.

We really enjoyed the excursion particularly lunch time as there was so many food outlets and choices for food.


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Visit by Funabashi High School Students by Helen Peake

After two weeks of intensive English and cultural activities we have

now farewelled our visitors from Funabashi High School in Japan.

During their stay the students enjoyed a range of in-school activities

including cooking with a Home Economics class and the Special

Options class, Physical Education, Woodwork (making boomerangs),

Art (painting boomerangs), Welding, Science, Music, Dance,

Computing and ESL classes.

The staff, our local students and the Japanese students all enjoyed the

interaction with each other and the opportunity to extend their

knowledge including teaching non-English speaking background

students how to say or do something.

The Japanese students, International students and some of the host

buddies also experienced some excursions including a trip to

Kangaroo Island, the Gorge Wildlife Park, Central Market and Rundle

Mall. A highlight for many of the Japanese students was the morning

spent at Tailem Bend Primary School working with a class of

Reception students. Here the older students taught the Receptions

how to eat with chopsticks, how to do Calligraphy and Origami and

together they made some Japanese lanterns.

Saki wrote: “We also went to the Primary School. We met 5 year olds, they were very cute!! I made origami for them. That time was one of my best memories! It was a pleasure to go there!!”

The staff and students of Murray Bridge High School would like to

take this opportunity to thank all host buddies and their families for

extending a warm welcome to their Japanese students. We look

forward to continuing this on-going relationship with Funabashi High

School into the future.

The school is currently investigating taking a group of students to

Japan in 2017. If any families are interested in finding out more

information about this proposed trip they are invited to contact Helen Peake at the school.


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Music Showcase 2016 by Sean Hickey, Music teacher &

Sarah Stevens, Year 12

The 2016 MBHS Music Showcase has been a great success thanks to the many high school staff and students involved. This year had by far

the greatest number of senior students contributing to the event where

they ran all elements of the evening, including front of house and

backstage. Although they are still learning, it has been a fantastic

educational experience for all involved. Some of the classes were the Year 12 VET Technical production class; providing the night with their

high quality sound engineering, Dre Hikuroa; setting the stage with

some brilliant lighting and Sarah Stevens; organising the entire

production with her outstanding management and organisational skills

as part of her Music Individual Study. Not to mention the teachers Sean Hickey, Alex McFarlane, Peter Longden, Rod Williams, Ian Lehmann,

Elyssa Kreher and Rachel Baldwin.


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Global Partnerships with Monarto Zoo Dr Christine Roberts-Yates

Students from the Middle School class attend Monarto Zoo each

week with Mr Coulter to undertake recycling as part of their

Global Partnerships programme. Well done everyone! You have

enabled fellow students in Zambia to engage in learning about

their local environment and its conservation.

Research Project Expo by Doug Gray

On Tuesday 9th August, 25 Year 10 students, accompanied by

myself, Laurice Braithwaite and Greg Fulwood, attended the

annual SACE Board Research Project Expo at the Wayville

Showgrounds.

Research Project is a compulsory part of the SACE (South

Australian Certificate of Education) and Murray Bridge High

students undertake it in Year 11. This Expo gave some of our

current Year 10s the opportunity to see first-hand what the

Research Project involves and talk to some successful students

who were able to show what they had achieved.

Several industry organisations such as the Construction Industry

Training Board (CITB), Australian Submarine Corporation and the

State Library were in attendance, along with tertiary institutions

such as Flinders University and Adelaide University, to lend their

expertise and ideas to the students. Several students attended a

SACE Board Presentation which explained how to get started

and how to design an engaging question.

Research Project is a subject which students often find challenging

and hopefully the excursion demystified some of the students'

concerns. All students demonstrated an interest and enthusiasm

for the day and their conduct could not be faulted. As a teacher

at Murray Bridge High I was proud to be associated with them.

Particular thanks to Greg and Laurice for accompanying the

students, with Greg acting as Bus Driver and Laurice as

Photographer.


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SALA Exhibition Opening by Elyssa Kreher and Alan Bruse

Monday 1st August saw the opening of the Murray Bridge High

School SALA Exhibition at the MB Council Foyer. The

exhibition was officially opened by Mayor Brenton Lewis who

presented an excellent speech about the importance of school

and community connections which ultimately lead to

improved outcomes for students. On the night, in attendance

were a number of students, teachers, staff and parents, as well

as members of Murray Bridge Council and Murray Bridge High

School Governing Council who enjoyed not only the artwork

but music and food provided by students.

On display are a number of outstanding artworks ranging from

Years 8 to 12 including paintings, drawings, ceramic work,

printmaking, mixed-media and photography. Students

attending the opening expressed pride in their exhibited

artwork and many in attendance were extremely impressed

with the quality of work presented.

The Arts Faculty would like to thank Murray Bridge Council

for providing the foyer space for the exhibition, and all the

assistance they have provided in establishing this event. We

hope to continue this partnership in the future. Thanks also

goes to Ruth Mussger, Cathy Schiller and Food Tech students

for exhibition nibbles. Music students, along with Alex

McFarlane and Sean Hickey deserve a big thank you for the

wonderful entertainment during the opening.

The exhibition continues until August 30th, we encourage

everyone to drop by and view the show.

MB Council CEO Michael Segman, Mayor Brenton Lewis and Deputy Principal Ruth Mussger

Gabrielle Mayfield and Tiffany Cain with Photography students work

Natasha McLoughlin with her drawings SALA Exhibition


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The process for Year 8, 9, 10 and 11 students to choose subjects for 2017 has begun. It is vital that

students choose their subjects for next year wisely, so that their program of study reflects their abilities and skills and their future career aspirations.

The 2017 MBHS Curriculum Prospectus gives detailed curriculum information about all subjects

offered at Murray Bridge High School. This document is designed to help families make subject and

subject pathway decisions. The Prospectus is available on the Murray Bridge High School website

(www.murraybridgehs.sa.edu.au). If you do not have access to a computer, please contact the school

and we can print a prospectus for you and give it to your child.

All student subject selections will be entered into Web Preferences (www.selectmysubjects.com.au).

A link to Web Preferences is also available on the Murray Bridge High School website. Students will

receive a copy of their Web Preferences login details during Week 4, via their Pastoral Care Teacher.

Parents are asked to contact the school if they would like a copy of these details to be sent to them

also.

Year 8 and 9 Students

For our Middle School students (Year 8 and 9), core subjects are compulsory, so only choice subjects need to be selected. Students and their families can go online at home and complete their subject

selections.

Students will print off the selections receipt, have their parent/caregiver sign it and return it to their

Pastoral Care Teacher at school. There will be time allocated at school for students to complete this

if they do not have computer and internet access at home.

Year 10 and 11 Students

Parents of Senior School students (Year 10 and 11) are asked to book a Course Counselling meeting (to be held during week 6). A letter will be sent to your family during Week 4 with details of how to

book a meeting through our booking system Parent Teacher Online, (link to PTO can also be found

on the school website) or alternatives if you do not have internet access. The meeting time will be

spent designing a SACE course that best meets your child’s skills and abilities and career aspirations.

If you have any questions regarding 2017 Subject Selection and Course Counselling please do not

hesitate to contact the school.

Ruth Mussger

Deputy Principal

Subject Selection and Course Counselling for 2017

Information for Parents

http://www.murraybridgehs.sa.edu.au/

http://www.selectmysubjects.com.au/


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Lower Murray Trade Training Centre Update by Greg Fulwood

The Lower Murray Trade Training Centre – Murray Bridge High

School are hosting Registered Training Organisations to present

information about courses on Tuesday 16th August. The target

audience is Year 10, 11, and 12 students. Lecturers will be talking

about their VET course, industry pathways and provide some hands

on practical opportunities

Now is the time to consider a Vet Course which can be decided

between now and course counselling in Week 6 of this term. If you

have any questions at all please visit Mrs Rowland, Helen or Greg at

the LMTTC and we will help you and your parents/caregivers make

an informed decision on where you would like to be in a career and

how to structure a pathway towards that goal.

Animal Studies

This new course started on Monday of Week One at Monarto Zoo.

The trainees began with a five day block at Monarto, this being

followed up later with a block at Gilles Plains TAFE.

Engineering

Seventeen trainees began an Engineering course on Wednesday of

Week 2 being conducted at Murray Bridge Campus of TAFE SA. I

will report further on this group in future newsletters together with

photos of their activities.

Doorways to Construction

This group of hard working trainees will be seen around the school

grounds in the next few weeks relaying some suspect concrete and

making areas safer for foot traffic.

The areas that require rehabilitation will be clearly marked and

bunted, please be aware of this work in progress and keep away

from the sites for your own safety.

Shanghai International Youth Camp by Abbey Kruschel

In the July holidays I embarked on a 10-day youth

interactive camp in Shanghai, China. This trip happens

annually to promote and encourage friendship with foreign

countries. This year there were 22 participating countries

with a total of 120 students, there were five students

selected from Australia.

Throughout my time in Shanghai I experienced lots of

traditional culture as well as modern and as a group we

visited many tourist attractions, completed a variety of

activities and stayed with host families for two nights. It was

definitely a huge culture shock with the traffic, food,

language, life style and climate being vastly different to

Australia.

Participating in this trip to Shanghai was certainly a positive

experience and it was a great opportunity to make life-long

friendships as well as gaining endless amounts of knowledge

about the world.


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Keep your kids smiling

At the School Dental Service, dental care is FREE for all babies, children not yet at school and most children to age 17. The School Dental Service is a Child Dental Benefits Schedule provider. Call us now for an appointment! Your local clinic is: Murray Bridge School Dental Clinic Phone: 8531 9300

murray bridge high school · in the 3d imaging suite we used 3d ... now farewelled our visitors...

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