Volume 2 .... 18th February 2010
Week 4 .... Term 1

Ph: 8381 7166
Fax: 8381 6041
 

Email:
info@happyvalley.sa.edu.au
Website:
www.happyvalley.sa.edu.au
 

Inside this issue...............
Signing In/Out, Swimming, Draft Behaviour Management Policy, Values Assembly, Holly's Highlights, State Tennis, Pancake Day, J.P. Awards, IGNITE, Kookaburra Cafe,

Page 2

We frequently have parents coming early to collect their child/ children for appointments etc. We ask that you always come into the office to sign your child out, please.

One of the reasons is that, in an emergency, we need to be able to account for all students. We have had occasions when we have needed to check where children were and so the sign out book is essential.

Year 3 to 5 students have enjoyed a week of swimming lessons at the Marion Pool this past week.

We have been fortunate with good weather particularly the hot bout in the last few days.

Reception to Year 2 students will attend swimming lessons during Week 10.

On 15/2/10 all the year 3, 4 and 5 classes went on an excursion to Marion Swimming Centre for a week. Through the week we went to Marion pool to have fun and learn along the way.

At the start we got split into colours to show how well we can swim and what we needed to improve. We learnt what to do when we are in trouble and how you can get out of it. Every morning at swimming we get shown how important sunscreen is and what dangers are in the ocean. On Friday because of our hard work we get to go on the water slide which will be fun.

Caleb W. (W.Lane Yr.5)

In week 4 the year 3, 4, 5 kids went on an excursion to Marion Swimming Centre. While we were there we learnt how to get out of rips and how important sunscreen is. We also learnt the survival backstroke. 

At the start of the week we got split into groups. Some groups got to use flippers, snorkels and life jackets. On Friday we get to go on the waterslide which should be heaps of fun.
                                                   Sarah D. (S.Mousley Yr.5)

The best part of swimming this week was pin dropping, back stroke, breast stroke and freestyle.
                                                     Holly - (H.Whisson Yr.3)

When we went swimming this week, I loved going in the pool.  My best part about swimming was when we used noodles and kickboards.
                                                        Nour (H.Whisson Yr.3)

At swimming this week, one of the things we did was kickboards.

When we went to swimming this week I loved it when we went into the deep pool.

The best part about swimming this week has been trying to find plastic animals.
                                                        Kyra (H.Whisson Yr.3)

At swimming this week my favourite thing was snorkelling.
                                                         Liam (H.Whisson Yr.3)

At swimming this week, my favourite thing was getting the plastic animals.

When we went to swimming this week, I loved wearing the PFD.
                                                    Annalise (H.Whisson Yr.3)

Dear Families,
Please find attached to this newsletter, a draft copy of our revised Behaviour Management Policy.

As a staff, we have agreed to significant changes to the procedures we have been using in both the class and yard management of students' behaviour.

We believe we now have a tighter, easier to follow, set of procedures, for both students and adults.

Key components of our policy are improved channels of communication between the school and families and a stronger counselling role for teachers and other support adults, within the School.

Please find a few minutes to read over the policy. We would welcome any constructive feedback you may have to offer us.

Page 3

As we shared with you in the last newsletter, classes across the school participated in activities related to our school values during the first two weeks of school. On Friday of Week 2, we had a special assembly at which each of our Learning Communities shared something which they had done around the values - Respect, Responsibility and Integrity.

The Junior Primary children shared a Rap, called "Cool Cats", which reflected all of the values. They wore their "Cool Cat" glasses which they had made during the week.

The Middle Primary classes (Years 3, 4 and 5) performed a variety of role plays, which demonstrated each of the values as well. The Year 6/ 7 group showed how we can investigate issues, using a tool called the "5 Whys". They also used role play to show how they could do this.

At our Junior Primary assembly on Tuesday, a number of students received awards, either for demonstrating one of our school values - Respect, Responsibility or Integrity, or for showing that they had achieved one of the Program Achieve Keys to Success.

Program Achieve aims to develop in children the following - Organisation, Getting Along, Persistence, Confidence and Resilience. These are known as the "Keys to Success." Congratulations to Jared F., Byron H., Brianna W., Natasha J., Anuraag D., Jazmin M., Tyson R. and Ryan S.

I am looking forward to helping Kylie & Helen with the choir this year.  There is a sensational group of students who would like to be involved this year and I know it's going to be a lot of fun.  Reminds me of the 4 years that I was a part of the school choir during my primary school days. 

The main theme for this year is 'heroes'.  Many of us think to the heroes that we grew up with.  For me that was He-Man: Master of the Universe & She-Ra: Princess of Power.  We'd go around on our pretend super horses wanting to save the world. 

Now being an adult, I think of those special people who have made a difference in my life (sometimes without even knowing it).  They are the real heroes.  Through the everyday things that you do, you never know whose life you've impacted.  You too could be someone's hero without even knowing it.

I'd like to say a big thank you some heroes in our own school community - Karen, Andrea and all the volunteers who help in the canteen each week.  You are amazing, appreciated & highly valued.   Thank you!

Don't forget I have a letterbox in the front office if you wish to communicate with me.

Simon Longhurst of State Tennis Happy Valley presented Happy Valley School with a State Tennis Coaching Certificate, offering free State Tennis Coaching to one student a term, valued at $134. Recipient Georgia M., from Year 6 was awarded this certificate and will further her tennis skills through State Tennis coaching, after demonstrating great skill development and attitude during a unit of tennis in P.E.
                                                                   Ali Lovegrove
                                                              Phys. Ed. Teacher

Page 4

Tuesday this week, was Shrove Tuesday. Several classes across the school made pancakes, some of which were sampled by others around the school. Some classes then wrote recipes for pancakes (procedures).

The "Pancake Queen", aka Sue Higgins, is busy with the batter. She is very good at tossing them too!
 

Aberfoyle Park High School is one of three public schools in South Australia that offers the IGNITE PROGRAM which provides accelerated learning, interaction with like-minded students and a safe, nurturing environment for bright students entering secondary school.

Current year 6 and 7 students are encouraged to apply for entry into the 2011 program.  Selection is based on performance in the ACER (Australian Council for Educational Research) assessment.

Expression of Interest forms can be downloaded from www.igniteprogram.com.au or www.aphs.sa.edu.au or by phoning Aberfoyle Park High School on 8270 4455.  Further information on the IGNITE program is available on these web sites.  The closing date for applications is Friday 19^th February and the Assessment will be held at Aberfoyle Park High School at 9.00 a.m. on Saturday 27^th February 2010.

Forms are also available from the front office of our school.

We have a few new items for you to add to your menus.
	Golden North Ice Cream Cups	$1.60
	Up and Go Milks - Vanilla, Banana & Honey	$2.00
	Sour Zings                                         Whole	0.50c
	Half	0.25c
	Gelato	$1.50
	Lemon, Strawberry, Chocolate, Mango, Vanilla
	Frozen Pineapple & Orange Juice Cups	$1.00
Reminder:  We are no longer selling  Nippy's Milks.  Oak Milks will be replacing Nippy's.  We are anxiously awaiting delivery.  Cost and flavours to be advised. We would like to extend an extra special thank you to all our volunteers both parents and students who have helped us in extreme heat conditions during the last fortnight.  Without all of you, it would have been near impossible to keep going.
Karen and Andrea

We will be holding a few fun and yummy activities this term for you to participate in.
	HOT CROSS BUNS.  Order forms will be sent out soon to pre-order for Easter.  Return to Andrea or Karen in the Canteen for next day delivery.
	TEA TOWELS.  Student Self Portraits on tea towels will be available to purchase for Mother's Day.  More information later as we are still organising this.
We would like to welcome our new mums - Krista and Jodie. Transition Morning Tea will be on Friday March 12th.  All welcome. Our next meeting will be on Wednesday 3rd March at 9.00 am. "Do what you can, with what you have, where you are."
Cheers,
Shauna - Secretary

The Chandlers Hill Kindergarten would like to invite all members of the school community to their Annual General Meeting on Thursday 25^th February at 7.00pm.

DRAFT 4                                               BELIEF STATEMENT

 

Happy Valley School is committed to:
	Providing a safe, caring, orderly and productive learning community which supports the rights of all students to learn and all teachers to teach.
	Promoting partnerships between parents, staff and students working together with the support of the wider community to ensure effective management of student behaviour.
	Providing opportunities and support for all individuals to gain skills and knowledge reflecting school values.
	Assisting students to develop the knowledge, skills and dispositions they need for positive relationships.
	Supporting staff in increasing their capabilities in providing a safe and supportive environment.
	Informing families so that they have increased knowledge of strategies, options and ideas for reinforcing safety messages and enhancing relationship skills at home.

STUDENT BEHAVIOUR MANAGEMENT PROCEDURES AT HAPPY VALLEY SCHOOL

At the beginning of each school year classroom teachers will devote some time in reviewing general School Rules and in developing a Rights and Responsibilities Plan through discussion and negotiation with the students. The Rights and Responsibilities Plan will reflect the following expectations. Students will:
	respect and follow the reasonable instructions of all School adults in both the classroom and in the yard.
	respect the rights of others to speak and to be heard
	actively listen and respond to others
	value the opinions of others
	respect the rights of students to learn and teachers to teach by demonstrating on-task behaviour
	behave in a manner which demonstrates a respect for the feelings of others
	take responsibility for their own belongings and show respect for those of others
	use equipment/resources/facilities with due care and respect
	walk at all times when moving within and around the buildings
	use language appropriate to circumstances and the school community’s expectations
	play safely at all times
	respect the games of others
	share play areas and equipment responsibly
	seek adult help when unable to resolve conflicts

Each teacher will ensure that students are fully conversant with class and general School rules. e.g. by practice, role play, discussion.

The Rights and Responsibilities Plan will be submitted to the Principal/Deputy at the beginning of the school year.

Consequences for Appropriate Behaviour
Good behaviour should and will be acknowledged in a number of ways... These can include verbal recognition, certificates, stamps, awards, class rewards, negotiated time, recognition at assemblies, sharing responsible behaviour with other teachers and whole school extended play periods and reward play.

Consequences for Inappropriate Behaviour - Stage 1 In the class teachers will incorporate a 4 step classroom behaviour management process.
	Step 1= warning,
	Step 2 = time out in the classroom, ( for minimum 10 minutes)
	Step 3 =time out in a buddy class (for minimum 20 minutes)
	Step 4 = office time out with a member of the Leadership Team
	Steps for individual children will be entered into a Weekly Class Behaviour Sheet/Behaviour Card as they occur. This sheet/Card is forwarded, by the class teacher, to the respective NIT teachers via reliable, class monitors for the commencement of each lesson and then returned to class at the end of the NIT lesson. * (In the case of extreme or violent behaviour students move to step 4 immediately)

In the yard, duty teachers may use a range of strategies for minor or low level misbehaviour. These could include
	"Green Circle"  **time out
	or
	accompanying the teacher around on duty
(** Several circles in each yard duty area are painted green. Teachers can locate children in the circle, within eye sight, for 10 minute duration.)

Time Out Consequences-Stages 2 and 3
Misbehaviour in lesson time and high-level misbehaviours in the yard will lead to Time Out consequences.

During lesson time, teachers can access Office Time Out after children have moved through all 3 classroom steps. Office Time Out will be

• a minimum 20 mins. For Yrs 3 -- 7,

• a minimum 20 mins. For Yrs R -- 2.

The Office Time Out student walks to the front office ( with a Time Out proforma for Senior Staff) accompanied by another student.

The student takes the completed proforma home and it must be signed by a parent and returned the next day to Senior Staff.

(A 'Help' card is sent to the office if the presence of Senior Staff is required to escort a severely disruptive student to the office.)

During Play Time, children who engage in high-level misbehaviour will be issued with a Time-0ut Slip and must present themselves to the Time Out Room at the next lunch time period.

(*Failure to do so will result in students making up the missed session and returning for an additional one.)

Time Out duration will be..

• 20 minutes for Junior Primary

• 25 minutes for Years 3 - 7

During this time, two teachers will be on Time Out duty in the room.
Students will be counselled about their behaviour and assisted in completing a Time Out Form.
The form will be taken home to be signed by a parent/guardian and then returned to school the next day.

*Parents will be contacted personally by a member of the Leadership Team (if their child is given a second Time Out session within a 3 week period) and a meeting with the class teacher is arranged.

Suspension Consequences-Stages 4-6

Children who continue to misbehave despite Time-Out "warnings" will be issued with a Notice of Suspension when they incur their 3^rd, cumulative, Time-Out session. (ie.Lesson and Yard Time Outs are added together)

• A one day suspension will be issued on the 1^st occasion.

• A 3 day suspension will be issued on the 2^nd occasion**

• A 5 day suspension will be issued on the 3rd occasion.

(**On the 2^nd occasion a member of the Leadership team will contact and seek support from regional office personnel. A formal referral for ISBM support is lodged if not already done so.)

The time frame applied to Suspension Consequences is:

-For Reception to Year 4 students (inclusive), a period of one term (i.e. students begin each new term with a  'clean slate.'

-For Year 5 to 7 students the cumulative period is the whole year.

**Any form of physical violence directed at another student or adult in the school and wilful damage or vandalism to school property will result in immediate suspension. (Damaged property will also need to be made good.)

A student who is suspended also loses privileges and rights afforded to them for a period of 5 school weeks following suspension. The loss of specific privileges/rights will be discussed at the re-entry meeting and included as part of the Student Development Plan. They may include one or more from (but not restricted to) the following list:

• to represent our school at any forth-coming extra curricula event (such as SAPSASA, Choir and Pedal Prix).

• Any leadership role such as SLC, Kooka Council or School Captain

• School excursions and camps

Exclusion Consequences-Stages 7 and 8
On the very rare occasions that a student will not or cannot modify his or her behaviour (despite an accumulated total of 9 days of suspension) and a 4^thSuspension period is warranted then a "Notice of Intention To Exclude" will be issued and the student is suspended for a further 5 days until a place can be negotiated for him/her to attend the Behaviour Learning or another school for a period of up to between 4 and 10 weeks. 

Summary of Behaviour Management Procedures at Happy Valley School
During Lesson Time
		Student progresses through the 3 classroom steps
		Student is sent to Office Time Out with Leadership
		minimum 20 mins.for Year 3-7
		minimum 20 mins for JP children
		At the 2nd Office Time Out the parent is asked to attend a meeting with the class teacher and a member of the Leadership team
		At the 3rd Office Time Out the student also incurs a one day Suspension and a re-entry meeting with the parents is scheduled. A Student Development Plan is negotiated.
		A 2nd Suspension is for 3 days and Regional Office personnel are informed and become part of our process.
		A 3rd Suspension is for 5 days
		A 4th Suspension is the Exclusion "trigger" and is for a further 5 day period whilst a place is negotiated at the Learning Centre or another school.
During Play Time If misbehaviour is low level
		Student is asked to sit/stand in the 'green circle' for 10 minutes or accompanies yard duty teacher and / or may do a community service such as picking up papers
If misbehaviour is of a high level
		Student is immediately sent to a 'green circle' area for the remainder of that play period and issued with a Time Out Room Slip for the next full lunch time period.

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