Team SRC Newsletter August 2021
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Principal's Update
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NAIDOC Week
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Student Achievements
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OzKids Cover Artist
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Defence Force Recruiting Leadership Forum
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2021 Young Originals
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Teaching and Learning
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Year 11 Student Bookmarks
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University Students for a Day
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Year 11 Engineering (Mechatronics)
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Keys for Life
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The Nervous System
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Year 12 Engineering (Mechatronics)
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Sports
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Euro Championships & Soccer Sleepover
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Student Care and Wellbeing
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Vaping among Teenagers
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Attending Every Day is Important
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House System
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Student Council
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Electronic Device Policy
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Year 11 & 12 Headspace Workshops
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Active August
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Triple P - Positive Parenting Program
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Community News
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R U OK Toolkit
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Celebrating Leavers Locally
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October Holiday Exam Preparation
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Headspace News
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Contact Us
Principal's Update
I am delighted to see a number of activities around the college that are showing our students talents and offering students opportunities to engage positively in our school events. A special thanks to our P&C and Wellbeing team for the organisation of the Year 7 and 8 disco which was a celebration and reward for students who had achieved good standing. Last week we held our Science Week activities that showcased an array of special events for students to learn more about the varying aspects of Science. Well done to Mr Forte and his team for sharing some wonderful experiences with us. In the VET area we hosted a very successful careers expo organised by Mr Toothill and Ms Davies with a host of industry and tertiary partners showcasing their pathways. This is a fantastic event that allows students to discuss possible careers first hand. The Arts team have also been extremely proactive hosting a very successful Music Night of our talented students and more recently have been successful in many of our student’s work being selected for the Young Originals exhibition.
On September 10th we be hosting our annual Athletics Carnival. This is always a highlight of the school year and time to bring students, their house teams and sporting achievements to light. Parents you are most welcome to join us on this day and help cheer your favourite house and sporting teams to the finish line.
NEW STAFF
A special welcome to a few new staff to our school community this term:
- Julie Hughes personal assistant to the Principal
- Molly Snowden in our English Learning Area
- Marie Hornsby in our English Learning Area
- Jake Luik in our Health and Physical Education Learning Area
- Dale Watkins, Alisha Miocevich and Carly Jones in the River Road Centre.
NEW PARENTS
To our prospective new parents on the 1st Sept we will be welcoming our new families to the college with an information session on everything you need to know before coming to Southern River College. This commences at 5.30 in our Performing Arts Room. There will also be a performance by our Primary School band – Gozzy Awe prior to the event at 4.00
WELLBEING
Just a reminder to parents that our Wellbeing Coordinators are available for you and your child should you have any concerns or need a point of contact in regards to your child’s welfare.
Our Wellbeing Coordinators are:
- Year 7 – Kylie Clegg
- Year 8 – Kayla Allen
- Year 9 – Jamie Warman
- Year 10 – Duncan Findlay
- Year 11/12 – Kate Cunningham
- Triage Support Officer - Kasia Schmidt
This term we launched our Good Choices Posters aligned to our Positive Behaviour Support Strategy and our RIVER values. It is important that students realise they do have choice in their behaviours and can make the right choices by following our Good Choices poster.
Aligned to the Good Choice poster is our Mobile Phone Policy of mobile phones off and away all day. Students have been walked through the processes for this policy and students are doing the right thing when it comes to mobile phones at school. Our aim is to:
- Develop and practice face to face interpersonal skills with a range of different people in a variety of contexts
- Protect students from cyber bullying
- Reduce distraction from academic learning
- Protect privacy and maintain confidentiality of all members of the school community
NAPLAN 2021
I am delighted to announce the NAPLAN results for 2021 are showing significant improvement across all sectors of this testing. NAPLAN testing against schools with similar students (National Averages- if 2019 if similar) to match and close the gap in achievement from 2017-2021 in Reading, Writing and Numeracy.
NUMERACY
Average numeracy score in year 9 NAPLAN 2021 cohort indicates a steady improvement from below like schools at 502 in 2019 to above like schools in 2021 at 610
Year 7 2021 average numeracy score improved from below like schools in 2019 at 502 to 565 in 2021 compared with like schools. With progress being in the green- ‘above expected’
There has been an increase in Year 7 and 9 average writing scores from 2017 to 2021. Year 7 score has improved from 458 and 492 to above our like schools. Year 7 score has improved from 458 and 492 to above our like schools’.
This is down to the intervention of adding feedback and the course outline delivery being targeted to support narrative and persuasive writing in a 4-6 week block prior to NAPLAN.
SPELLING
Year 7 2021 has made a significant improvement in closing the gap with like schools in spelling to go above like schools with an average score of 554. Year 9 has seen a steady improvement from 2019 to match like schools in 2021 at 599 average. score.
Year 7 scores have made a steady improvement from below like schools to in line with like schools.
In year 9 the improvement was steady again where they are similar to like schools in the test category. 485 in 2019 to 505 in 2021 ahead of like schools which achieved 496.
We celebrate the efforts of both staff and students in recognising a very significant achievement in the 2021 NAPLAN results including participation in the Visible Learning School Improvement Program.
Continue with literacy and numeracy inventions aligned to pedagogical framework.
Developing a consistent data sets to allow ’Whole –School’ tracking in Numeracy and Literacy
Keep growing and developing a rigorous practice schedule for NAPLAN and OLNA with low variability across classes through targeted learning activities.
Continue developing a targeted approach to tackle low literacy issues in school through the corrective intervention program called STAR from year 7 to 9. Implement this in the Build class.
Initiate the implementation of student voice survey to gauge the quality and frequency of above whole school initiatives and to ascertain students’ satisfaction with the school’s improvement journey.
Well done to all the teachers and students in this effort. Parent and individual reports will be out later this term.
BUILDINGS
In closing I am truly pleased to see the wonderful new spaces we have been working to achieve taking shape. This term we opened the
- Inspiration Centre Career and STUDY Senior School Room – which has been a real asset for those students pursuing further studies and ATAR.
- Playground area at the back of the school has now opened and it is wonderful to see the number of students actively engaging in this space.
- IT area in the library has now opened with students able to seek support for laptops and IT equipment. I would encourage all students to have their own laptops and but if you are not able to at this point of time, students can access from the library resource centre or via their classroom teachers.
Enjoy the start of spring which is not too far away.
Kind Regards,
Everal Eaton
Principal
NAIDOC Week
NAIDOC Week is celebrated across the country each year to acknowledge the history, culture, and achievements of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. NAIDOC stands for ‘National Aboriginal and Islanders Day Observance Committee.’ Its origins can be traced to the emergence of Aboriginal groups in the 1920′s which sought to increase awareness in the wider community of the status and treatment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. NAIDOC Week invites all Australians to join and is a great opportunity to learn more about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
This year’s NAIDOC theme is Heal Country! – Heal Country aligns with heal nation and enforces the meaning of country being more than a place. Country is family, kin, law, lore, ceremony, traditions, and language. Southern River College NAIDOC 2021 invited all students, staff and community to embrace First Nations’ cultural knowledge and understanding of Country as part of Australia's national heritage and equally respect the culture and values of Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islanders as they do the cultures and values of all Australians.
Throughout the week everyone was invited to participate in a variety of activities and workshops organised by Richard Kickett (AIEO), Heloise Parker (DSG), Blair Pasco and Indigenous students.
Day One
Southern River College opened their NAIDOC week celebrations with an assembly on Monday. Elder Nick Abraham began the proceeding with a Welcome to Country and speech about this year’s NAIDOC theme, ‘Heal Country!’. We were lucky to have the Binar Dance Group perform a range of dances with members Tjahkai, Tiffany, Imogen and Malachi playing the didgeridoo for the group.
After the assembly, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, guests, and families were invited to the library for a morning tea and art gallery reveal. This was an opportunity for families and guests to meet the Aboriginal and Islander Educational Officer (AIEO) Richard Kickett and new Deadly Sista Girlz (DSG) mentors Helouise Parker and Cecillia Hill. DSG Team Manager, Stacey Mourish donated homemade kangaroo stew and damper for the morning tea which was a hit with the families. Inside the library, Aboriginal student’s artwork that has been created through the year was on display for families and guest to view.
During breaks times Year 11 Aboriginal students organised bracelet making and face painting that all students and staff were invited to participate in. The Physical Education department provided all with an opportunity to try out some Cultural activities and compete for some extra house points.
Day Two
Our Tuesday activity was a collaboration painting designed by Heloise which told a story related to the theme, Heal Country! The painting represents the land, waters, wildlife & people and emphasised the importance of the relationship between land and people, that is, each relies on the other to survive and thrive. All staff and students were invited to participate and this collaboration brought staff and students from all different year levels and backgrounds together to complete something special for the school.
The weeks leading up to the NAIDOC week celebrations, the Year 10 Aboriginal female students created a design for a sand mural. These students were a part of a leadership program and were being assessed on their progress. Throughout Tuesday these students worked together to move and shape the sand to duplicate their original design and their hard team work and creativity was on show for all in the yard for the remainder of NAIDOC week.
Day Three
Wednesday was the annual staff vs students Basketball game and the inaugural staff vs students Netball game. A range of staff volunteered to play in the teams and students were individually selected to establish the student teams. The proceedings were kicked off with a competitive Netball game full of grit, team work and competitiveness from both sides. Next came the Basketball. Staff vs Student’s basketball game kicked off during the second break but both teams were on a dry run for the first five minutes. Staff scored the first bucket and from then it seemed like they were on a roll only for the students to charge back. Students were unlucky not to prevail as staff were saved by the bell and finished 1 point ahead. Big thank you to Ms Pasco for organising the popular Netball and Basketball competitions.
Day Four
Students were lucky enough to have kangaroo and damper made for them to freely enjoy during the second lunch break. Preparations were long and methodical to ensure all flavours were enjoyed. Ingredients were chopped, poured and cooked in two large pots to make a delicious kangaroo stew over four hours. During period 3 and 4, several Aboriginal students were invited into the cooking room to make damper and working together they baked 10 dampers for their peers to enjoy at lunch. When lunch began a crowd quickly formed of students from all year groups for the kangaroo and damper. Damper was served with jam & honey, or with the kangaroo stew and within ten minutes all the food was gone!
Day Five
We finished off the week by creating a yarning circle with the Aboriginal and Torre Strait Islander students. These students were able to reflect on Heal Country and the activities of the week and individually consider what the meaning was for them. During the first break, School Chaplain Martin Wynne, cooked a BBQ with help from Principal Mrs Eaton and all students were welcomed to enjoy the food and have a discussion about the highlights of the week and how Southern River contributes to their learning journey educationally, socially and culturally. The BBQ signified the ending of NAIDOC week celebrations by everyone coming together as one.
Below are some of the reflections from a variety of students that participated throughout the week:
"The theme for NAIDOC week this year was “Healing Country”. The assembly was fun, interesting and especially helpful to learn about the indigenous culture. The Welcome to Country was presented in Noongar and it was hard to understand because I had not heard this language before. I especially enjoyed the dancing. I volunteered to join the dancers on stage and performed a traditional dance to the didgeridoo. It was extremely fun and exciting although I was a bit nervous. I learnt that we should stop littering to help the land and that small actions can make a big difference." - Alex Okere, year 7
“I was excited to be making the dampers this year it was so fun. It was nice to be working in a team with some other aboriginal kids, we worked well together and managed to make about a dozen dampers. When we served it out to everyone it and it was all gone so fast.” - Aleigha Cameron, year 11
“Making the sand mural was fun. Working with the other Year 10 girls was cool, we worked together to design it then create the mural. Using all the coloured sand got messy, and it sometimes was hard to try make it into the shape we wanted but, in the end, I think it turned out really well.” - Piper Tregoning-Boden, year 10
“The Sand mural was hard to make, the sand was wet and cold, and it could get messy. I was glad the other Year 10 girls were there to help they seemed to know what to do a lot more. The result was great though, it represented the Aboriginal flag, the tracks of the native animals and the centre pattern were the people.” - Amelia Murphy-Taylor, year 10
“NAIDOC week was pretty good, there were a lot of activities, but I wish there would be more next time that would involve everyone. During the morning tea they had kangaroo sausage rolls there and they were the best, I’ve never had them before so would like to try them again.” - Darren Riley, year 7
“This years NAIDOC week was great. We focused a lot on the theme Heal Country! I really felt more connected to my culture and learned about the connection to the land. There was a lot of different activities throughout the week, but I hope they have a lot more next time.” - Mykah Bartlett, year 9
Student Achievements
OzKids Cover Artist
Year 11 student, Dyneeka Jones' painting has been chosen for the front cover of Issue 2 of the 2021 Oz Kids in Print!
"My work is dedicated to my grandfather who likes all natural lives. I have chosen to work on a turtle because for me the turtle represents all creatures living under in the ocean. Since the focus is on the turtle, I have used bright colours on the beautiful shell and placed it in the middle of my painting. I think that there is a beauty in every creature. Although I am an Aboriginal student, I did not want to use the traditional dot style of painting but instead I used linear qualities, which is my style. The drop of water at the bottom represents the turtle going forward in peace and freedom of movement, leaving his past represented by the cool colours at the background".
Defence Force Recruiting Leadership Forum
Brooke Keep and Zerah Jayakumar were privileged to represent the College at the inaugural Australian Defence Force Recruiting Leadership Forum, held at Pagoda Resort on Aug 11th, 2021.
The girls were in the company of other aspiring young leaders from various schools across Western Australia. The Forum gave Brooke and Zerah insights into leadership roles within the ADF and challenged them to seek responsibility through pursuing ADF leadership positions and contribute to national defence objectives.
2021 Young Originals
Talented Year 12 Graphic Design student Shyanne Ruiz-Dorado has created a almost life like snow leopard.
Using digital drawing concepts and skills on a wacom graphics tablet, Shyanne's exceptional piece has been entered into both 2021 Young Originals and Oz Kids competitions.
We wish Shyanne's the best of luck with her entries.
Teaching and Learning
Year 11 Student Bookmarks
Ms Webber's year 11 students designed bookmarks for 2021 Book Week. This year, the theme for Book Week is "Old Worlds, New Worlds, Other Worlds".
University Students for a Day
Students from Mr Roberts Year 12 Certificate II Creative Industries class visited Murdoch University on Wednesday 21st July. They were able to experience what it is like to be a university student for a day.Students had the opportunity to attend specialist workshops including 3D rotoscoping, chroma keying and even got to use the esports hub! The students worked closely with Murdoch University students to get the full university experience.
Special thanks to Jason and the rest of the staff at Murdoch University for providing such a fantastic experience for our students!
Year 11 Engineering (Mechatronics)
This term is the big one for Year 11’s as they prepare for their big production project, building an autonomous walking robot called…’Mr Walker’. Students have spent the last week or so completing their technical drawing of all parts for ‘Mr Walker’. The development of their technical drawing skillset allows students to progress onto industry standard computer aided design in year 12; refine their hand eye coordination; develop their ability to read blueprints – a very useful skill in the real world and understand exactly how ‘Mr Walker’ is put together. There is a lot of enthusiasm for this project as I have been told that some of them are intended as Christmas presents
Keys for Life
On the 31st July, the Phys Ed department held a pre-driver education evening for Year 10 parents. Ms Allison Hass from SDERA presented on behalf of RAC about road safety and facts for new drivers. Thanks to Ms Hass for her interesting presentation, and to all parents that attended!
The Nervous System
Recently in year 9, we have been learning about The Nervous System, and how our body reacts when we feel things. For example, when it gets really hot, our body notices that it is hot – this information travels through the peripheral nervous system, to the central nervous system, and then back through the peripheral nervous system, which tells our body to sweat so that it can cool down. To learn more about how things react to different stimuli, students did an experiment where they exposed the worms to light, moisture, and even a little bit of vinegar
Year 12 Engineering (Mechatronics)
With only weeks to go to the end of their high school career, year 12 students are hard at work constructing an autonomous vehicle which is their second and final major product project. The ‘Venturer Mk 2” is controlled through micro-chips; a printed circuit board; micro-switches; gears and motors mounted onto a chassis. The students have construct all of these components themselves – a difficult and technical task, especially the printed circuit board. We are hoping for some great results and we will keep you informed on the final results.
Sports
Euro Championships & Soccer Sleepover
In week 9 the Inspire Soccer Program students participated in the biannual Soccer Sleepover. Throughout the evening and into the night they competed in a European Championship style futsal tournament with six teams playing for the title, watched two live Euro matches on a projector, and ate enough pizza and snacks to feed a small army.
The first game the students watched on the projector failed to provide the excitement they were after, but there was enough action on the court throughout the night with plenty of cracking goals and amazing saves. As we entered the finals, one semi-final and the final itself went all the way to penalties, with the goalkeepers thrown into the spotlight and given the chance to be immortalised if they could win the game for their teams.
In the first semi-final Belgium was able to beat the Netherlands to set up a final against England, who in their semi-final beat Germany in a thrilling penalty shootout. The final was another close game with the two teams unable to be separated after normal time, but the team that was able to hold their nerve the best went home with the victory. Congratulations to Didier, Matt, Hamid, Jeffrey and Abdul.
As the final games wrapped up just after midnight and the presentations were complete, the kids put away their soccer gear and pulled out the gym mats to watch the Euros on the big screen and set up their beds for the night. After a few short hours it was morning, and the students were able to enjoy their Maccas breakfasts and tidy up the gym, some finding the energy to continue playing soccer and run around until they were picked up.
A massive thank you must go to Mr Gustavino and Mr Edwards for giving up their time and assisting throughout to make it an enjoyable and successful event.
Student Care and Wellbeing
Vaping among Teenagers
Dear Parents and Guardians
Here is a copy of my News Blog on Vaping among Teenagers’ from Monday 23rd August 2021. Can I please ask that you take the time to read this article as vaping is becoming increasingly popular amongst teenagers, and we want our parents, if not already, informed on this issue! Vaping is not an acceptable habit for children and is illegal for person under 18 years of age. Students who bring vaping devices to school will be suspended and vaping material will be confiscated and police informed.
I would like to work with our community to ensure we have the highest standards and ensuring a safe and healthy environment the supports student welfare. Please work with us to help your children stay away from this kind of behaviour.
Kind regards,
Everal Eaton
Principal
Vaping is the act of inhaling and exhaling aerosols produced by an
e-cigarette or similar battery-powered device. E-cigarettes are currently the most commonly used tobacco product used by young people. As parents, it is important to understand these products, be aware of the risks, and have an open conversation with your child.
At Southern River College, we have zero tolerance for vaping. When having conversations with your child, make sure they understand the risks concerning health and the potential suspension at our school and ensure that they understand that they is contributing to the enormous wealth, power, and influence of the international tobacco industry by vaping. These companies have no regard for the wellbeing of our children, and we want to encourage our students to use their social conscience to assist them in making good choices.
According to the Alcohol and Drug Foundation in their article Vaping in Australia, in Australia, around 14% of 12 to 17-year-olds have tried an e-cigarette. About 32% of these students have used one in the past month.
Marlboro has invested 13 billion dollars in JUUL, a vaping product with flavours that include watermelon, mango, and peach. Manufacturers of these products target adolescents, knowing that this is the period of greatest experimentation and influence. Each pod contains nicotine which may be addictive to young people, leading to years of income for tobacco companies.
Puff Bars, which also contain high nicotine levels, are also made with child-friendly flavours, including strawberry, café latte, banana ice, watermelon, and tangerine. Again, this company is targeting an adolescent audience.
In 2019, the CEO of Philip Morris, a powerful tobacco company, earned an annual income of over $US16 million. Since young people tend not to smoke and tobacco sales have been declining, vaping has become their new revenue stream. They are promoting vaping as a healthy, sociable alternative. When cigarettes were marketed in the 1940s, tobacco companies hired doctors to endorse them. In the 1950s and 1960s, tobacco companies bought and sponsored TV programs and paid A-list celebrities to appear in the ad campaigns. Not dissimilar to tobacco companies today, where they are using young female Instagram influencers to sell vaping products. Social media is playing a massive role in both promoting and supplying e-cigarettes to our young people not only in Australia but all over the world.
Accessibility
It is illegal for individuals to sell or purchase e-liquids that contain nicotine in any form in Australia. However, nicotine-free vaping devices and e-liquids can be legally sold and bought in most states and territories in Australia through online retail stores and tobacco retail outlets. These may not have nicotine but have many other unknown chemicals that can impact health.
How are our students accessing e-cigarettes?
Students who have vaped most commonly reported getting the last e-cigarette they used from friends (63%), siblings (8%) or parents (7%). Around 12% of students reported buying an e-cigarette themselves. (Vaping Australia – Alcohol and Drug Foundation, April 2021)
Vaping began as an idea to help smokers quit but has quickly developed into a multi-billion dollar industry that impacts our young people, so we need to be brave and start the conversation. Look how long it has taken to make changes to the sale of cigarettes, understand the health implications, and change legislation to help reduce cigarette consumption. We can’t wait!
- Start with information, research the topic and think through what you want to say.
- View the following video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e_VqeXf2P8A
- Learn vaping terminology by downloading this great factsheet called Vaping Lingo Dictionaryby Truth Initiative.
- Consider some questions you might be asked and how you want to respond.
- Start with something you saw or read on the news or in a TV show as a chance to bring up the issue.
- Try asking questions like:
- What made you want to try?
- How did it make you feel?
- Where did you get it from?
- Will you try it again?
7. Explain the potentially harmful effects and explain your concerns.
If we can educate our young children about the health implications and the tactics used by tobacco companies, we may be able to influence their choices. Let’s work together, the College and parents, to have these conversations.
Attending Every Day is Important
House System
2021 has seen the emergence of the refreshed Southern River College House system. Students from each house have represented their home group, faction and college with enthusiasm and pride. Kabi, Karla, Maar and Boodjar led by their fearless Head of House staff members, K Tirkot, K Pearce, T Devenyns and D Finlay have progressed this year through new homegroup inclusions and whole school events. Term 1 kicked off with the influx of house tokens and the appointment of house leaders (year 7-10) and house captains (year 11-12). Along with new badges to wear on their uniforms, house captains and leaders were provided with new leadership opportunities, roles, and responsibilities in their new positions. Throughout Term 1 students participated in many events such as Capture the flag, interhouse footy tipping, dodgeball, basketball shoot outs, worded puzzles, and quiz-based games. An abundance of Colour and high-spirited students closed off Term 1 with the year 7 Reward Day and a spectacular colour run.
Term 2 gathered crowds of competitive students to participate in Tug-O-War, Hass Day, Orienteering and the Push Up Challenge which created opportunities for maximum points. Across homegroups teachers and students have developed new friendships, learnt new skills, and also competed in the STEM competition. This high stake competition required students to work together to build a tower of pop sticks under time constraints to reach a maximum height. Technologies and Maths bring their competitive spirits to the table in term 3 along with events in skipping, dominoes, spelling, and Staff and Student dodgeball.
Students continue to work hard in each term to achieve points in each of the RIVER values, working towards the top student award and a RIVER value pin to wear as an achievement of their efforts.
The battle for top spot of the ladder continues as Southern River draws closer to the Athletics Carnival and a chance for houses to add to their points tally. 2021 House Competition, who will win?
Student Council
The student council has been using this Term to plan for the up-and-coming event, SRC's got Talent. The event will take place on Wednesday the 24th of August in the PAC, where some of Southern River's finest performers will get their chance to showcase their talent to the whole College.
The remainder of the Term will see the lower school council continue to focus on leadership, the middle school council are shifting their attention to fundraising for a community organisation, and the senior school student councillors are focused on preparing for the 2022 College Ball. Our Year 12 student council have got their minds well and truly looking towards their Graduation Ceremony.
Kobe Van Wyk & Isabelle Oreo
Head Boy & Head Girl
Electronic Device Policy
During week 3 all Year groups were presented the Southern River Electronic Device Policy.
In line with the Department of Education requirements students are to follow the “off and away all day” for their electronic devices including mobile phones, smart watches, headphones etc. Students will be required to hand over their device to the classroom teacher to collect at the end of the lesson if they are breaching the policy, if they refuse this it will be confiscated and can be collected from the Wellbeing Centre at the end of the day.
If you have any questions or concerns relating to the policy please do not hesitate to contact the school.
Year 11 & 12 Headspace Workshops
Headspace will be presenting a refresher workshop to all Year 11 and 12 students on August 26th period 5 in the PAC covering all the topics discussed during the ‘Surviving and Thriving’ program (mental health support, exam stress and coping, sleep hygiene and future planning). There will be raffle prizes for those attending. These sessions are NOT compulsory, however, we highly encourage you to attend. We look forward to seeing you there!
Active August
Throughout the month of August, Southern River College is throwing its support behind the Act Belong Commit ‘Active August’ campaign, which encourages individuals and communities to be active for their mental health and wellbeing.
We recognise the challenges young people and families face particularly in respect to wellbeing as we live with the uncertainty that COVID-19 brings. However, we also know staying active is one of the most effective ways to protect and enhance mental health. Being active - physically, mentally, socially, spiritually, culturally… – is the starting point for good mental health.”
Each week we will be sharing a weekly ideas calendar via the school Facebook page which provides daily practical suggestions on activities for people to be active from kicking a ball in the park, dancing in the lounge room to getting out the arts and crafts.
Act Belong Commit Campaign Manager, Meg Clarey, said, “there had never been a time when it was more important for people to prioritise their mental health and do the things that help us stay mentally well.”
During August Students and staff will be taking part in a variety of activities in house groups and at recess breaks. We will also hold a special Pancake breakfast before school on Tuesday August 31st
We hope to include some photographs of these events in future Newsletters. Should you have any concerns about your own mental health of that of your student we have included some important contact numbers for you. You can also make contact with a member of our Wellbeing team during school hours on 9391 6500.
Triple P - Positive Parenting Program
Getting Results
By Professor Matt Sanders
It’s natural to want your teen to do well at school and some parents use a reward such as money to encourage their teenager to get better grades. I’ve often heard of parents offering their child $20 or $30 for every “A” on their end of term report card.
One of the problems with giving teens financial incentives for good end-of-term grades is that the reward comes too long after the effort is made.
Rather than waiting till the end of term, it’s much more effective to set up a system of rewards which are brief and frequent and which encourage positive daily habits. These daily habits then build towards an eventual outcome, such as a good homework and study routine.
However, you can encourage teens to build good study and homework habits without having to resort to offering money.
Why not try a reward such as an activity they really like? Or you could offer a special treat you know they’ll enjoy. The object is to encourage good routines by giving extra attention and praise or small frequent rewards when they are doing the right thing.
When teenagers are struggling that little bit of extra attention can encourage them into new patterns of behaviour – and they may end up getting that A after all!
Professor Matt Sanders is founder of the Triple P – Positive Parenting Program®. For more information, go to www.triplep-parenting.net
Community News
R U OK Toolkit
R U OK? is a national charity inspiring and empowering everyone to meaningfully connect with people around them and support anyone struggling with life. Looking out for one another and lending support are key life skills for any age group. This toolkit has been designed to encourage students to look out for their classmates by asking R U OK?
Celebrating Leavers Locally
October Holiday Exam Preparation
Headspace News
Contact Us
Southern River College
71 Southern River Road, Gosnells 6110