Newsletter Volume 16 2002

Volume 16 - 26th September 2002
Week 10 Term 3

Ph: 8381 7166
Fax: 8381 6041

Inside this issue…
Music Festival, Pedal Prix, Class Placements, Art Workshop, Edible Garden, Principal's Award, Kookaburra Council, OSHC, Parents as Tutors, Music Night, Maths Results, Parent Club, Sport, Kookaburra Council, Flyer

END OF TERM
As another very exciting and hectic term draws to an end, there are some wonderful staff who will be leaving us.

Ric Coyte has worked at our school through the year, covering teachers when absent, taking classes to allow staff to work on special projects and completing a range of tasks that often get left in a busy school. Ric's work with students, in the technology room, and as a member of staff, has been outstanding. We have enjoyed his calm, supportive manner and great range of skills and he will be missed next term when he takes up an appointment at Stirling East School. We wish him well in his new role.

Heather Hobbs has taught in Unit 5 and Glenys Thomson in Unit 4, while teachers have been on leave this term. We have really valued the capable and skilful way in which they have covered their teaching roles and have been great members of staff. Thank you Heather and Glenys for your work this term.

We wish all parents a happy and enjoyable holiday with their children.

STUDENTS WILL BE
DISMISSED AT 2.15PM TOMORROW

CHESS CHAMPIONS!
More Recognition For our Great Thinkers At Happy Valley
Congratulations to our school chess teams on their outstanding achievements this year in the Southern Chess League competition. Many great individual achievements were topped off by the fabulous performance of our two teams. Our Year 3-5 team finished 4^th out of 10 teams in a very close competition with only a few points separating the top four teams.
Our Year 6/7 teams won their division and will represent our district at the State Chess Centre in 4^th term.
Pictured are some members of our school team. Our students will organise our school chess tournaments, which commence early next term.

PEDAL PRIX - A great model of success.
This year's Pedal Prix does mark the end of an era, in this outstanding part of our school program. Several parents who have taken a leading role over this year, and past years, will be leaving our school or perhaps taking a lower profile as their children move on to High School.

Ian Tattersall has coordinated the project over the last three years. He is an amazing man who has put in so much time, energy and enthusiasm. The success of Pedal Prix is directly related to his fabulous work.

Lee Brine has worked tirelessly organising, assisting, managing and directing. She has had an input to almost every aspect of the project over several years, as her two sons have moved through the school, and we have really valued her work.

Wendy Nicolle has not only overseen the fitness of team members for the last few years, but has also become involved in a range of other aspects. Her commitment and energy has been invaluable to the success of the project every year.

Sandie Sherriff has given a lot of time and energy to many aspects of Pedal Prix over the last two years, especially in coordinating the team uniforms. The fantastic shirt designs that team members have worn at the last two events are a result of Sandie's work.

Peter Jones, through being involved in the technical side of the program over the last two years, has made an enormous contribution to the success and reliability of our two vehicles, which have never failed to finish a race.

Thank you to all of the Pedal Prix Committee this year, but especially to these five people, for their involvement over time. You are incredible!

Page 2

MUSIC FESTIVAL STARS!

Congratulations to our choir for the hard work, persistence and fine musical ability they have demonstrated during this year’s preparations for their Music Festival performance. Tuesday night’s performance at the Festival Theatre was outstanding. It was a night all parents and students will fondly remember for the rest of their lives. We are very proud of our confident and talented choristers. Speaking of confidence, we would like to congratulation to Craig Goldfinch for his solo performance on the night. Well done Craig.

Finally we would like to warmly thank Barb Williams for the tremendous time talent, and care she puts in to making sure our students can succeed at these wonderful learning opportunities.

A section of the Choir on Music Night

PEDAL PRIX - Coordinator's Report
I can only say that last weekend was a great success made possible by the great efforts and behaviour of the students, the support of the Parents and the outstanding work carried out by all members of the committee – thankyou to everybody.

On Friday the vehicles passed scrutineering without a hitch and construction of our little city was completed by mid afternoon, all we had to do was wait for the start of the race. Our first riders hit the track at 12.45 and disappeared into a fleet of 175 vehicles and did a great job in getting past the carnage of the start and returning the vehicles to the pits for the first of many rider changes. Our afternoon passed without incident excluding the start of a run of punctures compliments of some of the local population from the Bridge.

Whilst the Valley Viper ran smoothly throughout the race, problems started to arise with the Valley Vortex. Well done to the riders who made the Pit Team aware of the problems. Peter Jones, Kym Wilson and Roger Brine did a great job in keeping the bike on the track. The ongoing difficulties we did have, resulted in the Vortex finishing 48th but we did finish – better than some other bikes. All the riders in the Vortex should give themselves a pat on the back for nursing the vehicle through the race.

The Valley Viper faired better mechanically and the riders recorded some good times to put us in 15th position with 2 hours to go. With us being only 2 laps behind a bike from the Aberfoyle Campus the riders elected to try and ride past our opposition and improve our standing. We received the chequered flag in 14th position, passing the Campus on the final lap with a 29sec lead. Well done.

These results are only from the race and I expect our position for both vehicles to improve once the point scores for Best Presented are tallied. I will let everyone know the overall result once these become available. On our presentation, well done to the students on putting together their thoughts on PP. Also to Wendy, Lee, Sandy, Peter and Georgie for coordinating the efforts. The bikes and the work done by the students can be viewed in the Long Room.

I can't thank everybody by name but I do appreciate the efforts by students and Parents to make this year's race one of the best that I have been involved in. Rhiannon Stagg and her fellow radio announcers must get a mention for their broadcast as it was really appreciated – Thanks.
Well done Happy Valley School.

Tatts signing off!

On Saturday the twenty-first of September a group of students from Happy Valley School went up to Murray Bridge to test their skills in a race. This race was held around a park. We raced in a sort of car, powered by our pedalling, which is why it is called Pedal Prix. Happy Valley entered two cars, the Valley Viper and Valley Vortex.

It was a great weekend and we all had fun although it was disappointing to find thumbtacks were used to sabotage the race. It took about forty minutes of our racing time in the pits repairing punctures in the tyres.

Sam Hanson

I did seven laps and my best time was 7.09. I didn't get much sleep but it was fun.

When you're old enough, you should try it, you will enjoy it.

David Sargent

For the race we were all put into three groups (A, B and C) and did two-hour shifts. The fastest time in the Viper was 4.34 and the Vortex's fastest time was 6.10.

The Vortex had some accidents and breakdowns and was off the track for some of the time. After the race had finished the Viper was 14^th in it's category but we could be put up more places for Best Presented.

The Trisled team came first overall. Everyone was tired the next day.

Adam Brine and Matt Hanson

YEAR 2003 CLASS PLACEMENTS
Next term we consider class arrangements for the year 2003. This is a complex process, which stretches over the term. Next year, we expect the junior primary section to have 6 classes and the primary section to have either 8 or 9 classes. To help us with our planning we ask that parents notify us, if you have not already done so, if your children will not be attending this school in 2003. Similarly if you know parents who will be enrolling students for 2003, could you ask them to do so as soon as possible?

What factors do we take into account when placing students into classes?
In establishing classes we consider - learning needs, individual differences, gender balance, academic balance, friendship groups, preferred learning styles, age, social and emotional maturity, the length of time a group has been together and previous class placements.

Teachers provide information on social and academic needs of students, and students are asked about their friendship groups and factors, which help them learn effectively.

Parent requests
Parents may make written requests regarding the placement of their child and we consider these during the class placement process. While we will try our best, please understand we cannot always meet specific requests.

If making a request we suggest that you provide information in the following areas:

emotional, social and personal needs of your child
specific learning needs
other confidential information which could have an impact on your child’s placement

Each year we have some parents who would like to request a specific teacher. This can create problems during the placement process. We have a very strong staff of professional people who work with the students, and the majority of students are well equipped to adjust to any classroom placement. Therefore we don't grant these requests.

If making a request regarding class placements for next year, please submit it in a sealed envelope to either Margaret Kellett or Brian Marshall by Monday 28 October.

ART WORKSHOP - Parents are great learners too!
On Monday night, a group of 8 or 9 parents participated in an Art Workshop with Maxine Cavaggion. We were shown how art can be and is used in other subject areas as well as the workforce.

Maxine demonstrated how we could develop and encourage our children's "looking" skills. We all drew a bicycle from memory (I forgot the pedals!!) and then copied our own hand, the result was amazing! The workshop was both fun and informative, thank you to the Education Sub Committee for organising it. When's the next one???

Lee Brine

Page 3

THE EDIBLE GARDEN IS COMING ALIVE!
Classes have started planting their veggies, herbs and flowers bearing in mind ideas on companion planting. The families involved in the project will plan in their plot during the holidays; they will look after holiday watering.

Pictured below are Tyler, Jordan, Nathanael and Ashlee from Ros Edwards' class with the Scarecrow constructed for their corn, parsley and sunflower garden plot. Sue Higgins' class constructed the Scarecrow. Ros, Sue and Heather Hobbs' (Jacqui Brettig's) classes are collaborating on a large garden plot.

PRINCIPAL’S AWARDS
Congratulations to the following students who have received Principal’s Awards at the last Primary Assembly, for demonstrating our school values. They are – Alex Bulley, Sarah Lapere, Jessica Ray-Zwar, Melissa Cryer, Steven Keynes, Jasmin Hodgetts, Tai-Zen Barrett-Woodbridge, Kim Wilson, Ella Thredgold, Josh Chudleigh, Nickie Hein, Rachael Ashcroft, James Canny, Jacinta Thurston, Timothy Gosewinkel, Abigail Ellacott, Michael Crisp

Justin enjoys the Children's Zoo on a recent excursion for Mrs Moulden-Hauer and Mrs Thomson's classes.

KOOKABURRA COUNCIL NEWS

Our last casual day raised $405.95 which will be donated to the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation.
Two design projects which students can contribute to are being conducted by Kookaburra Council at the moment. They are: Edible Garden Water Feature and T1, T2, T3 "hidey holes" mural project
We are coordinating paper recycling in classrooms. Recycle cartons have been distributed to Units and classrooms. Classroom paper will be bundled and put out every fortnight (on Monday afternoons) for kerbside pick up by Onkaparinga City Councils on Tuesday mornings.

Caitlin, Josie and Cameron
Kookaburra Council Leadership Team

OUT OF SCHOOL HOURS CARE
Please return your Vacation Care Survey forms as soon as possible, preferably before the end of term. We hope you all have a good holiday break.

Roxanne Longbottom
Ph. 8322 2411 direct line with answering machine

PARENTS AS TUTORS
Earlier in term three we asked you to complete a tear-off slip, indicating your preferred time for attending the Parents as Tutors course. The survey has shown that most people would prefer an evening timeslot. Thank you, to those people who replied to our survey.

Accordingly, Parent As Tutors will be run on Tuesday evenings in term four over three weeks. Details are advertised in this newsletter. Please complete and return the tear-off slip, if you would like to attend. All present and future parents are very welcome!!!

PARENTS as TUTORS
A 3 week course for parents focussing on
LITERACY

for children in their early years at school Reception - Year 2
This is especially relevant for parents whose children have started in the last 12 months

Would you like to know how your child learns to read, write and spell?
Do you understand the learning process your child goes through in their early stages of literacy?
Do you know what to expect of your child’s development in spelling, reading and writing?
Would you like to know how to help your child with literacy?

We are offering a series of three workshops designed to help parents support their child in the development of their literacy skills.

When:	Term 4, Weeks 3,4,5 on Tuesday October 29, and November 9. The final session date to negotiated with participants. 7:15 –9:45pm
Where:	Happy Valley School – Staffroom
Presenters:	Gen Reynolds Coordinator for South Group of Districts Margaret Kellett JP Principal Happy Valley School

Cost of materials is $5.50.

“The practical parts of the sessions really opened up my eyes and I was able to view more from a child’s learning point and it really helped me to understand how they really learn.”

“I would thoroughly recommend it to all parents of junior primary children.”

Parent feedback from previous workshops

Please complete and return the tear-off slip below by Friday 18 October

MUSIC NIGHT
Last week, on Monday night, the school buzzed again, as students entertained a full hall of parents and families with their musical skills. It was a really varied and enjoyable program and everyone was delighted by the performers' skills and musical development.

We were very lucky to have a parent, Bill Sheridan, demonstrate his American Indian drums and flutes. The free workshops that Bill offered to interested students are already full and will begin next term. Thank you Bill for adding yet another dimension to our music program.

Violinists entertain at Music Night

Page 4

OUTSTANDING RESULTS
2002 PRIMARY SCHOOLS MATHEMATICS COMPETITION

High Distinctions - Sam Pater, Jake Moore, Jarrad Braham
Distinctions - Scott Paterson, James Brown, Breahnn Sheridan, Scott Goldfinch, Daniel Brown, Sam Hanson, Travis Gordon, Alex Bulley
Credit - Christopher Clarke, Dayna Cox, Amelia Jutilane-Maynard, Taylah Low, Kathryn Hughes, Louise Jesshope, Tim Giles, Simon Karran, Greg Mitic, David Sargent, Kieran Hirlam, Elliott Smith, Brett Abroe, Thomas Cole, David Eddy, Matthew Hanson, Daniel Phillips, Brendan Sherriff

Congratulations to our very clever maths students on these incredible results. A special thank you to Heather Bath for coordinating the competition.

PARENT CLUB NEWS
The Parent Club would like to say thank you to all who helped out and supported our fundraising during Term 3. Our every popular 'Slice Drive' is coming in Term 4. This is a great way to stock up for all those Christmas parties with Rocky Road, Caramel, White Christmas just to name a few (and you get the plastic container for free!!) Look out for order forms next term.

Have a safe holiday and we look forward to seeing you at our next meeting on Tuesday 15 October at 9.00 am. in the staff room. (First week back).

Abby learns about the Macaw at the Zoo

Visual Arts at the Zoo - Caitlin, Ellie, Tom, Sean and Justin from Mrs Thomson's class appreciate the snake statue.

SPORT NEWS

YEAR 3/4 BASKETBALL RESULTS
Happy Valley Tigers defeated Hackham West Hornets 27 - 16. A very exciting match. Well done guys.
Happy Valley Tigers defeated Woodcroft College 52 -2. A good display of teamwork by the Tigers. Well done and enjoy your holidays.

Colin Campbell - Coach

CRICKET
Please return Registration Forms to the front office by tomorrow. Please phone me if you have any questions

John Gordon - 8322 3956

KOOKABURRA CAFÉ

Thank you to all the student and parent helpers during Term 3.
New Streets Icecream and Iceblocks will be available next term and Frozen Yoghurt is back. 40c - $1.00. Yoghurt is $1.30
Every Streets item purchased will be stamped on a card and after the 7^th purchase you get a free Paddle Pop. (Paddle Pops are a registered healthy child's product.)
Healthy snack items are available for recess next term.

Have a great holiday - see you next term.

ROSTER

Mon.        14 Oct.    .               Lee Brine
Tues.       15 Oct.                    Katrina Allen
Wed.        16 Oct.                    Jeannie Feutrill
Thurs.      17 Oct.                    Julie Day
Frid.         18 Oct.                    Glenys Moylan
Mon.        21 Oct.                    Mavis Hurem
Tues.       22 Oct.                    Sandy Hutchings
Wed.        23 Oct.                    Sue Hammond
Thurs.      24 Oct.                    Penny Canning
Frid.         25 Oct.                    Trevor Sherriff

Please phone 8322 6579 or 8381 6804 if dates aren't suitable.

Helen King



BRIAN MARSHALL Primary Principal	MARGARET KELLETT Jun. Primary Principal


DOUG MACLEAN Deputy Principal

PARENTS AS TUTORS - Registration of Interest

I wish to participate in the Parents as Tutors Course in LITERACY

Name: ___________________________________ Eldest Child: ___________________________________

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