Volume 3 -  3rd March 2005
Week 5 .... Term 1

Ph: 8381 7166
Fax: 8381 6041

Email:
hvsadmin@happyvalley.sa.edu.au

Website:
www.happyvalley.sa.edu.au
 

Inside this issue…
Korean Students, AGM, Swimming Success, Staff Release, Play Boxes, School Car Park, OSHC, Did You Know? Come Out Festival '05, Principal's Awards, Sports Day, Sports News, Parents of Year 7 students, Kookaburra Cafe, Parent Club News, Edible Garden, Tear Off Slip.

From the beginning of the year, Barbara Williams has filled the role of Primary Head of School, while a selection process was put in place to fill the role long term.  The process has now been completed and Barbara is the successful applicant.  She will be the Primary Head of School until the end of the year.  We congratulate Barb on her appointment.  This means that Mark Inglis will now work with his Year 6/7 class every day of the week and Barb will release Darryl Draper from his Year 6 class on Wednesday to undertake his ICT Coordinator work.

Our five Korean students left Australia to return to Korea last Sunday, February 27^th. There were some very emotional children and families at the International Airport when a large group of children were farewelled.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank our five host families – Sue and Gregg Hammond, Georgie and Rob Goldfinch, Sandy and Geoff Hutchings, Anthea and Kevin Yeates and Heather and Kevin Jesshope. These families gave the Korean children some wonderful experiences, which I am sure, they will treasure.

Thank you again for your support for the program.

Judy Davies

"Having John here was a good experience for me because previously only my sister has had overseas students come to stay.  John liked to play X-Box and Cricket."-- Cale Year 6.
"Having Lizzie in my room was strange to start with but turned out well.  Lizzie liked eating scones, Farmer's Union Iced Coffee, Tim Tams and Vegemite."-- Louise Year 7
"Having David here was a good experience because we could learn loads about Korea and we could take him to places I hadn't been to.  David really liked all of the spicy food we ate."-- Scott Year 7
"Having Wendy over helped us learn a lot about Korean life.  Wendy brought us lots of Korean lollies." -- Lauren Year 6.
"It was different sharing my bedroom.  We went to Victor Harbor.  We went on the beach and there were lots of big waves.  Maria really enjoyed them." -- Alana Year 4.

Page 2

We had a wonderful experience with our 5 Korean children that stayed with the families for the first 4 weeks of the school year. 

We farewelled our charges on Saturday night at an All You Can Eat restaurant and everyone had lovely stories and positive feedback on their child.

On Sunday our children left us all the richer for knowing them and sad because they were leaving us.

My student David (Ki Won) was a lovely young man that spoke a reasonable amount of English and slotted in to our family like a well-oiled cog.  He found that everywhere he looked there was space that we all take for granted, he comes from Seoul with a population of 12 million and he lives in a 3 bedroom apartment on the 16^th Floor.  To play at a park it is 20 minutes by bus as he is surrounded by apartments everywhere. So he made the most of the fresh air and backyard to kick the soccer ball, swim in the pool and bounce on the trampoline.

He found schooling a lot more relaxing than in Korea, at home school is from 7.30am -- 3pm then come home and study for 4 hours. Then if you're lucky, play games at home. Other students went to a 2^nd school after they finished their normal school.

With what little hot weather we had he found it hot.  As a winters day is minus 2  with snow and a hot summers day is 25  and very humid in Korea.

We have been told that some of these children may return in July and once again we will look forward to embracing another student if not the same one.  As a family we learnt so much that we realize how lucky we are to have such a lovely and clean country to live in and our children can enjoy the freedom many children only dream of.

I received an email from David to say he returned safe and is missing Happy Valley School and his Aussie family already.

Georgie Goldfinch

---------------------------------------------------

We recently had the privilege of having Wendy stay with our family for four weeks.  It was a very enjoyable experience to get to know her and to learn a little about her lifestyle in Korea.

Her first Monday was over 30 , so after school we headed straight for Christies Beach for some fun in the waves.  Wendy got dumped but loved every second of it.  We patted Koalas and fed the Kangaroos at Cleland.  We were lucky enough to make friends with a Kangaroo with a little Joey wiggling around in her pouch!

During her stay, Wendy saw Kookaburras, had a barbie, went to the zoo, visited a friend's pool, bought souvenirs at the Central Market and went back to the beach as often as it was hot.

Wendy liked our school much better than her own and found the teachers and students very friendly.  She fitted in very well with our family and it was sad to see her go on Sunday morning, but we feel we have made a friendship, which will hopefully last many years.

Gregg, Sue, Lauren & Carly Hammond

Here is your opportunity to hear about our achievements as a school in 2004 and the directions and plans for 2005.

Have you thought about being involved in the governance of the school through membership of the Governing Council or on one of the sub-committees that are looking for parent representation?

Please forward the tear-off slip included to the school as soon as possible indicating your interest.  It's a decision you won’t regret and we look forward to meeting you at the AGM.

We look forward to seeing you there.

We have a number of students who swim competitively, but because it often happens out of school hours at Club level, we don't always know about it.

Three such swimmers are Declan Brandenburg,  Travis and Vanessa Kreslin who recently competed in the SA Water Age Swimming Competition Area Finals. Declan swam in breaststroke, backstroke and freestyle events, Travis swam in these events plus butterfly, winning all his events, while Vanessa swam in freestyle.  All were so successful that they have been selected to swim in the State Finals at the Adelaide Aquatic Centre later this month. They will be representing our school at the Finals and we congratulate them on their swimming success and wish them well in the Finals.

Page 3

There are times during the school year when staff may be released, often to work on a school or class project. Apart from illness, staff are entitled to release time, called FIR (Flexible Initiatives Resourcing), which is determined by the school. This release time is usually provided by Judy Miller, Phyllis Carn or sometimes by a relieving teacher. So if you arrive at school to deliver or collect your children, you may just see someone else in your child's class.

Students benefit from learning to be flexible in working with other adults.

You may remember that last year, the Junior Primary teachers sent home a request for contributions to our play boxes. We now have two boxes for classes to share and this year we would like to increase the number of play boxes. Part of the rationale for the boxes is to provide resources in the box, which help to develop children's literacy and numeracy. The first box we would like to make this year is a Magic and Make-believe / Fantasy box. We are looking for donations to add to our new box. Below are some ideas for this -- if you are able to help out with any of these items we would love to hear from you.

Magic and Make-believe / Fantasy

• Fairy wings

•  Capes

• Crowns (plastic)

• Hats

• Frog mask

• Wands

• Wigs

• Old jewellery

• Broom

We hope that you may be able to help us. If you can contribute, please send the things to school and we will be able to start our new box. Thank you.
Regards,

Judy Davies -- on behalf of Junior Primary staff.

The sign at the entrance to the school car park clearly identifies that the Car Park is for staff and long-term visitors only. This does not allow for parents to use it to drop off and pick up their children each day. It is too busy and congested at these times and we ask that parents respect the purpose of the car park.

A reminder that Vacation Care Booking Forms will be available on Monday 7^th March 2005 after 3.00pm in the OSHC room.

Roxanne Longbottom -- Director OSHC 8322 2411
Carol Forte -- Direction Vacation Care 8322 2411

• The year 6 & 7 classes have organised a timetable for the use of the two Table Tennis tables at recess and lunchtimes.  As well as being a great way to keep fit, playing together encourages cooperation and teamwork.
   

• Debbie Haskard-Strauss, our resident artist, has been into the school and is organising her program that will enable students to work with her in the Art Studio.
   

• Instrumental music lessons are under way and the sounds of violin, recorder, keyboard and guitar can be heard throughout the week.  It is not too late to enrol in some classes.
   

• The Festival of Music choir has begun rehearsals and it is pleasing to see so many students wishing to be involved.  They are already sounding very musical
   

	Many of you will remember that two years ago, during Come Out '03, we made and hung banners along the front of the school in tone with the theme "The Ripple Effect".

This year The Come Out Festival, Australia's largest Arts Festival for Young People, will take place March 8--19^th across the State.  Some classes are attending performances and there will be 'in school' activities around the theme  'Being Human'.  We have some exciting ideas that you will see emerging at Happy Valley by the end of the Festival. Parents are invited to the Launch of our project on Tuesday March 29^th at 2.00pm on the Oval.

Just a reminder that the performance levy needs to be paid before students can attend Come Out activities.
 

Congratulations to the following students who have received Principal's Awards at the last Primary Assembly, for demonstrating our school values.  They are-- Mitchell Low, Callie Smallwood, Amelia Jutilane-Maynard, Kieren Clarke, Kristi Snares, Alexandra Wilson, Jayden Perry, Jayden May, Hannah Clavell, Caleb Daniel, Shane Stagg, Cameron Gallas, Nicole Robertson, Adrian Veljkovic.
 

Congratulations to the 8 boys and 8 girls who have been elected Sports Day House Captains. They will have a demanding role over the weeks leading up to sports day. Their duties will include organising the selection of year 3-7 students for sprints and relays and coordinating relay practices for their teams. Congratulations and thankyou to all of the other students who tried out for house captain positions.

Sports Day will be held at the school on Thursday March 24th with students expected to arrive at class by 8-15am ready for an 8-30am start. A detailed map and program will be distributed to all families the week prior to sports day.

BASKETBALL
Year 3/4 "6ers" are now a full team with all players making their debut this year.  Two matches have been played with great enthusiasm and all players are to be congratulated;  Casey, Jared, Justin and Nicole for great shots for goals and Jaimee, Jasmine, Jordan and Nathanael for fantastic teamwork.  A big thank you to Anita Deakin for coaching.

SOCCER
Players are still required from Year 2 upwards.  Please fill out a Nomination Form if you haven't already done so.
Registration night will be held on Tuesday 15^th March at 6.30pm in the Long Room.  Please bring second hand boots if you wish to sell them.
Also required is a Coach for the senior level and junior level.  Please consider helping out.  If you have any queries, call Georgie 8387 2230.

AUSKICK
A coordinator is urgently required for the Auskick program.  Please phone Paul Bulluss on 0439 882 293 if you are able to help out.

Are you interested in considering Adelaide High for your Child's Secondary Education?  Entry to Adelaide High School for out of zone students can be through

• Special Interest Language Programme
• Rowing Program of Excellence
• Cricket Program of Excellence

See Barb Williams if interested

• Sports Day -- Order forms for lunches will be sent home soon.  For all the family.  Please have a look and return by 21^st March.

• A new product HOT Apple & Custard Dessert Pocket.  Can be purchased at recess or lunch over the counter or order on lunch bags.  $2.00 ea. Yummy!! (Less than 4g fat – registered Healthy Kids Product)

• Slices of Watermelon 60c, tubs of Yoghurt $1.20, Mini Yoghurt 60c, Mini Frozen Fruit on a stick 60c

• As from next week our biscuit range (Choc.Chip & Anzacs) will be available for 60c ea.  Made in the canteen.

• JJ Crackers are a registered Healthy Kids Product.  Flavours are Pizza or Chicken for 60c pkt.

ROSTER
Mon. 7^th Mar.
Tues. 8^th Mar.                Kate Battersby
Wed. 9^th Mar.
Thur. 10^th Mar.
Frid. 11^th Mar.               Julie Day
Mon. 15^th Mar.
Tues. 16^th Mar.              Katrina Allen
Wed. 17^th Mar.
Thur. 18^th Mar.
Frid. 19^th Mar.               Glenys Moylan

Thanks, Helen King

A big thank you to the parents that have already agreed to be our class representatives for this year.
A "Please Help" to the parents of students in the following classes-- Mr Francis/Mrs Petho, Mr Mueller, Mr Jones and Mrs Neemann.  As yet we do not have a representative for these classes.  If you are interested, please speak with your child's teacher as this is a small yet important role and beneficial to the students.

Sports Day is getting closer, so a reminder to everyone that we will need cake donations and volunteers to help at the stall on the day.  Notices about Sports Day will go out very soon.
Don't forget our Easter Raffle.  1^st Prize -- CD Player, 2^nd -- 10^th -- Easter Goodies.

We are in need of a helper in the Uniform Room on Friday mornings 8.30 -- 9.30am.  If you would like to help, please come to the Uniform Room for a chat Wed. 3.00 -- 3.30pm or Frid. 8.30 -- 9.30am.

A note to parents of transition visit children.  We have a morning tea at 9.30am on Friday 11^th March in the Long Room.  Come along and meet other parents.

The next meeting will be Wednesday March 16^th at 2.30pm in Unit 4, Room 16 opposite the OSHC building.  Please note the new time and location.

Page 5

• I am willing to be on Governing Council for 2005                              
• I am willing to join the following committee (Please tick box)

	Sport		Canteen		O.S.H.C.		Finance
	Environment (Grounds Dev.)		Education		Fundraising		Parent Club

NAME: ___________________________________                CHILD'S TEACHER:   ____________________________

Back to Top
 

Back to School Newsletters                               Go to School Home Page