Term 1 Issue 1

18 Pages·2016·6.42 MB·English

Golden Grove
High School
Golden Grove
High School
iCARE – identity, Care, Achievement, Respect, Excellence.
TERM 1 | ISSUE 1
2016
1 Adey Place, Golden Grove
Principal’s Column
South Australia 5125
Paul Wilson | Principal
T: [phone]
F: [phone] WELCOME TO THE NEW SCHOOL WELCOME TO NEW STAFF 2016
E: [email protected] YEAR We have a few new staff to welcome this
Welcome to the new school year. In year. Welcome to:
www.goldengrovehs.sa.edu.au particular, I would like to welcome all those
Phillipa Arnold – teacher, Science
who are joining our school community for
and Mathematics: Josie Coscia –
the first time this year, especially, our Year
Inside this issue SSO, Learner Support Disability Unit:
8 students and their families. We had
Melita Hill – teacher Visual Art: Debbie
the Year 8 Acquaintance Evening and
Hooper – teacher, Disability Unit: Kathy
Page 2 Governing Council AGM and the Year
Thompson SSO, school administration:
• Principal’s Report cont. 12 Parent evening on the 10th February.
• Student Voice Sean Utting – teacher, English &
The staff really valued meeting families
Page 3 Humanities: Ian Hart – SSO, Learner
at these forums. It is fantastic to have
• Y10 Work Experience Support Disability Unit: Sharon Koltheck
over 20 parents and community members
• Big Science Competition - SSO, Learner Support Disability Unit.
willing to serve on Governing Council and
Page 4 & 5:
WELL DONE TO OUR YEAR 12
its committees. It is great that there are
• SACE 2015 Stage 2 Results
STUDENTS LAST YEAR
Page 6 & 7: strong connections between the school
• Laos Expedition 2015 and families. There is more detail further in the
Page 8 & 9: During these first three weeks back at newsletter but we are very proud of the
• Study Tour to Spain 2015 results of our Year 12’s in 2015, 96% of
school the students have settled into
Page 10: grades achieved were passing grades
their routines and they have made their
• Starting Year 8 (A, B or C) and 97% of those students
first connections with their teachers for
• Pedal Prix eligible to complete the SACE in 2015
this year. Our school looks great. We
Page 11:
achieved their SACE. Our Dux of the
have had some facility changes over
• Sports Day 2016
school was Carly Sisto with an ATAR
• Canberra Trip 2016 EOI the break, the most significant being the
of 98.90 – a great achievement. Thirty
Page 12: development of a senior school study hub
three students achieved an ATAR above
• Skoolbag in the Thiele Library complex. Our Careers
80 and fifteen of these scored above
Page 13: / Pathways and senior school mentoring
• Canteen Price List team have moved into the Thiele space 90. There were 12 Merits awarded to
Page 14: in an endeavour to provide a more visible students who gained an A+ with merit
• Letter from the Minister in subjects studied. 85% of the students
presence to support the learning and
Page 15: who applied for tertiary offers were
guidance of our senior students.
• Laptop Directions for 2016 offered tertiary places.
Teachers have prepared their learning
Page 16:
COMMUNICATION
and assessment plans for their classes
• Dates to Remember
and they have made their classroom I urge all parents and caregivers to
Insert: expectations clear to the students. contact us promptly and to communicate
• Key Contacts at GGHS Achieving their best and having success directly with us if there are concerns
• Home Group Teachers 2016 is our priority for the students. Our school about your child’s learning and well-
is focussed on continuous improvement. being. We also encourage the teachers
High quality teaching and learning, to connect promptly with families if
high achievement and success and issues arise. We have included with this
optimum student and staff well-being newsletter a list of home group teachers
are our improvement goals. During the and other key staff who you can connect
first few days back we reinforced the with to discuss concerns. We can always
behaviours and attitudes we expect as be contacted on email dl.1834.info@
expressed through our iCARE values of schools.sa.edu.au
identity, care, achievement, respect,
excellence.
continued from page 1...
Our school day starts at 8.40am with the bell to go to lockers. We expect all students
child & adolescent to be at school by this time. We understand that things happen and that occasionally
students can be late. If students are late and miss reporting to home group between
sleep clinic 8.45am - 9.00am, we expect them to report to Student Services to sign in before
heading to class. If a student is absent or late it also helps if we receive a call from the
family to inform us about this.
Does your teenager have If a student is in Year 8, 9, 10, 11 and we are not aware of any reason for an absence
a sleep problem? from school / class by recess time (10.30am), we are informing parents of the absence
via SMS.
Does your teenager: I am looking forward to an exciting and productive year at the school. I urge all students
 have trouble falling asleep? to do their best at all times in all that they undertake. I look forward to sharing with you
 not fall asleep until late at night? the learning achievement and excellence of our students this year.
 have trouble waking up or getting
All the very best for 2016 everyone.
out of bed in the morning?
Kind regards
 miss school or feel fatigued
throughout the school day? Paul Wilson
Principal STUDENT VOICE
If you answered yes to any of these This year Student Voice will strive to move mountains and make an impact within the
questions, your teenager could benefit school. Student Voice is a small homegroup of 6 students from each year level from
from a new treatment program being 9-12. These students are chosen to represent the student body and work closely with
run at the Child & Adolescent Sleep teachers and leadership alongside student councils. Student Voice are dedicated to
Clinic, within the School of Psychology, coming up with ways the school may be improved or how to fix any relevant issues
at Flinders University. that may come up.

This year Student Voice will be involved in many fundraising activities, the first one
For more information please call
being on Sports Day. There will be a Student Voice stand selling baked goods and
8201 7587 or email
drinks. We are exploring the option of Subway catering for the day as well as Boost
[email protected]
Juice! Coming up later in the year is Talent Night where we encourage all students to

come along and support their fellow school mates whilst at the same time helping raise
funds for our World Vision children.

www.facebook.com/cascsleep
Student voice is based in the reading room of the Golden Grove Library and we will
be having two Student Voice sessions this term, so keep a look out for them and stay

tuned for more information from Student Voice!
Sibrina Beukes
SV President 2016
INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION
A major part of the success of the International Programs at Golden Grove High School is due to the involvement of families and the community
in providing homestay accommodation for international students while they are studying with us.
Golden Grove High School is keen for prospective new parents and/or families to join our Homestay Program. As a local family hosting an
international student, you will have the chance to learn about other cultures, customs and traditions make lasting friendships with your student
and their family, and explore fun things to see and do in South Australia.
Families can become involved in hosting short term international students, for short periods of time generally between 5 and 12 days, or longer
term students, ranging from 4 weeks and up to 1 year. Homestay families receive $250 per week for hosting an international student.
If you are interested in becoming a Homestay parent/family and would like to find out more information, then please contact our International
Education Coordinator by phone on 8282 6400 or email [email protected]
HOMESTAY ACCOMMODATION – SHORT TERM
This Homestay accommodation is provided for international students on a Study Tour. Students live with a family in the local or surrounding
community. Golden Grove High School manages this Homestay accommodation and matches students with an appropriate family. The family
transports students to and from school each day and provides all meals. Weekend activities are organised by the host family and often include
barbeques, trips to the beach, city experiences and family routines in general.
HOMESTAY ACCOMMODATION – LONG TERM
Students live with a family in the local or surrounding community. Students have their own furnished bedroom within the family home. All meals
are supplied by the family. Homestay families receive $250 per week for hosting an international student.
Homestay accommodation for long term students is arranged by International Education Services (IES), a section of the South Australian
Department for Education and Child Development. Please contact the school or contact IES directly on [phone] or at [email protected]
Carlos Gallardo International Education Coordinator
YEAR 10 WORK EXPERIENCE
As in previous years all Year 10 students will be undertaking work experience during
the week Monday 16 – Friday 20 May. The week is a significant part of learning in
Year 10 and is very much enjoyed by the students. All Year 10 students and families
will have received a letter and the Agreement Form with reports at the end of last year.
It is our expectation that all students make every attempt to find their own work
experience and utilise their own networks to approach workplaces that may support
their learning in an area of interest. Those students who are undertaking Personal
Learning Plan (PLP) during first semester will be provided with support by their PLP
teacher whilst students who are doing PLP in the second semester will be provided
support from their home group teacher and additional support by Ms Koehler. All
students will also be required to undertake a mandatory Workplace Safety module.
Home group and PLP teachers will provide students with information and a worksheet
on how to find work experience, which they should bring home.
Students will be required to have the work experience organised by Term 1 Week 8
MATHS SUPPORT
so that we are able to process forms, contact workplaces and prepare students and

staffing for the week.
Students are able to access extra help
Please encourage your son or daughter to make an appointment early in the term
with Maths at the following times:
to meet with Ms Koehler in Pathways@Thiele to support this process if they require
Monday:
extra help.
• Lunch in F16 (Mrs Provatas)
Ms Angela Koehler
• Lunch in Thiele (Ms Fay)
Vocational Learning Leader
Wednesday:
• Before School in F13 (Mr Bailey)
Thursday:
• After School in Golden Grove
Library (Mr Bailey)
Friday:
• Lunch in Thiele (Mrs Naheswaran) BIG SCIENCE COMPETITION

Mali Naheswaran In 2016, the Science Learning Area will provide an opportunity for science students
Leader: Mathematics to challenge themselves in the Big Science Competition. This one-hour international
competition is open to students of all abilities at three different levels: Junior (Years 7
and 8), Intermediate (Years 9 and 10) and Senior (Years 11 and 12).
Questions test students’ critical thinking and problem solving skills as well as their
science knowledge. Each student who takes part will receive a certificate as well as
detailed feedback on their performance in the competition. They also go into a draw
to win hundreds of iTunes, Google Play and Hoyts vouchers.
Our school will receive a comprehensive report for each year level showing how
students performed on each question, the percentage of students in the cohort who
answered correctly, and a comparison with the national results.
Registrations for the competition will close on Friday of Week 11 (15th April) with a
cost of $8.00 per student. The Big Science Competition will be held in the DRMC from
9:00 am on Wednesday the 25th May.
The Big Science Competition is organised by Australian Science Innovations, a non-
profit organisation committed to providing high quality science extension programs
that inspire, challenge and raise the aspirations of students in science.
Danun Manson
Science and Learning Capabilities Leader
2015 STAGE 2 SACE RESULTS
Year 12 is a defining year for students as it usually marks the ending of school life. Some of the
results achieved by Golden Grove High School students in the December round of resulting by
SACE Board are just cause for celebration and pride. The indicators of success we look to are
SACE completion, the number of A grades attained and high ATAR scores.
Some Highlights
Our subject pass rate of 96% was our best on record and a 5% increase on 2014. 97% of our
students completed their SACE; a significant increase on previous years and the highest ever.
Our highest ATAR of 98.9; an outstanding feat, was achieved by Carly Sisto. 119 of our students
received 179 A grades between them. Fifteen students achieved 3 or more A grades.
Twelve SACE Merit awards were awarded to students from our 2015 Senior School. A SACE
Merit is typically awarded to students who achieve in the highest 2% of the group being
assessed. Angela Garnaut-Jager (Research Project and Visual Arts-Art), Kyra Charsley
(Mathematical Applications), Christina Garnaut-Jager (Psychology), Alexander Lai De Oliveira
(Research Project), Keegan Lee (Research Project), Simone Lowe (English Communications),
Carly Sisto (Psychology), Kirra Taylerson-Lilley (Research Project), Caitlin Waldie (Psychology)
Oscar Watson (Research Project), Alexander Watson (Research Project).
There were 33 students with an ATAR above 80 and, of them, 22 scored higher than 85. 15 of
those were above 90. These students worked conscientiously throughout the year and are to be
congratulated on the consistency and strength of their efforts as well as their outstanding result.
85% of our students who applied for Tertiary entrance received offers of placement at either a
University or TAFE and of these 85% were offered their first or second preference (68% were
offered their first choice). GGHS remains an effective pathway to tertiary study.
OUR HIGH ACHIEVERS - Students achieving an ATAR above 90
Carly SISTO Olivia LEVITT
Kyra CHARSLEY Alexandra WHITING
Danyal CARAPIET Rachel VALE
Shannon HUGHES Valentina SALCEDO
Caitlini WALDIE Madeline CRITCHLOW
Eden PANOZZO Yasmin BOWDEN
Christina GARNAUT-JAGER Ashley CAREY
Simone LOWE
These students have been accepted into a range of tertiary course including Psychology,
Engineering, Education, Nursing and Occupational Therapy at across University of Adelaide,
UniSA and Flinders University.
Congratulations from the staff of Golden Grove High School go to all these students as well as
best wishes to all our other graduates. We wish them every success in their future endeavors.
SENIOR SCHOOL ASSEMBLY 19 FEBRUARY 2016
High Achievement and Success in the Class of 2015
Since 2014 we have recognised the achievement of our Year 12 students by identifying our Subject award winners through the end of Year SACE
results rather than teacher selection. We have two levels of achievement recognition: Subject Award High Achievement goes to the student in
each class who achieved at the highest level in that class above an A- and Subject Award Commended goes to the next highest achievement
not below a B+.
At an assembly of Friday 19 February at 9.00am, the following Subject Award winners from the Class of 2015 were presented with their awards
in front of the 2016 Year 11 and 12 students and a gathering of invited guests and parents.
Congratulations to all awardees on your significant Academic achievement. Golden Grove High School is a better place for having had you as
part of our community of learners: Greg Walkom, Assistantant Principal - Senior Schooling
Audrey Atakwiteka Commendation - English as a Second Zac McLeod Commendation - Communication Products 1
Language
Kaylee Boden Commendation - Outdoor Education & Carly McRostie Commendation - Health
ATAR >80
Yasmin Bowden High Achievement - Food & Hospitality, Michael Mertin ATAR > 80
Commendation Society and Culture &
ATAR > 90
Jasmine Burkhill Commendation - Food & Hospitality, High Melissa Mikhail ATAR > 80
Achievement – Workplace Practices & Aziz
ATAR > 80
Jacquelyn Cannon High Achievement - Child Studies & ATAR Lauren Moore Commendation - Nutrition
> 80
Danyal Carapiet Commendations - Maths Studies & Drama, Eden Panozzo High Achievement – Tourism, Commendation -
High Achievement -Physics & ATAR > 95 Legal Studies & ATAR > 95
Ashley Carey Commendation - Chemistry & ATAR > 90 Luke Parkin High Achievement - Communication Products
2
Kyra Charsley High Achievement - Maths Applications & Valentina Salcedo ATAR > 90
Biology, ATAR > 95 and Merit Award
Hayden Cheffirs ATAR > 80 Liam Salter High Achievement - Scientific Studies & ATAR
> 80
Thomas Cole Commendation - Physical Education & Carly Sisto Commendations - Maths Applications &
ATAR > 80 Psychology, High Achievement - English
Studies, ATAR > 95, Merit Award and DUX
Award
Bryce Colman Commendation - Biology Grace Thompson ATAR > 80
Madeline Critchlow High Achievement - Health & ATAR > 90 Cameron Turner Commendation - Visual Arts Design & ATAR >
80
Bailey Donovan ATAR > 80 Joanna Unson Commendation - Information Technology
Christina Garnaut- Commendation – Psychology, ATAR > 90 Rachel Vale Commendation - Physics & ATAR > 90
Jager & Merit Award
Chloe Goodes High Achievement - Material Products 1 Caitlin Waldie Commendations - Health & English
Communications, High Achievement –
Psychology, ATAR > 95 & Merit Award
Shannon Hughes ATAR > 95 Alex Whiting Commendations - Modern History, Tourism &
Visual Arts Art & ATAR > 90
Jarred Kelly High Achievement - Communication Brayden Young Commendation - Communication Products 2
Products 1
Nicole Khouzam Commendation - Work Place Practices & Amy Clisby Commendation - Dance
ATAR > 80
Christian Kusabs Commendations - Solo Performance, Angela Garnaut- High Achievement - Visual Arts Art & Merit
Ensemble Performance & Specialist Maths, Jager Award
High Achievement - Information
Technology, ATAR > 80 and the STEM
Award
Cassandra Latter Commendation - Child Studies Anna Grigorev Commendation - Spanish
Olivia Levitt Commendations - Maths Applications & Alexander Lai De High Achievement - Research Project and
English Studies & ATAR > 90 Oliveira Merit Award
Brayden Ley Commendation - Material Products 1 & Keagan Lee Commendation - Research Project, Spanish –
ATAR > 80 High Achievement & Merit Award
Shannon Logan Commendation - Scientific Studies & ATAR Erin Swanbury High Achievement - Dance
> 80
Simone Lowe Commendation - Modern History, High Kirra Taylerson- Research Project & Merit Award
Achievement - English Communications, Lilley
ATAR > 90 & Merit Award
Erin March ATAR > 80 Alexander Watson Commendation - Research Project & Merit
Award
Katie McGill ATAR > 80 Oscar Watson High Achievement - Research Project & Merit
Award
LAOS EXPEDITION 2015
At the end of November, seven excited students and two staff travelled to Laos and
Vietnam for 28 days. The expedition consisted of three phases – volunteering, rest &
relaxation and tree top explorer.
For two weeks, we called the small remote village of Nathong home. Our main
purpose for the first phase of our expedition was of a humanitarian nature, embracing
our school iCARE values, with volunteering at the Sae Lao Project. It was very basic
living conditions, running water and a long drop toilet were luxuries! Our day would
consist of morning chores such as making clay bricks, upkeep of the vegetable and
fruit gardens, building projects, feeding the animals, making the group breakfast,
cleaning the toilets, showers and kitchen, organising the Community Centre and
collecting clean, filtered water. In the afternoon we would usually continue with any
building projects before planning our English lessons which were taught to over 200
local children. The day began at 6:30am and dinner was served at 8:00pm, however,
the long days were always rewarding, especially the teaching component. It is difficult
to explain in words how much satisfaction is reciprocated through sharing ideas and
communicating through the English language to students that really, really want to
learn!
We achieved a great deal in our short time at Sae Lao. Some of our achievements
included donating 18 surface devices (laptops), creating an ICT suite including secure
storage and filling the Community Centre with new resources and delivering English
lessons to students who crave learning.
Each of the GGHS students were paired together and responsible for a class, who
were split into ability groups based on their understanding of English. Our students
should be very proud of their excellent teaching, adaptability and creativity – it is
certainly an experience that will stay with them forever and for the Lao students
fortunate to be taught by them.
Spectacular limestone karsts jotted out from the vista, the famous “Blue Lagoon” (the
choice of daily spot to take a dip and cool down) and the extraordinary Lao locals, who
are simply some of the most friendly and accommodating people you could ever wish
to meet, made this phase such a rewarding experience.
Other aspects of our adventure included a visit to the Cu Chi tunnels by VIP
speedboat, an emotional visit to the War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City,
a visit to the Mekong Delta floating markets by traditional longboat, a Lao cooking
course in Vientiane, tubing down the Nam Song in Vang Vieng, zip-lining and Via
Ferrata climbing in the Bolaven Plateau located in Southern Laos.
Apart from the volunteering, for many students the zip-lining was high on their list of
top experiences. The tree-top explorer phase included a stay high in the tree tops of
virgin jungle in a tree house, accessible only by zip-lines. Overall, we experienced 40+
zip-lines in the two day trek, the longest over 450 metres! Getting there was part of the
fun. Trekking into the jungle and negotiating steep ravines was rewarded with a stay
in a real “tree house”.
Our expedition started and finished in Ho Chi Minh City, a city which really is as busy
as they say. Crossing the roads is a feat in itself.
Continued on page 7....
LAOS EXPEDITION 2015
continued ....
Our last shared experience was a visit to “Noir”. It is an experience worth sharing as
it is a restaurant which employs blind staff to serve you whilst you eat in pitch black
surroundings. It certainly heightens you sense of smell, with the menu revealed at
the end of the sitting. The entire time is spent guessing what you’re eating. It was an
appropriate end to the expedition, given we had so many fantastic experiences which
immersed the students in culture, the need to be flexible and open-minded to the
sights, sounds , food and interactions with an environment which is ever changing.
Expedition leader
Nick Sward
STUDENT REFLECTIONS ON A REMARKABLE EXPERIENCE
“Looking back on this trip, I believe it was one of the most amazing experiences of my
life. I reminisce very fondly on this trip and think it has great potential at Golden Grove
High School. Looking back I wouldn’t change a single thing. I met the most amazing
people everywhere I went, and traveled with even more amazing people.
I have to give praise to Mr Sward and Mrs Walkom for their amazing work in planning
this trip. They helped me through so many things and helped me learn even more.
I learnt so much on this trip and no amount of words can thank them and everyone
else who helped to make this trip happen.” - Cameron
This trip meant so much to me as I was helping out the students with their English
skills. Even after just two weeks of teaching English to a small group of students, I
could see some small progress in them and I was so ecstatic about that.
The trip changed me, making me more grateful with what I have, as the kids in Laos
don’t have any luxuries like I do. All the kids are outside playing with each other instead
of sitting at home on the computer/internet. It also taught me to do things outside of
my comfort zone like completing the Via Ferrata which was a scary experience to start
with.” - Bec
“Travelling to Lao has made me realise how lucky we are to live in Australia. I’m so
grateful to have such a good education, home and the many opportunities and work
that probably wouldn’t be there if I lived in Laos. However, all the people in Laos
were so nice and grateful for what they had. They never once complained about their
lifestyle, because that’s what they grew up with. They appreciate the little things in life,
things that someone who grew up in our society probably wouldn’t. And while that’s
okay because that’s how we grew up, it has made me appreciate the small things in
life a lot more than I did before.” - Zoe
“After coming back to Adelaide, having spent a month of my life in Laos and Vietnam,
my ways of thinking have changed slightly, as I have now become more involved with
cooking and cleaning around the house with my mum, helping others, like my school
friends to be more successful and not wasting things like food and water. This trip
showed to me how to be more humane. I saw many wonderful things during the trip
but nothing was more beautiful than to see regular people who didn’t own very much,
give so generously. It opened my eyes in such a way I haven’t seen before.” - Gabby
“This trip has definitely made me a tougher person. I appreciate a lot of the little things
that would never have come to my mind before I went on the trip, like having a clean
water system, a comfortable bed, a toilet and a shower and much more. The trip also
means a lot to me because of the friendships I managed to build with people who
used to be strangers to me. I had no connections to anyone before the trip and knew
nothing about them but now I know almost everything about these people and I’ve
built such good friendships with them. Now we have so many memories together.”
- Joanna
STUDY TOUR TO SPAIN 2015
On 25 November 2015, a group of 10 students and two teachers left Australia heading
to Spain. For many, this trip has been a long term dream. We arrived in Madrid at
around midday and although sunny, we could feel a breeze in the air. A bus was
waiting for us to immediately take us to Salamanca, our first destination.
We spent the most amount of time in the beautiful city of Salamanca. Getting to know
this amazing city was an adventure in itself, bike riding to explore different points, long
walks and many incredible buildings and monuments, some over 2,000 years old.
After four days in Salamanca the students finally met their host families and started
preparations for Spanish school. An average school session was from 9am to 1pm,
and then students would walk to the Plaza Mayor for a hot chocolate and then head
home for a typical Spanish lunch. Afternoon activities were planned for every day of
the week: Flamenco and Salsa lessons, cooking lessons, movie night (but in Spanish)
and much more.
The two weeks went quickly and most of the students almost felt like locals in
Salamanca.
After that, the tour around Spain began: Madrid, Toledo, Segovia and Avila in the north,
then Seville and Granada in the Andalusian south before heading to the Mediterranean
coast, Valencia and finally Barcelona, where we spent Christmas.
On the 29th of December a group of experienced and tired travellers began the long
return trip home. We arrived in Adelaide on the night of the 30th, where family and
friends were waiting for us.
The educational experiences, as well as life experiences on trip are invaluable and will
last for many years in the memory of our students and teachers involved.
We would like to thank all the families for their trust and support for allowing us to take
their children to Europe, and to the school teaching community for supporting this trip.
We will endeavour to make it even better next time.
Mr Gallardo Mrs Denison Mrs Cooper
SPANISH TOUR 2015 STUDENT REFLECTIONS
“I recommend anyone thinking of doing Spanish in the senior years to definitely
consider going in the ‘Viaje de España’. The Spanish trip is most definitely a highlight
of my schooling and I have memories that will stay with me for the rest of my life. My
ability to understand and speak Spanish had increase immensely due to the schooling
we received in Salamanca as well as constantly being engulfed by the Spanish culture.
The food there was spectacular and we brought home kilograms of Cola-Cao (an
amazing Spanish hot chocolate). Even if you sign up for the trip not knowing anyone
else going, you will leave with many new friends that share these amazing memories
of salsa dancing, snow and numerous amounts of wrong turns on the way to gorgeous
monuments that make all the exercise worth it. Me encanta España.”
Chelsea
“The Spanish trip was a trip I’ll remember for the rest of my life. We left on 25 November
and arrived back in Australia on 30 December. During our trip in Espana we stayed
in Salamanca, where we went to a Hispanic school, which helped us improve our
Spanish tremendously and lived with lovely host families who became our second
family. After Salamanca we went to Madrid, Granada , Valencia and Barcelona, having
day trips along the way to Portugal, Seville, Avil and Toledo. The people of Espana
are so warm and friendly, they have amazing foods and even better, Cola- Coa. The
sights and places that we went to were amazing, like living in a fairy tale dating back
hundreds of years ago. The best part of the trip for me was making amazing new
friends who supported me during the whole trip and whom together we had the best
times with. The trip was filled with uncanny friendships, unforgettable moments, tons
of laughs and great memories that I will always treasure. I would definitely recommend
this trip to anyone, as it was a trip of a lifetime.”
Sibrina Beukes
“Looking back on my time in Spain, I sometimes can’t help but remember a funny
moment on the trip where I crack up laughing at the memory. Other times when I go
to my year 12 Spanish lessons, the knowledge that I gained on the trip suddenly kicks
in and makes me feel more confident in my answers and pronunciation. All of that
aside, my favourite part of the trip would have to be when we were at our homestay
in Salamanca where we had our independence to go out and sightsee, walk yourself
to school every morning and do some shopping, all whilst practising our language
skills with native speakers. I remember being so nervous to go to the host family that
I was shaking, but at the end of the 2 weeks stay, I remember getting on the bus to
Madrid feeling sad about leaving. My host mum and I ended up ‘friending’ each other
on Facebook and we still keep in touch.
Another small memory I have was in Seville, we had just finished our self-guided tour
of the Royal Alcazar and we had decided to go to this stunning park where there just
happened to be a flock of doves which would fly up on your shoulders. Sometimes 3-4
doves were on you at once. We had so many laughs because at first some of us were
timid of the birds but by the end, we all had smiles and buckets loads of fun”
Tahlia Penn
REFLECTIONS ON STARTING YEAR 8
Starting High School in Year 8.......
Year 8 is the year that most children fear, because of a new school, new teachers, a
new campus and new people. I was certainly quite nervous on transition and on the
first day, because it was all new to me, just like it is for everyone else.
The first year of high school is generally quite pleasant and relaxing, if you can get
past the tons of assignments, but in reality for me it was very easy.
To make the most of Year 8, working hard and to the best of your ability will get you
A’s and B’s, which is what everyone strives for these days. The harder you work the
easier the year will be, and the more enjoyable it will be for everyone.
PEDAL PRIX
Time management is the biggest area that kids want to work on during Year 8. If you
Golden Grove High School has
can manage your time well, you can finish assignments on time, and get every piece
nominated to be in this year’s HPV
of homework done by the due date. I personally didn’t have a teacher in Year 7 who
Pedal Prix Series. One vehicle, Poison
gave homework, but after a couple of weeks I got into the habit of getting home,
Ivy, will compete against another 200
having a half-hour break and then getting into an hour’s worth of homework, which
recumbent vehicles in endurance
certainly made my life easier.
throughout the year. In the upcoming
If you strive for good marks, you can get access to the part of the EXCEL program that
weeks we will be seeking student
is for high achievers. This allows students to go on excursions, and make the most of
interest to take part in the events.
the year. If you feel like maybe taking the simpler way into the EXCEL program, you
Students can be part of a dynamic
can join up to some clubs, like the Interschool Debating Club, Public Speaking Club,
team that welcomes students of
Chess Club or even the Art Club. These are just some of what the EXCEL program
all abilities and interests including,
has to offer and there are at least three times as many clubs at a minimum.
racing/bike riding, bike maintenance,
nutrition, design and statistics. Overall, starting Year 8 at Golden Grove High School, is 100% manageable, and is
fairly stress-free, with just the occasional bits of stress. Stress is normal and everyone
The races will occur on 19 June 2016
at every school will experience some, but if you’re feeling a bit stressed and scared,
and 30 July 2016 in Adelaide’s Victoria
there is always the help just around the corner, so don’t be afraid to ask.
Park for a 6 hour race and in Murray
Nick (Year 9)
Bridge on the 24 and 25 September
2016 for a 24 hour race. Now that you’re in Year 8 …..
The transition from Year 7 to Year 8 is a wild ride, but it’s definitely a fun one. It doesn’t
Dylan Muzyka
take too long to settle in to the changes that high school has for you.
Design and Technologies
Something that changes from Year 7 to Year 8 is that you start using lockers. This is
Learning Area Leader
a great idea, seeing as, when you get to Year 8, you start bringing phones, wallets, ID
cards and bus passes. I would advise that you practise your locker code, so that you
don’t forget it.
Another thing is that many people expect to get lost and, believe me, I was convinced
that I would lose my way! But after a few weeks, I knew where all of my subjects were.
If you are going to a class that is new to you, you might get a bit lost, but there should
always be someone who can point you in the right direction.
The work does get harder when you enter Year 8, but it isn’t a massive leap. It’s
actually just another step towards the finish line. It may be a bigger step than others,
but if you put your head down and get all of your homework and assignments in on
time, you’ll be sure to succeed.
There are also many extra-curricular activities that you can do. There are lunchtime
activities like Interschool Debating, Creative Writing Club, Programming/Robotics
Club and many more. Last year, I did Interschool Debating and Creative Writing Club.
I also went on the Year 8/9 Leadership Camp, which was a lot of fun. I would strongly
recommend it to you, if you get asked to go.
There are also some board games at the library that you can play with your friends.
Just ask the Librarian on duty for them.
Overall, the changes from Year 7 to Year 8 are easy to settle into. Remember to stay
focused and enjoy Year 8 while it lasts.
Renee (Year 9)