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SALISBURY HIGHSCHOOL

Newsletter No 128th February 2014

14 Farley GroveSalisbury North 5108

South AustraliaTelephone: 61 8 8182 0200

Facsimile: 61 8 8182 0201Website:

www.salisburyhigh.sa.edu.au

Contents:From the PrincipalGoverning Council AGMOpen NightIt’s AGM seasonSchool DiariesUniversity OffersYear 12 2013 destinationsYear 12 School Formal 2014TAFE and Vocational TrainingATAR AchievementSA Excellence in Public Education AwardsSchool Dental NewsAthletics CarnivalSport Term 1VIVOsUniformSchool Fees 2014School Card 2014Leaving earlyFree after school Maths TutoringWelcome to our new teaching staffTerm 1 FundraisersThe Endeavour Language Teacher Fellowship Spirit of Science 2013Introducing the SRC 2014Student Wellbeing

Coming Events:March10th Adelaide Cup Day14th Athletics Day18th Council AGM19th Open NightApril9th Student Led Conference

NEWSLETTERFrom the Principal

Congratulations High AchievementWe celebrate the fact that Maria Hull our school Dux and top University student, achieved an ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank) of 99.95 with two merits and 3 A grades. Maria Hull is also a recipient of the Governor of South Australia commendation, Salisbury Council Youth of the Year Award and University of Adelaide Principal’s Scholarship.

Exemplary Year 12 results 100% SACE completion71 A grade results

21% of University pathway students achieved an ATAR above 94.6.

Albert Kong and Maria Hull pictured at Government House SACE Merit Ceremony on 11th February 2014.

Over the last five years, our students have consistently achieved outstanding tertiary entrance scores above 90. In 2013, 65 students gained University entrance with 11 top ATAR scores ranging from 93.1 to 99.95.

These outcomes are testimony to the wonderful opportunities presented to our students on a daily basis and the commitment and professionalism of our teachers working within our connected community.

Ann Prime – Principal

Governing Council AGMGoverning Council Annual General Meeting - An invitation is extended to all parents to attend our Annual General Meeting on Tuesday 18th March, 7pm.

Please use this code to visit our school website

We look forward to seeing families of Year 7 students at our

Open NightWednesday 19th March 2014

BBQ 5pm - Principal’s address 6pmfollowed by tours of the school

• HONESTY • ORGANISATION • RELATIONSHIPS • SUCCESS •

It’s AGM season As the current Chairperson of the Salisbury High School Governing Council, I would like to welcome new parents, caregivers and families to our community and extend an invitation to all to attend the Annual General Meeting held on Tuesday 19th March 2014 at 7:00pm.

2013 has been another successful year for our students, our school and us as a school community.

At the AGM, Council Reports for 2013 will be presented and Council members for 2014 will be nominated and elected.

Our Governing Council is a highly respected team that works proactively and collaboratively to improve student outcomes at Salisbury High School. We have a membership of 19, of which 10 are parents/caregivers of students currently attending the school. We meet twice a term, on a Tuesday evening 7.00pm to approximately 9.00pm.

The achievement of such amazing outcomes arises from continuing to encourage new members who, with their various skills and abilities, add value to our school.

Please consider becoming a member of our Governing Council so that we can continue to strengthen the partnerships between students, parents, families, teachers and our school.

Stewart Sparrow - Chairperson

Uniform shop opening timesMonday 8.30am to 11.30amTuesday ClosedWednesday 8.30am to 11.30amThursday 12.30pm to 4.00pmFriday 8.30am to 11.30am

School DiariesStudents are issued with a school diary at the beginning of the year. If lost or damaged, replacements can be purchased from the Finance Office for $7.50.

Carol Miller – Business Manager

University OffersMaria Hull 99.95 Bachelor of Teaching/Math, Computer ScienceSamuel Nitschke 99.95 Bachelor of Medical ScienceGemma Frost 99.5 Bachelor of Science Laser Physics, TechnologyMary-Anne Frost 99.4 Bachelor of Medical Radiology Radiation TherapyCameron Mark 99.25 Bachelor of Laboratory MedicineCassandra Cook 99.15 Bachelor of Social Science (Human Services)Melissa Stinear 98.7 Bachelor of Science (Advanced)Monique Jensen 96 Bachelor of Law and Legal PracticeDamian Nance 94.7 Bachelor of Science (Laser Physics Technology)Brody Quick 94.05 Bachelor of Applied Science (Human Movement and Health Studies)Kelly Nielsen 93.1 Bachelor of Nutrition and Food SciencesCrystal Willavoys 89.55 Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood)Luke Haynes 87.9 Bachelor of Architectural DesignDylan Robertson 86.4 Bachelor of ArtsJessica Rafferty 85.6 Bachelor of Justice and Society (Crime)Corey Blackmore 85.3 Bachelor of Nutrition and Food SciencesKayla Kraatz 85.15 Bachelor of NursingDeanna Greenwood 84.9 Bachelor of Education (Primary and Middle)Sharna Reid 84.5 Bachelor of NursingNil Gautum 84.3 Bachelor of Medical ScienceClayton Russell 84.1 Bachelor of Applied Science (Human Movement and Health Studies)Jonathan Walkowski 82 Bachelor of CommerceMiroslav Mirkovic 81 Bachelor of CommerceElizabeth Bertossa 80.4 Bachelor of NursingEmily Harvey 80.3 Bachelor of Justice and Society (Crime)Sallie Mahoney 79.8 Bachelor of Science (Animal Science)Kiara Karpinski 79.5 Bachelor of NursingLokesh Ghimire 79 Bachelor of AviationJarrad Benbolt Agius 78.9 Bachelor of Health ScienceKaitlin Marrone 77.5 Bachelor of ArtsMoni Salam 77.44 Bachelor of Justice and Society (Crime)Mathew French 75.9 Bachelor of Teaching/ScienceAlicia Moore 75.6 Bachelor of Design (Visual Communication)Taylor Chesters 74 Bachelor of Science (Animal Behaviour)James Aubert 73.5 Bachelor of Health ScienceJordan Moore 71.45 Bachelor of Health ScienceNetra Dahal 69.95 Bachelor of ScienceBradley Ward 69.15 Bachelor of ScienceKimberley Haydon 68.8 Bachelor of Sport Recreation ManagementDragan Pancic 68.5 Bachelor of Built EnvironmentJacine Sibomana 67.1 Bachelor of Social WorkKeiren Mace 67 Bachelor of ScienceTarsha Jewer 66.9 Bachelor of Disability - Development EducationDeepak Bhattari 66.5 Bachelor of NursingKeshabi Dhungel 64.4 Diploma of Science and TechnologyMatthew Anderson 63.75 Diploma of Science and TechnologyJonathan Castro 54.35 Diploma of Science and TechnologyAshleigh Harrison Tabor UniversityDylan Easter Bachelor of Built Environment – mid year entryBradley Ingham Bachelor of Teaching/Science Special tertiary admissions testShannon Carter Diploma of Science and Technology DiplomaChristopher Mulholland Bachelor of Information Technology Games and Entertainment special tertiary admission’s testMegan Crawley Diploma of ArtsSamuel Morse Diploma of Arts

Foundation StudiesJoshua Healy Jarrad West Rai PrameshNatasha Mifsud Elise Leleu Samantha LawrenceTayla Hurst Christian Cianfrone Jasmine BernalesRup Basnet

• STUDY • TRUST • ATTEND • RESPECT •

Year 12 2013 DestinationsSalisbury High School’s aim is “to see every student successfully placed in higher or further education, training, employment community and service”.

Congratulations to Year 12 students who have successfully taken the next step in their career and have transitioned to Higher Education, Training or Employment.

Pathway mentoring through the care program and the additional support students receive from the Senior School Transition Officer, Kerry Bell, have been major factors in the outstanding post school destination achievements of our students.

The increase in Apprenticeships/Traineeships in 2013 is largely due to the success of the Doorways to Construction Certificate III program at Salisbury High School.

Nick CotsarisSenior Leader Senior School

Year 12 School Formal 2014WhenFriday 21st November

WhereStamford Grand – Glenelg

Time7pm to 11:30pm

Cost$100 per head

Tickets must be paid in full by 25th July. A $20 non-refundable deposit is due by 9th May.

Students who wish to take a partner from outside of Salisbury High School will need to seek approval and fill out a partner permission form from Student Services

Kerry BellCareers and University Advisor

TAFE and Vocational TrainingKirra Pumpa Diploma of Childrens ServicesKelly Shute Diploma of Childrens Services Brodie Drechsler Cert IV Aero skillsEric Vuglar Cert IV ProgrammingPeter Huckstepp Cert IV Sport Coaching (Sport and Recreation)Izzy Hatzipavlos Cert III Aged CareTara Subedi Cert III Aged CareTulsi Subedi Cert III Aged CareBradley Tonks Cert III BricklayingBen Evitts Cert III BusinessCallum Donnon Cert III Community Service WorkAlex Kobs Cert III Education SupportJessica Stack-Neale Cert III HairdressingWhitney Kahl Cert III HairdressingBree Mitchell Cert III HospitalityClaire Jarvis Cert III Commercial CookeryJosh Wallace Cert III MediaVick Boden Cert II Animal StudiesJoshua Bridger Cert II Security OperationsJoanne McVicar Cert II Animal StudiesBianca Martin Cert II Animal StudiesJohn Orlick Cert II RetailMatthew Gooder Cert II Asian Cookery/HospitalityAtem Marou Cert II ConstructionColin Weetra Cert II ConstructionYasmeen Sykes Cert II HairdressingNaite Brown Cert Ii HospitalityAlinani Kyanda Cert II Community servicesMac Delo Cert II ConstructionShane Foreman Cert II Construction Industry Pathways (Roof Plumbing)Liam Johns Cert II ITTayla Denk Cert II Visual ArtsDaniel Baldwin Cert II Warehousing

ATAR Achievement2010 2011 2012 2013

Number of Students Who Achieved an ATAR 19 39 52 59

Mean ATAR 56.42 58.59 61.59 66.55

Mean Stage 2 Grade C C+ B- B

Year 12 2013 Destinations Salisbury High School’s aim is “to see every student successfully placed in higher or further education, training, employment community and service”. Congratulations to Year 12 students who have successfully taken the next step in their career and have transitioned to Higher Education, Training or Employment. Pathway mentoring through the care program and the additional support students receive from the Senior School Transition Officer, Kerry Bell, have been major factors in the outstanding post school destination achievements of our students. The increase in Apprenticeships/Traineeships in 2013 is largely due to the success of the Doorways to Construction Certificate III program at Salisbury High School.

Nick Cotsaris Senior Leader Senior School

Year 12 School Formal 2014 When Friday 21st November Where Stamford Grand – Glenelg Time 7pm to 11:30pm Cost $100 per head Tickets must be paid in full by 25th July. A $20 non-refundable deposit is due by 9th May. Students who wish to take a partner from outside of Salisbury High School will need to seek approval and fill out a partner permission form from Student Services

Kerry Bell Careers and University Advisor

TAFE and Vocational Training Kirra Pumpa Diploma of Childrens Services Kelly Shute Diploma of Childrens Services Brodie Drechsler Cert IV Aero skills Eric Vuglar Cert IV Programming Peter Huckstepp Cert IV Sport Coaching (Sport and Recreation) Izzy Hatzipavlos Cert III Aged Care Tara Subedi Cert III Aged Care Tulsi Subedi Cert III Aged Care Bradley Tonks Cert III Bricklaying Ben Evitts Cert III Business Callum Donnon Cert III Community Service Work Alex Kobs Cert III Education Support Jessica Stack-Neale Cert III Hairdressing Whitney Kahl Cert III Hairdressing Bree Mitchell Cert III Hospitality Claire Jarvis Cert III Commercial Cookery Josh Wallace Cert III Media Vick Boden Cert II Animal Studies Joshua Bridger Cert II Security Operations Joanne McVicar Cert II Animal Studies Bianca Martin Cert II Animal Studies John Orlick Cert II Retail Matthew Gooder Cert II Asian Cookery/Hospitality Atem Marou Cert II Construction Colin Weetra Cert II Construction Yasmeen Sykes Cert II Hairdressing Naite Brown Cert Ii Hospitality Alinani Kyanda Cert II Community services Mac Delo Cert II Construction Shane Foreman Cert II Construction Industry Pathways (Roof Plumbing) Liam Johns Cert II IT Tayla Denk Cert II Visual Arts Daniel Baldwin Cert II Warehousing

ATAR Achievement 2010 2011 2012 2013

Number of Students Who Achieved an ATAR

19 39 52 59

Mean ATAR 56.42 58.59 61.59 66.55 Mean Stage 2 Grade C C+ B- B

35%

20%

13%

9%

7%

6%1%

7% 2% 1%

Year 12 2013 DestinationsUniversityEmploymentTAFEApprenticeship/TraineeshipReturned to SHSOther TrainingOther Gov SchoolSeeking EmploymentIllnessParenting/CarerInterstate/OverseasUnknown

SOURCE: EDSAS ‐ STUDENT DESTINATION DATA 2013

*Source: SACE Board of SA School DATA

• POSITIVE BEHAVIOUR FOR LEARNING •

SA Excellence in Public Education Awards

The SA Excellence in Public Education Awards invite your nominations for outstanding teachers, education leaders and school/preschool support staff members.

In 2014 you can also nominate dedicated and effective care and child protection workers, corporate office and services staff within DECD.

Nominate by Thursday 10 Aprilwww.decd.sa.gov.au/teachingawardsFacebook.com/SAteaching awards

School Dental News

A new children’s dental benefits schedule for 2 – 17 year olds started in January 2014. It is called the Child Dental Benefits Schedule.

Children who do not qualify for the Child Dental Benefits Schedule can still attend – a small fee may apply for each course of general dental care provided.

There are no waiting times at the School Dental Service. To keep your children’s teeth and gums healthy we encourage them to attend the School Dental Service

To locate your local School Dental Clinic, and for more information about the Child Dental Benefits Schedule, visitwww.sadental.sa.gov.au

Athletics CarnivalOne of the highlights of the school calendar is our whole school Athletics Carnival, which will be held on Friday 14th March (Week 7). The day is shaping up to be the biggest carnival yet. With a focus on participation, we encourage every student to attend, get into the team spirit and enjoy the day.

Athletics Day has consistently proven to be a most colourful day. There is healthy competition between the Mawson, Florey, Cairns and Oliphant houses in costume design and house preparation, which is always great to see. We look forward to seeing everyone coloured up and in the spirit on the day.

Winners 2013 - Oliphant

Parents and caregivers are encouraged to attend and support the day. There will be food stalls and plenty of action for all to see. We hope to see as many of you as possible.

Josh Coulter - PE Coordinator

Sport Term 1During Term 1 we have a number of sports and carnivals offered which include Rock Climbing, Surf Day, Indoor Cricket, Ten Pin Bowling and Santos Athletics. Weekly sport is Tuesday afternoon 3.15pm to 4.00pm – Basketball Term 1. Any student wishing to participate in any of these activities should speak to Mr Coulter in the PE office.

Josh Coulter - PE Coordinator

VIVOsTo all new Year 8 parents, welcome to vivomiles. Your child has been issued with a password and can now access their vivomiles account. Already they are accruing points for positive behaviours, work completion, positive attitudes, etc. Vivomiles is a powerful learning tool which empowers teachers, motivates students and can involve you in your child’s progress. Vivos has been shown to improve attendance, performance, motivation and positive behaviours. It is an online rewards system that acknowledges your child’s efforts.

Ask your child to show you online their current progress in accumulating vivo points. Once they reach certain levels they will be able to access rewards online from the vivo shop. Help them set goals to improve their performance.

Sylvia Groves – Deputy Principal


UniformCongratulations to all the students wearing the school uniform with pride. We understand there have been some issues with the new uniform shop meeting the demands of supplying new stock. This should be rectified in the next few weeks. If you have placed an order they will contact you when it arrives.

The uniform is a school requirement and exhibits pride, respect and a sense of unity. Please continue to support the school by ensuring your child is appropriately attired every day.

Sylvia Groves – Deputy Principal

School Fees 2014Parents have several options for paying school fees: part payments, cash, credit card, EFTPOS, online (Bizgate) through Salisbury High School website (www.salisburyhigh.sa.edu.au) and Centrepay.

If you would like to discuss any of these options please contact our Finance Officer Heather Parker on 8182 0200. Our Finance Office is open between 8:30am – 4:00pm daily.


School Card 2014If you think you may be eligible for School Card, please contact either Elaine Warner or Heather in Finance.

Please remember that you must apply every year your child/ren are attending school. If you received school card last year you MUST RE-APPLY IN 2014 through the school as early as possible.


Leaving earlyStudents who need to leave early from school ie medical appointment, must have a parent note indicating the reason. The note needs to be shown to the Care Group Teacher in morning care and when signing out.

Sylvia Groves - Deputy Principal

Year 12 Formal

Free After School Maths TutoringWhere P9Who Mrs Ludewig and any available Math teachersWhen Tuesday 3.10pm to 4.10pmWhat Bring along classwork or any assignment you need help with

Welcome to our new teaching staff

Ashley Kairns Science/PETheresa Edwards LiteracyLuke Ceko ESLJason Roe SWD/PEAngharrad Pendleton SWDJenna Bonavita Music

Term 1 FundraiserOur main fundraisers this term are Bulbs, Hot Cross Buns and Lamingtons.

Bulbs - payment and orders due by Tuesday 18th March

Lamingtons and Hot Cross Buns -due by Monday 31st March.

Delivery for both will be Wednesday 9th April- Student Led Conference night.

Spare forms are available from the front office. All monies raised in 2014 will go towards providing more shade for students.

Cheryl Bermingham


The Endeavour Language Teacher Fellowship 2014

One may ask - Why would you leave the hottest South Aussie summer on record? My reply to that would be - Why not if you are one of 17 Australian Teachers selected to undertake the Italian Language Teacher Fellowship.

This was a once in a life time opportunity, an award funded by the Federal Government. The scholarship involved a 3 week intensive language and culture study program. Instead of being on an Australian beach soaking up the sun the 17 Aussie teachers did 50 hours of language study at the University of Salento in Lecce, Puglia.

We also took part in ATEC (Australia Transfer of Experience into the Classroom). This allowed the teachers to meet and discuss the experience, practise the language and accumulate authentic teaching and learning resources.

This in-country experience was amazing. We visited schools, took part in classroom observations, attended regional festivals and participated in cultural and scenic tours.

I stayed with a host family speaking the Italian language twenty four seven. The night long chats and weekend visits felt like I was an Italian local for 3 weeks. I absorbed the history, the food, the lifestyle and the weather. No need for thermals though, as the weather in Lecce was much the same as our winter here.

The food in Italy is amazing and has left me with a lasting impression and perhaps a few unwanted kilos, but the cooking classes will now allow me to teach my classes how to make homemade crostata and orrechiette (regional homemade pasta).

My classroom displays vivid memories of Lecce, the people, customs, history, art, food, buildings and churches dating back centuries. As a group of Language teachers at Salisbury High we are all committed to and will continue our work in the research and planning of innovative units of work which integrate with other learning areas. We continue to work together to ensure our language programs enhance literacy levels, are stimulating, interactive, culturally centred and integrated with other learning areas.

The trip was great but home is always home and I am so excited to have come back to Australia where I will continue to share my enthusiasm for the teaching of Italian language and culture.

Dora Bruno - Languages Coordinator


Maurice De Rohan Spirit of Science Scholarship 2013In December 2013 10 students and 2 staff from South Australia (3 students and 1 staff member from Salisbury High) were privileged to be part of the Maurice De Rohan Spirit of Science Scholarships tour to London.

This scholarship enables students in Years 10 and 11 at South Australian schools to attend the Christmas Lectures in London staged by the RiGB (Royal Institution of Great Britain). A talented group of young people are given a chance to develop their passion for science in a unique learning environment.

Each year the group returns with an even stronger passion for science, technology, engineering and mathematics and goals for future STEM careers. This year’s lectures were titled “Life Fantastic – Are we all Mutants?” Students also attended workshops, conducting experiments and extracting DNA.

Not all the tour is about learning inside a lab but about learning what it is like living in another country. With sun up at 7:30am and sunset at 3:30pm, we were in darkness by 4:30pm, quite a different feeling to when we left Adelaide.

Students experienced and organised activities while not involved in the lectures ranging from outdoor skating and The London Eye to touring the film stage for the “Harry Potter” movies, Lords Cricket ground and Arsenal Football Club. Typically days started with breakfast at 7:00am and ended at 11:00pm. Just enough time to sleep and start again the next day.

John Mackey – Mathematics Teacher

Heidi Jensen, Sonia Ghimire, Lee Schultz and Mr John Mackey from Salisbury High School

I am Lee Schultz and I joined the SRC to meet other outgoing students and to make an impact on the school community.

I am Robin Pietersma I joined the SRC officially this year. I am excited to learn new leadership skills and help other people in society.

Hi I’m Lachlan Sparrow. I joined the SRC because I really enjoyed the experience last year. This year, as a Senior Leader I am excited to be involved and run many events.

Hey guys my name is Baron Robinson and I am a SRC member of 2014. This will be my third year in the SRC. Being in the SRC has been a really good experience and also fun times, we do some amazing things

Hello my name is Rachael Anderson and I am Year 9. I will be on the SRC for 2014.

I am Georgia Knight. I am passionate with my aircraft and basically live for flying. I am good with my art and graphics designing too. I am really looking forward to SRC this year. I have been told good things are going to happen.

I am Jed Banwell, I am a Year 9 at Salisbury High and this year in the SRC I am looking to improve my leadership skills and working in a group.

Hi, I am Beau Jerkic and I would like to enhance my leadership qualities and communication skills through the SRC.

My name is Samuel Dawe, I am in Year 9. This year in SRC I am looking forward to being more involved with the school and various activities around the school.

My name is Mel Mayman, I want to improve with my public speaking and be involved in the school and the activities around the school.

Hi my name is Caleb Martin and I am in Year 8. I am a SRC member because I would really like to take part in events and be an asset to this school.

Hi I’m Kyla, I am in Year 8 and I hope that I can improve my confidence by being part of the SRC.

Hi my name is Jenna Johnson I’m 16 years old and in Year 10 and I would like to get more confidence to speak up to people. Hopefully I can do that working with the SRC.

I am Kimberly Rawnsley. This year in SRC I’m hoping that I can improve my social skills and get more confidence. I also want to participate in school events.

Hey my name is Lian Deng and I am in Year 10. I joined the SRC because I wanted to get more confidence and become more of a leader.

Hi, my name is Shenae Bond. I will be one of the SRC members of 2014. We get to use our voice for ideas and I love to help fundraise

Hi my name is Rachel Allen. I am a Year 9 student and in the SRC. I am hoping to improve my public speaking skills and my confidence.

My name is Kayla Lawrence and I enjoy being involved in the school community running events and fundraising.

My name is Tori Statham, I have never been in the SRC before but I like to try new things.

I am Lachlan Reid, I am interested in being involved in the school community. Through my participation, I would like to develop my teamwork skills and my confidence.

Introducing the 2014 SRC


At Salisbury High School we are fortunate to have an in school psychologist who provides free psychological services to students and their families on site.

The psychologists from In-School Psychology are experts in child and adolescent psychology and are professionals dedicated to providing an outstanding and comprehensive service to assist the students, their families and the school.

How the service works The psychologist, Ryan Strudwick, will work in a collaborative manner with the Counsellors, teachers and parents to ensure the best outcome for the student.

The service is bulk billed to Medicare through the Better Access to Mental Health Care initiative. The student is able to access the free counselling service when a Health Care Plan is filled out by their General Practitioner or Paediatrician. Each Health Care Plan entitles the student to a maximum of 10 individual sessions and 10 group sessions each calendar year. There is NO cost to the school or parents for this service.

Benefits for Students Psychologists see students with a range of difficulties, from simple problems such as difficulty making friends to more complex mental health issues.

Counselling is an effective way of helping adolescents who are struggling with some aspect of their lives, from feeling anxious or depressed, to experiencing bullying or having difficulties controlling their anger. It can help them recover, and also help prevent recurrence. For further information please contact, Mary Chrysostomou, School Counsellor, on 8182 0200.

Student Services Team

Positive Education at Salisbury High school- lets accentuate the positiveSalisbury High School’s latest Teaching and Learning Plan has incorporated Wellbeing as a focus to support our school community to ‘Flourish.’

As a Student Wellbeing team we are excited to be able to support the whole school in feeling healthier and happier.

The model we are using to do this is called Positive Psychology. The positive psychology movement began about 15 years ago and was initiated by an American psychiatrist Martin Seligman. Seligman had spent 30 years in clinical practice providing drugs and therapy to people with mental health issues. He had a light-bulb moment recognising that there was a lot of negativity with people experiencing this mental torment. He asked the question of why is it that some people have a natural disposition to good mental health and began looking at the factors that make people resilient to poor mental health. Basically the question of enabling people to ‘thrive not just survive’ arose. His books ‘The optimistic child’ and ‘Flourishing’ have become a guide for preventative mental health.

Student WellbeingWelcome to the 2014 school year.

The Student Services Team

Mary Mandy Chrysostomou Price

Tina Jess Camp Nguyen

Newcomer Bec Riccio, and In-School Psychologist, Ryan Strudwick, provide a range of services to students, parents and staff, including addressing personal, educational, health and social issues for the school community.

While the majority of counselling time is spent with students, we are aware of the changing nature of society more recently which contributes to the already complex job of parenting a teenager. As Counsellors, we are available to parents for support, we have a range of community support agencies to make referrals to.

Bec Riccio – New Counsellor

Bec has recently joined the Student Services Team as Counsellor. Below are some fun facts on Bec.

Siblings: 2 sisters (Sarah & Jen), Pets: Maltese Shiatsu crossed Chihuahua named Jackson, Favourite food: ice-cream / hot chips, Loves to: travel, spend time with friends, eat out, and go to the beach

Favourite quote at the moment: You can’t live a positive life with a negative mind.


Why not work on developing, affirming and utilising people’s strengths to help them achieve their potential rather than focussing on what’s not working. Seligman developed a strengths-based model for resilience called PERMA.

This is an acronym for the elements needed to promote a ‘flourishing life’. These stand for:

Positive EmotionsEngagementRelationshipsMeaning andAccomplishment.

We will be using these principles of the Positive Psychology program to promote a positive school culture. Positive Psychology makes people happier. Learning the principles and doing the activities which include happiness, flow, gratitude, personal growth, better relationships and kindness can help people to live a more optimistic, engaged and meaningful life.

Our hopes for implementing Positive Education into Salisbury High School are to develop a school culture where students show concern and kindness for one another, who know how to compliment others rather than put them down, who are prepared to try things out of their comfort zone, who are enthusiastic about their own achievements, who can see the big picture beyond their own lives and even embark in helping others less well off than themselves.

Many of our students already show these characteristics, we are aiming to improve our school culture even more.

If you would like to know more about what Positive Psychology looks like at Salisbury High this please feel free to contact us for information.

Student Wellbeing Team

Health EducationSalisbury High School offers an opportunity for students in Year 10, 11 and 12 to undertake Health as a subject which enhances their knowledge and understanding on how to achieve a positive healthy lifestyle.

Students undertake a range of topics which include both written and practical components such as nutrition, active lifestyles, personal development, lifestyle diseases sexual health and relationships, mental health, the effects of drugs and alcohol, contemporary health issues and positive psychology. Health education can lead into career pathways such as Health Science, Midwifery, Nursing, Personal Training, Dietician, Nutritionist, Chef and Catering.

Students participate in promoting health activities beyond the classroom as they will volunteer their time, fundraise or promote health and awareness in the community. Students also have the opportunity to evaluate the effectiveness of existing

community health facilities, agencies and resources.

In previous years senior students have accessed agencies such as OPAL (Obesity Prevention and Lifestyle), SHineSA (sexual health agency), The Heart Foundation and DASSA (Drug and Alcohol Services SA). They have fundraised for various charities such as The Guide Dogs, Prostate, Breast and Ovarian Cancer and also donated blood for The Red Cross along with volunteering time at the Salvation Army and raising awareness for National Heart week, Type 2 Diabetes and Royal Society for the Blind. All students enjoy this aspect of the course and appreciate the value of giving back to the community.

Positive Psychology has been imbedded into the semester 2 Stage 1 Health curriculum which enables students to investigate happiness, wellbeing, human strengths and flourishing. Students engage in activities that focus on the PERMA model. As a teacher implementing positive psychology activities into the classroom has enabled students to learn the tools to manage and overcome challenges, identify and use their strengths effectively, think and act positively and optimistically, and treat themselves and other people kindly.

Last year as a Year 11 student I found learning about Positive Psychology rather helpful as it has helped me to see life in a more positive perspective. We learnt how to take the positives out of everyday instead of focusing on the negatives. As a class we also learnt how to build positive relationships and how to build on our strengths. I took what I learnt and applied it to my everyday life and I choose to focus on the positives in my day instead of the negatives. I find time to compliment others as it not only makes them feel good but it makes me feel good too. A valuable task was to write a letter to someone you feel grateful for. I wrote a two page letter to my best friend about how much I appreciated having him apart of my life. This letter made him feel good as it put a huge smile on his face and it also made him tear up as he was unaware that anyone could feel this way about him. I would highly recommend learning about Positive Psychology. -Morgan Phillips

Felicety Kasdalis – Health Teacher


newsletter - salisbury high school · claire jarvis cert iii commercial cookery josh wallace cert...

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