12 April 2019

Newsletter Articles

Message from the Principal

Term 1 has seen a busy start to 2019 with many of our students involved in extracurricular activities and learning experiences beyond the classroom. The latter part of this term has seen our Year 11s attend the RAC B-Streetsmart Excursion which gave some important messages about positive road safety messages, ramifications of road trauma, consequences of distracted driving, inattention, speeding and drink and drug driving. Our Year 7s have been extra busy attending presentations on ‘Changing Minds’ and with a guest speaker from ‘Right Track’ Jonathan Beninca, who delivered a presentation on the consequences of the decisions that we make in our everyday lives and the importance of thinking things through in order to be safe. Our Year 10s have also been busy, some completing OLNA and some attending the Outdoor Education Rottnest Excursion. Finally, our Year 12s have been involved in many camps, activities and excursions related to their final year of education here at Ashdale Secondary College. Many of our staff have volunteered their time to run after-school tuition in the ATAR courses on offer and camps such as Outdoor Education.

The highlight for many of the Year 12s would have been the ball, which was held at Joondalup Resort on Friday 22 March. It was a pleasure to share this special night with them and it was fabulous to see our wonderful students dressed up at this very formal event. It was equally wonderful to see how many of them took the time to speak to staff who had volunteered to attend to assist with the supervision but also to see how grown up many of the students they had taught from Year 7 had become. Events such as the Year 12 Ball don’t just happen they take a mammoth amount of organisation for the 270 plus students and partners who attended. I would especially like to thank Ms Jo Kolb, Ms Jaime English and Mr Anthony Williams for the hours that they put into organising the event to ensure its success. By now students have access to not only the professional photography available from the night but also the video taken by Ms Alex Myer and her wonderful media team and photos taken by Ms Shaloni Naik. The staff and students of the media team spent the night taking many shots including the large numbers on the dance floor which involved both staff and students.

On Friday 5 April another important event on the College Calendar took place and this is the whole school Athletics Carnival. The planning and preparation into this event takes many hours and is a reflection of the professionalism of the Ashdale SC Health and Physical Education (HPE) Department. Students had fun taking part in wet and dry events as well as team games. Scoring the all-important points for their house. Competitive track events also took place, the outcomes of these events determine which students attend the Interschool Athletics Competition in Term Four of this year. It was also fantastic to see the HPE staff take out the staff versus students’ relay for another year in a row. Congratulations go to Newton, the winning house for the 2019 Athletics Carnival and also to the students who attended the day.

On Tuesday 9 April the College held its ANZAC Day Ceremony. 1700 students and 160 staff and special guests gathered in silence to commemorate this significant occasion. The service was a fitting end to busy term, it gave us all a reason to pause and remind ourselves of the sacrifices many have made in serving our country in order to make Australia such a wonderful place to be today.

I hope you all have a safe and relaxing school holidays and look forward to everyone returning for Term 2, 2019.

Mrs Kylie Bottcher
Principal

Year 12 Psychology - Learning about Learning

Ashdale’s Year 12 ATAR Psychology students ventured to the Perth Zoo this Term as part of their unit on Learning. The Zoo is an excellent location to observe three of the main theories of learning in action. Students learnt how Komodo Dragons are trained without being touched, how Orangutans observe and imitate human behaviour and how to take blood from a Rhino without getting injured.

At the end of the lecture, students were taught about systematic desensitisation, a strategy for removing phobias, and had the chance to experience it themselves, by touching a live python. The students were all extremely well behaved and engaged with the presenters. Overall the day allowed for that all-important connection between theory and the real world.

Mr Titmanis
Science Teacher and STEM Program Coordinator

Literacy at Ashdale

Students in Ms Hill’s HaSS class, follow a 3-step procedure when they begin looking at a new text.

Step 1: Read the text and use four markers to show their initial reaction to the text.

Step 2: Circle unfamiliar words and underline the main ideas and box supporting details. During this stage, key aspects are emphasised e.g. starts are usually underlined as a main idea.

Step 3: Students find the meaning of their circled words and show their understanding by sketching/drawing their understanding.

By doing this with her students, Ms Hill’s students have a greater understanding of the text they have read, which means their comprehension levels have been strengthened.

In Mr Chakko’s English Class, students go the Learning Hub once a week and take part in Book Chat session. Students work in groups and get the opportunity to engage with their peers about a book they have read. During this time, they talk about the aspects they most enjoyed or did not enjoy and share their views and opinions with their peers.

Two fantastic ways to enhance the learning outcomes for the students in these classes.

Amanda Kaljee
Literacy Coordinator

Excursion to the Parliament of Western Australia

The Year 11 ATAR Politics and Law class and a group of Year 10 students explored Parliament house in Perth. During the tour, students spoke to WA Premier Mark McGowan and had a photo opportunity with Legislative Council member, the Honorable Martin Brian Pritchard.

Students had the opportunity to learn about the history of the Western Australian Parliament through a scavenger hunt and a tour, which was followed by an inside look at politics in action while viewing Question Time.

Students gained invaluable knowledge about the lawmaking process and it was fantastic to see students engage with political discussion that would directly affect them.

Ms Hill and Ms Wright
Humanities and Social Sciences

Harmony Day at Ashdale

For Harmony Day 2019, Ashdale celebrated Diversity and Inclusion in its broadest sense and promoted a sense of “Belonging and Connectedness” for all staff and students.

We highlighted that our students come from over 50 countries and speak over 72 languages by flying all representative flags and translating “welcome to Harmony Day” in the majority of our spoken languages. (see photos #1 and #2)

At recess we had the GDPT Chanh Tin Lion Dancing Troupe, perform their Dragon Dance in our brand new Meeting Circle, including 4 of our very own students. Mr Pountney received the blessing on the College by catching the presented lettuce leaves.

During lunch, we were serenaded by Indigenous drumming and students placed their messages of support for those affected by the Christchurch tragedy.

The day demonstrated how truly multicultural Ashdale is and how, for the most part, we live in Harmony with each other.

Mrs Diamond
Student Support Coordinator

City of Wanneroo Blessing of the Roads & Human Spirit Road Safety Awards Ceremony

On Thursday 11 April, student leaders Lily (Head Girl), Rhianna & Lucy attended the City of Wanneroo Blessing of the Roads & Human Spirit Road Safety Awards ceremony. These awards acknowledge individuals who have continuously provided support to road safety programs and encouraged others to follow their lead in striving to create safer road use.

This event highlighted the need to be courteous, take care and use common sense when travelling on our roads, particularly over the extremely busy Easter Holiday period. Students listened to brief presentations from members of the community who are involved in reducing road trauma and specifically from a community member directly affected by his decision to ignore the road rules. Students were then invited to place a cross in the ground as an acknowledgement of lives lost this year on the roads.

The event was attended by primary and secondary school students from across the City of Wanneroo, emergency services staff, local law enforcement agencies and local government officers. It was a very worthwhile symbolic initiative of the City of Wanneroo.

Well done to Lily, Rhianna and Lucy for being wonderful representatives of the College. We wish safety to all if you’re travelling on the roads this Easter and beyond.

Mrs Pountney
Deputy Principal
&
Mrs Laurie
Executive Assistant

Mock Trials Round One

We recently had the first round of the Mock Trials competition where a fantastic group of mature and diligent Year 10 students studied and practised hard to be as prepared as possible for their first evening of competition.

Both of Ashdale's Mock Law teams were triumphant over their opponents, Bunbury Cathedral Grammar and were an absolute credit to themselves and the Ashdale community.

Our students were the Defence in a criminal trial and put up a tough argument to have our client acquitted of the charge of grievous bodily harm. More importantly, both teams won the round by performing their roles with professionalism, grace and a strong understanding of the law.

We are now busy preparing for Round 2 in May!

Ms Hill, Ms Wright and Mr Davies
Humanities and Social Sciences

ANZAC Ceremony

Tuesday 9 April, over 1700 students, along with 160 staff and special guests, commemorated ANZAC Day in a solemn and moving assembly. The Anzac address was given by Brigadier Phillip White AM RFD who acknowledged the sacrifices made by the ANZACs for our country and the mateship displayed by our diverse men and women in the armed services. Accompanied by Piper, Doug Gillespie, 51 ACU Drums and Pipes and Corporal Jacqlin Parker on drums, a student of the College who played with honour and precision. The Bugler, Charles Galliott, Retired Chief Petty Officer Musician, Royal Australian Navy played a fitting tribute to the men and women who have served our country with honour.

Ashdale SC Vocal Ensemble performed a beautiful rendition of ‘In Flanders Fields’ and wreaths were laid in the ANZAC garden by Ms Margaret Quirk MLA, Mayor Tracey Roberts, Brigadier Phillip White and Carol Strauss, Foundation Principal Ashdale SC along with our Principal, Kylie Bottcher, Student Leaders and Cluster primary students which included a wreath donated by Mrs Anti in honour of animals lost at war.

Our students conducted themselves superbly throughout the service and were a credit to the College.

Lest We Forget.

Mrs Laurie
Executive Assistant

Voluntary Contributions and Charges

Thank you to families who have finalised payment or are making regular payments toward students’ contribution and charges.

It is essential that we collect school voluntary contributions and compulsory charges from all families to ensure all students receive an enriched and varied school curriculum.

These charges are a legitimate cost for the supply of texts, reference materials and other learning resources that would otherwise have to be purchased by you.

The following methods of payment are currently offered:

• Direct Debit - Internet banking: Our bank Commonwealth - BSB 066 040 - Account No 19901762 (preferred method)
• Credit card (MasterCard, Visa) made in person, by mail or by telephoning 9302 7100
• Cash or EFTPOS in person
• Cheque or Money Order payable to Ashdale Secondary College

Please contact the office on 9302 7100 should you require further information on payment of contributions and charges.

Qkr! - New payment and permission app for excursions and school activities

As an Ashdale Cluster initiative, we have implemented a new payment and permission option for excursions and other activities. The system is an easy-to-use application called Qkr! (pronounced ‘quicker’). Qkr! can be used on smartphones, iPads, tablets, laptops and desktop computers. It is a Mastercard product and comes with all of their security. Qkr! will assist our college community by saving time, allowing parents/guardians to give permission and pay for school activities at any time of the day or night, every day of the year. It reduces the need for students to bring cash to school for excursions and other school activities and also reduces the need for parents to complete a medical form for every activity.

Please refer to the College website for information on how to use Qkr!

Mrs Josephine Pecnik
Manager Corporate Services

When do we use Numeracy?

It's the ability to use mathematics in everyday life and involves skills that are not always taught in the classroom.

The fluency of mathematics skills is learnt in the maths classroom; however, when your child uses this knowledge in other learning areas, at home or in everyday life, then this context is now numeracy. It means having the confidence and skill to use numbers and mathematical approaches in all aspects of life. For example, how to multiply two numbers is mathematics. When asked to find the area of a wall to paint, the measurement of the length and width of the wall, and then multiplying those two numbers to find the area is the application of numeracy.

Numeracy is as important as literacy. In fact, it's sometimes called ‘mathematical literacy’.

It is important as teachers and parents that we seize the opportunities that are presented to us daily to practice our numeracy skills.

At the recent Professional Learning Day, the staff undertook “Numeracy Hour”. During this time, staff attended a 20 minute presentation on “Mathematics vs Numeracy” thinking about how numeracy impacts their individual teaching and the learning areas across the College. Staff then attended an opt-in presentation on one of the following topics:

• OLNA Pathway
• Graphing
• Numeracy Misconceptions and How to Address Them
• Teaching Mathematics Fundamentals
• Substituting Into Formulas
• How To Use Student Calculators
• How To Use Classpads

These sessions were tailored to individual staff needs to suit their own learning areas and numeracy requirements. As staff we value numeracy and want to continually upskill across the College to improve our own numeracy understandings as well as those of the students.

Mrs Rutter
Numeracy Coordinator

This month’s report from SchoolTV

Trauma

Children and teens will experience events during their lives that will affect them emotionally and physically. How they react to these events depends on their age, personality and past experiences. Children can experience strong feelings of fear, sadness, guilt, anger or grief, making it difficult for them to cope with everyday life.

There are a number of ways that parents and caregivers can support children after a traumatic event. Your reaction to an event will impact your child’s ability to cope and recover. Children will look to the adults in their lives to help them better understand a traumatic event so it is important to ‘tune in’ to their fears and provide them with the comfort and support they need.

In this edition of SchoolTV, parents will learn how to gain a better understanding of trauma and how it affects children of all ages. We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this month’s edition, and we always welcome your feedback.

If you do have any concerns about the wellbeing of your child, please contact the school for further information or seek medical or professional help.

Here is the link to this month's edition

Student Achievements

Denis Hudec

Congratulations Denis Hudec, Year 7 student at Ashdale Secondary College who received a silver medal in the State Championships for Judo.

Radhika Swain

Radhika Swain, Year 10 student at Ashdale Secondary College, is representing WA in the Under-17 State Badminton team, WA Wasps, in Adelaide this week. We wish her and her team all the best from Ashdale.

Chelsea Calder

On March 24 Chelsea Calder, Year 10 student at Ashdale SC (not yet 15), participated in the Perth Taekwondo Cup and won Gold! Chelsea’s opponent was a 17-year-old who has previously represented Australia and won a silver medal herself. Congratulations Chelsea.

Daniel Cooper

Daniel Cooper, Year 10 student at Ashdale SC, has been selected to be part of the WA State Team for Men’s Gymnastics and will be travelling to Melbourne in May 2019 to compete at the Australian Gymnastics Championships. Daniel will be competing in the international stream, Level 9 Under 15’s. Daniel has been competing in gymnastics for 10 years at the Northern Districts Gymnastics Club and he is soon to be a recipient of a Sport AUS Local Sporting Grant to be presented Anne Ally, MLA, in the coming weeks.

Declan Morris

Declan Morris in Year 11 is another one of our students who has been selected to represent WA in the sport of Gridiron as part of the under 19s State team - WA Raiders. 15-year-old Declan will travel to NSW to compete in national comps. Declan, we wish you all the best from Ashdale.

Raathi Chota

Raathi Chota, who featured in the first newsletter this Term with great news of her first book in print, now has her SECOND book published of her trilogy, ‘Caught by the Bad Boys’, written in the genre of young adult fiction. Congratulations again Raathi, a really inspirational achievement.

Entertainment Membership

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