Murray Bridge High School

NEWSLETTER

Term 1: Issue 5 1 April 2019 Excellence Respect Working together Principal: Ruth Mussger 8531 9500 Chairperson Governing Council: Cathy Smith 0408 336 469

Principal’s page

Perfect weather conditions enhanced the spectacular Hollywood themed Senior School Formal this year. It was so wonderful to see our young people, in their best finery, proceed up the red carpet to the applause of a large gallery of onlookers. I particularly want to thank Mrs Mel Bennett and the formal organising committee for their hard work to make this night such a success, and the many teachers who voluntarily gave their time to enable this event to go ahead. You can see many photos of the formal in this Newsletter. Meetings are underway with Cox Architect to progress our capital works program. Initial concept designs, which are now on our Facebook page, show an incredible understanding of our needs and approach to new learning environments that foster collaboration and integration, along with the capacity to cater for Year 7s from 2022. Whilst financial considerations will determine the final design, we are hoping that stage one, which includes a new purpose built Technology Studies workshop, new roof on the gym, relocation of the ‘new’ transportables and demolition of the old green ones will occur by the end of this year, making way for the new building to start next year. We are currently involved in a range of projects to enhance learning, and progress our continuous improvement cycle. Learning Design and Moderation (LDAM) is helping inform us of targeted strategies to use to move all learners forward. A group of Maths teachers are involved in a ‘Thinking Maths’ investigation to increase engagement and understanding in Maths. Science teachers are looking at developing curriculum involving drone technology and applications for modern day. On the first day of next term all teachers from the region will get together to focus on reading. From a high school perspective this includes workshops that focus on developing expert interaction in academic conversations, and deepening expertise in the close reading of texts for evidence. We are all life-long learners and passionate about making a difference for the kids at our school. I was very fortunate to take part in a presentation with members of the Disability Unit, showcasing the incredible learning opportunities that students in the unit are involved in. Using robots to support learning really captured the interest of visitors to our region from Canada and New Zealand, along with the enterprise program that supports social causes worldwide. The guests have been hosted by the local Murraylands Friendship Force, and the activity supported by the University for the Third Age.

Lohmann Street, Tel: 8531 9500 Email: dl.0785.info@schools.sa.edu.au PO Box 1584, Fax: 8531 9595 Website: www.murraybridgehs.sa.edu.au Murray Bridge SA 5253

Entrepreneurial Specialist School

Reminder - Student Free Day on Monday 29 April. Term 2 - Students start on Tuesday 30 April.

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Murray Bridge High School Newsletter 1 April 2019

MBHS Senior Formal by Mel Bennett

King and Queen – Year 12 Russell Rigney and Demi Jenner

Prince and Princess – Year 11 Jame Dordas and Shakira Ayunon

Cutest Couple Bailey Muller and Emily Burt

After the traditional Year 12 photo students enjoyed an amazing spread of food, prepared by the Food and Hospitality students. DJ Hagger provided the music on the night, and students had organised a photo booth which proved very popular.

The long awaited awards were announced after being voted on by staff. They were:

King and Queen: Russell Rigney and Demi Jenner Prince and Princess: James Dordas and Shakira Ayunon Cutest couple: Bailey Muller and Emily Burt

The 2019 Formal was a huge success, with lots of fun had by all. A big thank you to the Formal Committee for their organisation, the Food and Hospitality students for their cooking and the staff at Murray Bridge High School who attended and supported the

evening.

The annual Murray Bridge High School Formal took place on Friday 22nd March 2019 at the Murray Bridge Town Hall, attended by over 200 students.

A balmy autumn night with a sensational sunset provided the backdrop for the Red Carpet arrivals where a large crowd gathered to witness what has become a Murray Bridge social event. As always, there was an eclectic mix of new and vintage vehicles to entertain the large crowd and deliver the Year 11 and 12 students to the Town Hall.

Helen Richards and Adrian Perkins did a fantastic job as MC’s, presenting students to the excited crowd of onlookers, providing commentary on the immaculately dressed guests as they made their way up the stairs.

Once inside students were welcomed into “Hollywood Red Carpet” with a 5m high media wall, more red carpet and classic decorations.

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Murray Bridge High School Newsletter 1 April 2019

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Murray Bridge High School Newsletter 1 April 2019

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Murray Bridge High School Newsletter 1 April 2019

Best Dancer for the evening - Jake

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Murray Bridge High School Newsletter 1 April 2019

National Day of Action Against

Bullying by Helen Richards SRC students conducted a whole school assembly to discuss and make a pledge to stamp out Bullying at Murray Bridge High School. Students shared personal stories and were able to make it clear that we do not tolerate Bullying at our school. During recess, the SRC handed out cards where students were able to sign these to pledge ‘Bullying No Way at MBHS’. They received a free wrist band and a free sausage sizzle was provided as well. Well done to the SRC and staff for supporting the day. We are now working with staff and students to redefine the Bullying and Harassment Policy with a focus on Healthy and Respectful Relationships.

Staff and students help with the barbeque and below students line up for their wrist bands to support National Day of Action Against Bullying

Ben and Kiah show their support for the National Day Against Bullying

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Murray Bridge High School Newsletter 1 April 2019

SA Water presents workshops on Water Sustainability by Luke Starczak

Students learned a lot about water conservation and sustainability at the SA Water workshops

In Week 7 we had the pleasure of SA Water presenting workshops to all of our Year 8 students. The workshops were centred around students learning about water sustainability. The program was very engaging for our Year 8 students and at the end of the week they had the opportunity to meet water industry representatives. We would like to thank SA Water for this fantastic opportunity.

Alison from SA Water talks to the students

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Murray Bridge High School Newsletter 1 April 2019

National Youth Leaders Day Keefe Dela Cruz

On Tuesday the 19th of March, Madison Kruschel, Ben Wohfiel, and I, Keefe Zebastian Dela Cruz, attended the 2019 National Young Leaders Day. It is a leadership seminar hosted by Halogen, which “gathers together prominent leaders from all walks of life to share their experience and wisdom,” to the upcoming leaders of today. This essentially allows aspiring leaders like us to acquire leadership as well as life advice based on the many lessons and experiences each speaker presented. This year, we were fortunate enough to listen and learn from media personality Brenton Ragless and nine time Olympic medallist Liesel Jones.

From Brenton Ragless, we learnt that in life, who you know is as important as what you know. In his case for example, it lead him to become a TV presenter for 9 News, which he states he would never have obtained without his connections in South Australia. He also mentioned that giving back to the community is also imperative, and for him, it is volunteering as a CFS fighter. We also learnt hesitation is natural, and every decision he ever made consisted of it, but it shouldn’t limit you from doing what you’re passionate of. Ragless also highlighted the significance of your decisions, and how it can potentially impact the future generations, like how his ancestor impacted his by migrating to Australia.

Liesel Jones taught us that goal setting is a very important factor for success. Creating massive goals that others may label impossible, then breaking it down into little goals is vital she stated. By doing this, you are essentially making that big goal achievable by attacking it not as a whole, but bit by bit into little achievable stages. In her case, this is how her coach told to her that she could beat her record by 0.5 of a second, not only the 0.1 she thought she could achieve, by explaining the run to her in stages, instead of a whole. Being able to take the first step into achieving these goals is also important Jones exclaims, as you will never be able to achieve the goal if you don’t have the initiative to try and tackle it in the first place. She also discusses that although both talent and the right timing can lead you to success, it’ll be very challenging if you are not ready to take on, so you must make sure you’re ready when it happens.

It was a great experience for us and we will take many things away to help us to become better leaders at Murray Bridge High School.

Madi meets Leisel Jones

Teacher Brock Herdman, student leaders Madi Kruschel, Keefe Dela Cruz and Ben Wohlfeil meet Brenton Ragless

Keefe gets a chance to meet Leisel Jones

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Murray Bridge High School Newsletter 1 April 2019

Senior Concert Band perform on

Harmony Day by Ben Wohlfeil & Alex Smith

The Murray Bridge High School Senior Concert Band recently performed at both Murray Bridge South School and Murray Bridge North to help them celebrate Harmony Day. The band performed at South School first then jumped on the bus and headed to North School. Many of the pieces that were played were well known to many of the children and some that only the teachers may have heard. Many of the primary school students helped count the band in, danced, sung and clapped along with the band. The Year 10 members of the band also shared their cultural background and what harmony day means to them, which the audience listened to with great respect. One of the highlights was seeing the kids join in, participate and be engaged with the performance. All in all, the students and teachers involved had an amazing day and look forward to future performance opportunities to engage with our wider community.

Year 9 Elections by Deb Johns

As part of the Year 9 Civics and Citizenship curriculum students have completed a Solution Fluency task around the election and voting process. The solution Fluency task “How to win an Election,” had the students develop “Parties” and research and develop a range of “Policies” covering things such as environmental issues, school priorities, equal rights and improving job security for young people.

To advertise their policies, the students “Parties” created posters and how to vote cards, researched their policies to write persuasive texts (speeches) and delivered their speeches in front of a large group of staff and students from other classes. These other staff and students then went through the voting process, the votes were counted using the preferential voting system and winners were declared.

The elections worked well as a learning activity as most students were engaged and enthusiastic, developing their understanding of some of the key features of government and identify influences on people’s political choices. They also needed to take into account multiple perspectives, use democratic processes, and negotiate solutions to an issue.

Murray Bridge High School acknowledged Harmony Day on Thursday the 21st of March. All students and staff were encouraged to wear orange on the day. All students participated in a learning activity during extended Home Class where they watched a small clip and then had a class discussion. Students then discussed and recorded ‘What does Harmony Day mean to your class?’ All responses are being collated and will be displayed in the Wellbeing Centre.

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Murray Bridge High School Newsletter 1 April 2019

REMINDER

Payment of 2019 Materials and Services Charge is due by Friday 12th April 2019.

Please arrange a School Card Application

with Deb Lang by this date if you are eligible.

Formal payment arrangements can also be

made with Deb in person, by phone 8531 9512 or Email

debra.lang818@schools.sa.edu.au

Dates to Remember – Term 1

Tue, 2 Apr Governing Council – 6pm

Thu-Fri, 4-5 Apr Year 10 Outdoor Ed Camp

Fri, 5 Apr Karoonda Farm Fair

Fri, 12 Apr Last Day of Term 1 – 2pm dismissal

Term 2 Dates Mon, 29 Apr – Fri, 5 Jul

REMINDER STUDENT FREE DAY

1ST day of Term 2 Mon, 29 April

QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY HOLIDAY

Mon 10 June

Be a pair to show you care! Students Alex and Luke Smith attended local Carers SA to participate in the 3 legged challenge fundraiser which was held on 22-24 March. The object of the day was to get sponsored to take on a challenge with your leg tied to a friend and give SA’s carers a much needed break. The motto was ‘Be a pair to show your care!’

They are pictured below with Jennifer Webster from Commonwealth Respite and Carelink. Well done!

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Murray Bridge High School Newsletter 1 April 2019