2024 Term 2 Week 3
FROM OUR PRINCIPAL
FROM LITTLE THINGS, BIG THINGS GROW…
The idea of a school mural has been in the ‘works’ for several years, with some initial liaison with the City of Salisbury to partially fund a piece of art work visible from either Smith Road or Gloucester Avenue.
However, when funding fell through, we continued negotiating with renowned artist, proud Ngarrindjeri man and former Salisbury East High School student, Thomas Readett, to produce a large mural in the centre of our school that would be seen daily by our students and act as a source of interest and inspiration.
See the article below which explains the concept behind the mural and how we see it as symbolic of our students in many ways.
FOCUSSING ON ATTITUDE TO LEARNING
At Salisbury East High School we acknowledge students who demonstrate excellent attitude to learning in all of their subjects at our year level assemblies.
We encourage students to give of their best – to persist and persevere – even when things are difficult or when it is not their favourite subject.
Earlier this week, I spoke with some students and asked what ‘excellent’ attitude looks like and sounds like. Here are some responses:
“Excellent attitude to learning looks like a person trying their best at everything. Even if they are bad at a certain type of Maths, they still give it a go”.
“Someone who is always on task and gives something they don’t understand a go. If they are still stuck then they would ask the teacher. When they aren’t at school, they make the effort to talk to the teacher and catch up on their work in their own time”.
“Excellent attitude to learning looks like someone who concentrates in class and doesn’t get off track or muck around. It could also mean someone who gives it their best shot and gives up their time to get a good grade”.
Below shows the distribution of attitude to learning ‘grades’ for Term 1:
IMPROVING ATTENDANCE
Good attendance is the foundation of school success. It doesn’t guarantee success but without it, success is so much harder to achieve.
Students who are regularly absent from school:
- miss valuable instruction from their teachers and are more likely to have difficulty understanding important concepts. Over time, ‘gaps’ appear in their learning.
- often shut off options for higher level Maths, Science and English subjects.
- are less likely to gain A or B grades.
- are more likely to leave school without finishing their SACE. The reality is that we have some students trying to complete their SACE, having only spent, in reality, seven or eight years at school. Should we be surprised when they are having difficulty with their learning?
- are a risk for a prospective employer.
- struggle to maintain relationships with their peers.
The Education Department has identified 95% attendance as the goal for every student – ten or less days absence for each student across the year. (Please note, attendance at VET courses or other school activities is not counted as an absence).
There are occasions where students are ill or there is a family bereavement and additionally, we have a small number of students with chronic health issues. In such circumstances, absences are perfectly acceptable but do consider the wisdom in:
- staying away to celebrate a birthday
- staying away to go shopping
- staying away to avoid doing something or sorting something out
- staying away to catch up on school work – it’s a double-edged sword (think what explicit teaching your child is missing)
- staying away on the last day of term (just because…)
- senior students staying away on days when they have a number of study lessons (what about the lessons they are missing?)
Where your child is absent from school, parents are legally required to provide an explanation. There are a lot of ways this can occur:
- Daymap message to the school inbox
- telephone
- Response to SMS sent
If you are struggling to get your child to school, please seek support earlier, rather than later. While we do not have a magic wand, we can work with families to support improved attendance at school. Year Level Managers, along with our Leaders of Well-Being, Amelia Molnar (Middle School) and Sarah Afshin-Pour (Senior School) are your first points of contact.
Kristen Masters, Principal
ARA YOUTH AMBASSADOR PROGRAM
This year we have three students participating in the Australian Refugee Association Youth Ambassador program - Rachel Muderhwa, Elizabeth Nkombera and Alice Mugisha.
The ARA Youth Ambassador Programs aims to empower students to become advocates for positive change in their schools and communities, by promoting understanding of the global refugee experience, the importance of inclusion and the innate value of cultural diversity.
The year-long program supports students and staff to further explore their ideas and experiences around identity, belonging and advocacy for people from refugee and migrant backgrounds. Benefits include the opportunity to build friendships and confidence, as well as develop valuable skills like public speaking, creative advocacy and fundraising. Youth Ambassadors receive funding from the Milner Road Foundation.
This week the students participated in a 3 day leadership camp at the Woodhouse Activity Centre in the Adelaide Hills. This opportunity will help them build new connections and engage in a variety of workshops and will include many students from other schools.
Kara Walters, Senior School Youth Worker
MURAL
Prominent Adelaide Artist, Thomas Readett, a student who graduated from SEHS in 2009 has completed a stunning mural on our Arts Centre wall! Readett is a proud Ngarrindjeri man whose work can be seen in public spaces around Adelaide.
The mural’s concept stemmed from many discussions with our students about our school community and the importance of inclusivity. The native flora: the Waratah and the Billy Buttons are representative of the growth, resilience, and determination our students show through sometimes tough conditions. The native bird, a commonly seen Willie Wagtail has a face that shows determination, is ready to stretch its wings and take flight. These concepts resonate when you view the work’s grand scale in person. The mural willbe finished and able to be viewed by the wider public on our Arts Night, Tuesday Week 6. We look forward to seeing you there!
Tiffany Prouse, Arts Coordinator
INTERNATIONAL HOMESTAYS WANTED
In Term 3 we will be hosting 2 groups of students from Japan and are looking for interested Homestay Families. Please see below for information.
Host an international student and give your family a cultural experience without leaving home!
What will your family learn by hosting a student from overseas?
Every family gets something different from the experience. There is no doubt you will all learn a lot about a new culture, food, language, customs and traditions but you will also have the chance to:
- participate in activities and meet other host families
- be a tourist in your own town and State as you show them around
- make lifelong friendships with your student and their family
You’ll care for them and we’ll support you.
When you host an international student, they will become a member of your family. Your student will be a long way from home and in your care so you will be expected to provide them with a safe, supportive and welcoming home environment.
As a homestay, you will be required to provide your student with:
- a furnished bedroom inside the family home (not a separate dwelling)
- all meals
- use of utilities (i.e. water, electricity and gas)
- use of facilities (e.g. access to TV, iron, laundry)
You will also be expected to:
- support your student in their studies
- monitor your student’s health and well-being
- accept duty of care for your student outside of school hours
Whilst it’s undoubtedly a responsibility looking after someone else’s son or daughter, it’s one you won’t have to face alone.
You will be provided with:
- a personalised home visit and information session
- a homestay allowance
- support from our school Study Tour coordinator
- 24 hour emergency telephone support service
All families must be cleared with a Working with Children Check (can be organised through the school), Complete Responding to Risks and Harm, Abuse and Neglect - Education and Care Training (can be organised through the school) and have a Home Visit and Interview.
For more information and a Homestay Application pack, please contact Kelly Bond via the Front Office on 8258 2070 to discuss the opportunity to join our International Program.
Kelly Bond, International Student Program Coordinator
ARTS SHOWCASE
