Newsletter Volume 20 2000

VOLUME 20
14 December 2000

Ph: 8381 7166

Fax: 8381 6041

Email:
hvsadmin@happyvalley.sa.edu.au

Website:
www.happyvalley.schools.sa.edu.au

Inside this issue……..
School Dates, Christmas Evening, Cake Stall Raffle, Parent Helpers, 2001 Classes, Fees, Uniforms, Computer Support, Graduation Night, Flute/Clarinet Lessons, Thanks, Sport, Principal’s Awards, Parent Club, Kookaburra Café, OSHC, Diary Dates, Community News, German News.

STAFF CHANGES AND FAREWELLS
Now that the end of year is here, there are of course some staff changes.

Jan Wallace has been at our school as an SSO for 12 years. Jan has been on leave this year and she hasn’t been her bright, busy self around the school, as we all remember her. However, we were sad to hear that she was resigning, to continue working, in a city book store with books; one of her great loves. Jan has supported many teachers and students over the years and her busy, efficient, friendly manner will really be missed. We wish her well in her new direction.
Ellen Miller has worked at Happy Valley for ten years. Sa m-loved teacher in the Junior Primary School, and many students regard her as their ‘favourite’ teacher, because of the caring and fond manner she has with her classes. Many ex students want to come back and do work experience in Ellen’s class. We will all remember Ellen for her great sense of humour, for her roles in our staff plays, and for her great teaching practices. We wish her well as she moves to Woodcroft School, at least for the beginning of next year.
Brian Young has also worked at Happy Valley for ten years and has made a lasting impression on all his students. Many have spoken of him as being a great teacher who was very strict, had high expectations but also had lots of fun with his students. He has been on sick leave for most of his final year here. Brian has asked that we pass on his heartfelt thanks for all the encouraging words and thoughts from parents and students during his illness this year. He has always been a very dedicated teacher and does feel a strong bond with the students he has taught at Happy Valley and their parents. Consequently Brian would like you all to know that while he does not feel able to cope with farewells, he does feel most appreciative of your kindness and concern.
Dana Hookins is expecting to be living in the USA with her family by the time the new school year starts! Her family is waiting for her husband’s work visa to be approved. We have withheld her plans because of this unknown situation. Dana who has been here for 7 years has been a tremendous asset to our school through her professional strengths in the Gifted and Talented programs, Literacy Intervention programs, Boys and Education and teaching German. We wish her well in her new role, but if the visa is not approved we shall be very happy to have Dana back.
Rex Brown, loved by many, both students and parents, has been at our school as a temporary teacher for the whole of the year. We have been lucky to hold Rex for the whole year, first as an extra support teacher, then as a year 6 teacher for the second half of the year. Certainly the students will miss ‘Mr Brown’s’ wry sense of humour and active, fun approach to learning. The staff room too will be a little more subdued. We wish Rex well as he moves to Macclesfield PS.
Penny Couche has covered a Year 5 class for most of the year, in Brian Young’s absence. Penny’s contribution to her class and our school has been outstanding including the ‘Gala Day Tables’ and the main organiser of the staff Christmas item. While we will miss Penny’s continued presence around the school, we are lucky to have her continuing as a TRT in our school in the future.
Sue Dunn has been another very welcome addition to our school this year. Sue has covered for Tracey Ranaldo, who has been on leave for Term 4. Finding a teacher of German, who can move into a school for the last term, and maintain an effective German language program, is quite difficult. Sue has fitted in with enthusiasm and dedication and we thank her for her great work.
Anthea Goode joined our staff for the new Reception class at the beginning of Term 3. Anthea has given her group of beginners an excellent start to their school years and we are very fortunate that Anthea will continue at Happy Valley next year.
Vicki Moliere has covered Heather Hargrave’s absence from the office area for the second half of the year, and coped well with a very difficult workload, for this time of the year. Heather will continue on leave next year, and we are very fortunate to have Vicki continuing in her role.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all staff for their excellent contribution to the work and happiness of our school over this year. Their hard work and committed approach are appreciated and really valued in our school.

We also thank our school families, children and parents, for their happy involvement in our school over the year. You do make it a wonderful place to be!

To our Year 7 students, best wishes for the future as you move on to secondary schooling. We hope you have fond memories of your primary years. To those families who are leaving Happy Valley, we wish you every success in your new school communities.

From the Happy Valley School Staff we wish all our families a Very Merry Christmas, a prosperous New Year and a very enjoyable holiday time with your families!

FAREWELL ASSEMBLY
On Friday at 10.15 am, we will be farewelling our staff and the students who are leaving. We will also be announcing the Year 6 winner of the Sandra Kopli Literary Award.

SCHOOL DATES
School will break for the summer holidays tomorrow, Friday 15 at 2.15 pm.

School will open for staff and parents (to pay fees) week beginning Monday 22 January. The bookroom will be open to receive money from 8.30 – 12 noon daily.

School dates for students for 2001 are:
          Term 1             begins            Monday 29 January
                                       ends               Thursday 12 April
              Term 2             begins            Monday 30 April
                                       ends               Friday 6 July
              Term 3             begins            Monday 23 July
                                       ends               Friday 28 September
              Term 4             begins           Monday 15 October
                                       ends               Friday 21 December

Oh What a Night!
The Christmas Evening!
Widespread feedback indicates that Monday evening was a great success, with a good mix of student, parent and staff items interspersed with regular breaks to announce the raffle winners. The Pedal Prix Sausage Sizzle was a great start and the Kookaburra Council sponsored fireworks was a spectacular finale to the fantastic fun loving, community event.

Thank you everyone for coming and getting into the Christmas spirit. Special thanks to Barb Williams and the senior choir and band, and to Catherine Parker as pianist, for presenting a beautiful repertoire of carols and songs, the Junior Primary choir for their delightful Christmas tableau, the talented La Boheme artists, the three new entertaining parent groups! and finally to the staff for their tremendous efforts at this time of the year and in particular Brian Marshall for overseeing the program. We think the Olympics are finally over!!

Thank you too, to Georgie Goldfinch, Dianne Gordon and Chris Rogge for organising the raffle.

Congratulations to the Christmas Raffle Winners –
1^st                            Blue R69                  Joanne Leal
Bonus                     Grey R27                 Wells
2^nd                           Blue H73                  K Robertson
3^rd                            Blue R39                  Andrew Keynes
A complete list of winners will be on display on the Community Noticeboard. Funds raised were $1093.00

Barb Williams conducts the Choir at the Christmas Evening.

GALA DAY CAKE STALL RAFFLE
Congratulations to Jessica Marshall (Green N79) who won the stocking as part of Unit 4’s cake stall. The raffle was drawn last Friday.

Acknowledgment Of Parent Helpers Leaving Happy Valley School
At the Thank You Morning Tea, we acknowledged the outstanding support of the following parents by presenting them with the Parent Club/School Award.

We wish them all the very best for the future – Pauline Usher, Joan Strother, Mavis Hurem, Paul and Bronte Duncan, Rob and Judy Williams.

2001 CLASSES, FEES, UNIFORMS

A notice went home with each student on Wednesday informing families of class placements for 2001
Information about the school materials and services charges and excursion/ performance fees is in a letter sent home today with invoices
Fees can be paid from Monday 22 Jan 2001 between 8.30 am and 12.00 pm
Uniform shop will be open on Thursday 25 January from 9.00 am – 12.00 pm and every morning of the first week of school from 8.30 am – 9.30 am

In Touch Computer Support
Kevin Jesshope

Ph: 8387 1607 – Mob. 041 981 6786

Looking for technical support with business/office computers?

Re system configuration/custom software etc.
Contact Kevin

Many thanks to Kevin for the incredible amount of hours he has put into our Network all year.

Graduation Tonight at 7.00 pm

The Year 7 graduation ceremony will take place at school tonight. This is a night of acknowledgment and celebration. The Year 7 students are given their graduation certificates and group photo, Year 7 magazine produced by the students, and the novel kindly donated by the Parent Club. Students and staff give speeches. Awards are also presented to the winners of the Bettie Deering Literary Prize, the Jo Mellor Maths Prize and the Leadership Awards. The evening concludes with a graduation social in the hall.

FLUTE & CLARINET LESSONS
Lessons will be offered next year to interested students. If you are interested in starting lessons, contact Richard Duluk on 8272 2313 or leave your name with Mr MacLean.

A LETTER OF THANKS FROM THE SPACIE FAMILY
(Their son Jack, started school this year and has Anaphylaxis, an extreme allergy problem)

To Di, Brian, all Staff at Happy Valley School and the School Community

Just a short note to express our sincere thanks for the wonderful care you have all taken, of our Jack. His continued well being during his first year at school was of paramount importance to us, and the schools cooperation to ensure his safety was/is greatly appreciated.

We would also like to thank everyone for their understanding and compassion of Jack’s situation – class parties, excursions, canteen trips and everyday schooling was made easy by the teachers, students and parents.

We hope that you all have a very Merry Christmas and a safe and Happy New Year. With our best wishes and kindest regards,
Debbie, David, Trent and Jack Spacie.

OUT OF SCHOOL HOURS SPORT

The Annual General Meeting was held last Wednesday night. The meeting thanked Daniel Logan for his work as convenor of the committee, and the coordinators of the individual sports: soccer – Paul and Bronte Duncan, football – Linda Sargent, basketball – David Hirlam, netball – Mavis Hurem, cricket – Daniel Logan, SAPSASA – Darryl Draper. The committee has worked hard throughout the year to make sporting activities at our school successful.

After nominations were accepted for 2001, these people make up the new committee:
Convenor                     Daniel Logan
Soccer                          Rick Gross
Netball                          Lee Inns
Basketball                    Leanne/David Hirlam
Cricket                          Daniel Logan
SAPSASA                   Darryl Draper

Congratulations to these people for taking on the responsibilities for next year. We do not have a FOOTBALL COORDINATOR for next year. If you can help, please contact Daniel Logan through the school.

NETBALL
Congratulations to Devils in Disguise Netball team for their one goal win in the Grand Final on Friday night. They did the school proud.

As coach for the team, I would like to wish all the Year 7’s in the team all the best for the future and thanks for the great year we’ve had.
Lee Inns.

On Sunday November 12, Anika, Abbey, Clover, Zoe, Emily, Brittany, Megan and Caitlin represented Happy Valley at the Clipsal Powerhouse. While knocked out early in the competition the girls never gave up. They showed great sportsmanship and were wonderful ambassadors for the school. Thank you to Jeannie Peace for coaching and parents for their help.

Father Christmas visits the children in Unit 4. The visit is organised by the Parent Club.

PRINCIPAL’S AWARDS

Congratulations to the following students who have recently received Principal’s Awards for demonstrating our school values. They are – Bradley Middleton, Stephanie Middleton, Rachelle Bennier, Shaun Cheney, Erin Limbert, Matthew Gladwell, Angela Clarke, Bianco Clothier, Josie Dimond, Bianca Gordon, Alex Hughes, Cameron Lithgow, Kristen Pankoke, Kate Tattersall, Sam Wilson, Alicia Green, Daniel Brown, Jarrad Braham, Sarah Usher, Daniel Jones, Lauren Bulley, Phil Nicolle, Laura Knobloch, Leigh Thredgold, Tom Jamieson, Rikki Manning, Shannon Lowry, Samantha Gross, Jessica Phillips-Dohnt, Nicole Hale-Worrall, Kate Loveday, Alicia Andrew, Kymberley Price, Nikki Thomas, Stephi Bochenski, Jessica Sandru, Sam Love, Chris Lewin, Alex Evans, Sam Pater, Gaby Szelag, Bryce Smith, Stephen Brown, Alex Peecock, Rebecca Inns, Ashleigh Gade, Sondra Yeates, Jack Campbell, Simon Karran, Sam Wright, Tim Giles, Olivia Vardas, Nicholas Bauer, Stacey Barrett, Dale Tattersall, Daniel Axton, Emma Hillman, Nick Boath and Cameron Dennert

Thanks to John Grantham for his wonderful work on the Rescource Centre front counter.

PARENT CLUB
Another successful year over and the Parent Club would like to thank all those involved in the many functions/fundraisers we had this year and everyone else who helped us have such a great year. We look forward to your support throughout 2001.
Our first meeting will be on February 6, 2001 at 9.00am

I would personally like to thank Sandy, Lisa Jane, Jacqui, Cathy, Sue and Julie for their wonderful support in making our contribution to the Christmas night so much fun!! We must do it again next year??

Merry Christmas to all and a Happy and Healthy New Year.
Sharon Kreslin
Secretary

KOOKABURRA CAFE

Thank you to the following students for the invaluable help throughout Terms 3 and 4 – Kylie Ashcroft, Chelsea Berner, Amanda Carruthers, Keri Duncan, Jessica Hurem, Sarah Mavrikis, Stephanie Middleton, Sachi Rudolph, Jody Todd and Harriet Whiley.

Thank you, Helen

OUT OF SCHOOL HOURS CARE

We would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year and all children leaving the school and OSHC every success in the future.
Roxanne Longbottom
Director – 83222411 – direct line with answering machine

DIARY DATES

Thurs. 14 Dec.              Year 7 Graduation 7.00 pm
Frid. 15 Dec.                  Farewell Assembly 11.00 am.
Frid. 15 Dec.                  Last day of Term 4 – Early dismissal 2.15pm
Mon. 22 Jan.                 Bookroom open to pay fees 8.30am.
Thurs. 25 Jan.               Uniform Shop open 9.00am – 12.00pm
Mon. 29 Jan.                 First Day of Term 1, 2001

COMMUNITY NEWS
Pick your Face is a game show where contestants are asked to guess the identity of some famous faces. The show will be shown on national TV and we would like you to be in the audience. Free tickets by phoning 82369190.

CAROLS IN THE PARK: Friday December 22 7.30 pm. Mandilla Reserve, Manning Road. Free community carols evening presented by the local Christian churches. Everyone welcome.

Brian Marshall Di Neill

Primary Principal Jun.Primary Principal

Doug MacLean

Deputy Principal

Term 4 has been very busy with all classes working well. I have been taking the German classes while Frau Ranaldo has been taking leave.

The year 3 - 5 classes have been working on “Ich achte auf meine Gesundheit” (I look after my health). Each class learnt the German names for parts of the body through games, puzzles, songs and activities. The children made up plays about going to the doctor, with 2 year 3’s performing their class play at the A.G.M. They did a fantastic job. The children had a test on what they learnt which went home with a “Check This Out” sticker. I was most impressed with the children’s knowledge.

The Year 6 classes have discussed aspects of the environment in “Die Umwelt”. The environmental posters they made were excellent, with a seclection shown at the A.G.M. The classes discussed the German attitude to the environment from a cultural point of view. The children had a short test which was sent home with the “Check This Out” sticker on, along with their reports.

The Year 7’s have been writing scripts for plays and cartoons. A selection was on show at the A.G.M. The children worked in small groups to write their scripts using their prior knowledge of German, the Year 8 book “Auf Einem Blick” and German dictionaries. They did a fantastic job and I enjoyed the oral presentations of the cartoons and plays. I think they were surprised with how well they did, using the German language in a meaningful and creative way. Well done to all.

In the last few weeks, we have been looking at Weihnachten (Christmas) with a variety of activities.

I have thoroughly enjoyed my term here and I would like to wish you all a Frohe

Weihnachten und Ein Frohe Neujahr (Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year).

Regards,

Sue Dunn