RHS new start and finish times for 2020 school day

As included in the last newsletter, part of looking at improving systems and structures to support student learning at Renmark High School has resulted in a review of review our school day.  We have reworked the lesson times throughout the day to maximise learning time provided to students.  While this new timetable proposal does include some internal realignment of lesson times, the noticeable change for parents in 2020 is that the RHS school day will begin 10 minutes later, starting at 8:50am, and finish ten minutes earlier, finishing at 3:20pm. This proposal is supported by staff, Governing Council and the bus committee and will begin next year.

BYOD

We have had a few parents ask if we are making students buy their own computers instead of supplying through the school.  To clarify, while the more students that do bring their own computer does free up school funds to invest in the network itself and the other technological tools that can be used by students, the BYOD option we have available is optional. We will still continue to supply school devices for shared use as we do currently.  The BYOD options we have provided do however answer the often asked question of what would I buy as a parent for my student to use at school and purchasing a computer does make a student’s computer available for both school and at-home use.  If you have any further questions please let us know.

Parent Opinion Survey

We encourage parents and caregivers to complete an opinion survey to help us in identifying our school strengths and where we can focus our improvements.  Surveys are available online however we also have hard copies available at the front desk.

https://www.schoolsurvey.edu.au/s/2019RHS

The Great Debate – Staff v Students

Anna, Charlee and Amalia took to the Chaffey Theatre stage where they battled it out against Renmark High School teachers Ms. Lael Ferguson, Mr. Michael Young and Mr. Stuart Watkinson. The topic – That Barbie dolls should be banned. The student team did not pull any punches when it came to preparation, research and rehearsal. The audience and adjudicators where very clear on the position that banning Barbie dolls should occur due to self-image and health issues surfacing in young girls and women alike. The opposition fought strongly against the banning of Barbie based upon freedom of choice, the impact on the financial position of Mattel and the loss of jobs. Adjudicators Mrs. Amy Evans and Mrs. Anita Ward took to the stage to provide feedback and announce the winning team. The student team took out the win against their teachers by 11 points.

A big thank you to the students and staff who participated in this school event. Term 4 is always busy with assessments and exams however, this did not overshadow the clear, confident and concise speeches and rebuttal constructed by all participants.

Mrs. Elliott

Literacy and Global Perspectives Leader

Year 9 French Camp

After an extra-long journey to Adelaide, following a detour due to another major dust storm, Year 9 French students were delighted to arrive at their first destination; Paris Plage, a French creperie located in Glenelg. An authentic setting, students enjoyed a little Parisian atmosphere while they enjoyed a wide variety of savoury and sweet galettes and crepes. Next stop was Seaview High School, to meet the Year 9 French class with whom we will be travelling to New Caledonia. French teacher, Natasha Mitchell (former Renmark High School French student) had prepared a range of activities for our students to practise their French while getting to know each other. Before long, the French class was a buzz of excitement, as students grappled with the same linguistic challenges and quickly overcame their initial apprehension about meeting new people.

Awaiting us on Greenhill Road, were the president and long-time club member of the Adelaide Pétanque Club. Students quickly picked up the rules of this traditional French past time and soon became very competitive, smashing the boules and cochonets. Star performer on the terrain was by far, Jake, whose performance was exceptional!

On the second day, students were tasked with documenting French food and culture at the Adelaide Central Markets, where they had to seek out their own traditional French breakfast. Some students were fortunate enough to encounter some native French speakers at various stalls! Croissants, baguettes and even tinned snails were discovered along with an impressive amount of French cheese!

Along the North Terrace walk, students made a range of discoveries about historical French connections to Adelaide and South Australia. It was here, we crossed paths with the Year 10 French Class from Playford International High School and their French teachers.

Students lunched at Carpe Diem where we came across the Year 8 French class from Bordertown High School and their French teacher also on a French discovery tour of Adelaide. Students filled up on Nutella and cream crepes, enjoying one last taste of France before we bumped into another former Renmark High School student, Kon Glykos as we were leaving the restaurant. Ironically, Kon is back at university, studying to become a French teacher!

‘It was the best two days of the year” Emma

“I’ve never seen so much cheese!” Carah

“We found a French person and he let us have a photo” Year 9 girls

Mrs Tassios - French Teacher

A highlight on the Renmark High School calendar, ‘Prom Night’ was held last Thursday, the 28^th of November, symbolising the end of a five- year high school career for the Year 12 class of 2019. 

Once again, the event was strongly supported by the Renmark community who patiently waited the arrival of these now young adults, who did not disappoint. Entertaining the crowd arriving in a variety of impressive transportation from vintage French cars to a campervan, they then wowed the crowd in a wide range of stunning gowns and suits.  

Introduced onto the red carpet by Athina Papametis and Lucinda Yates, students took the time to pose for photographers, family and friends and enjoy the spotlight at this long-awaited evening. Mrs Long was successful in capturing a wonderful group photo of the students on the riverfront. 

During the evening, students viewed a collection of images covering their five years at Renmark High School, including a special video clip from the French class of Year 9 archived by Jasmine Tassios. Lucinda Yates and principal, Mat Evans, delivered moving farewell speeches to the students, wishing them all the success in their futures. Prom King and Queen titles were taken out by Jackson Webb and Gemma Letton and Jackson Webb as voted for by staff. 

Congratulations to the Prom Committee, lead by Lucinda Yates and the stand out efforts from Hayley Edmonds and Vi Vu. 

RHS recently celebrated the achievements of a very special Renmark High School family by renaming the school gym in their honour and it will now be known as the Mickan Gym. Our SRC Representatives provided personized tours of the school to our invited V.I.P's and spoke with passion and pride at the Chaffey Theatre presentation.

It was very apparent that the Mickan family were humbled by this occasion and very proud to be Renmark High School Scholars.

The RHS Building Renaming Project, led by the 2019 SRC students and teacher Ben Files, has significant importance in the ongoing strengthening development of Renmark High School and the local community - with 8 more building renaming ceremonies scheduled for 2020.

From Pammy : Your  PCW

It’s week eight already and nearly  end of  term….Last week we had our year 7 students here visiting for transition, and it was wonderful to see them discovering new things and trying out different classes.  Our school Prom was last week and our Year 12 students were getting ready, having their hair and nails done and wearing beautiful dresses, whilst the boys are wearing great looking suits.   It is such a special time for our year 12’s as they come together to celebrate the end of High School.   It is a right of passage as they move either into a gap year, into the work force or to University, so some may choose to travel the world.  I really hope our wonderful Year 12 cohort enjoyed their time and made fabulous memories.

 There is so much to do and learn here at Renmark High School and the committed, caring teachers and staff are continually choosing excellence in all areas.   I was talking to a Year 11 student just recently and this young person was sharing their plans and dreams for the next 10 years … it was so exciting to hear of the things they are putting in place to achieve these exciting goals.   I am sure these goals will be achieved and the life they are choosing will be nothing short of amazing.  This made me think as I sit here and write to you all about the “Growth Mindset”  it goes like this….I can learn anything I want to.   When I’m frustrated, I persevere.  I want to challenge myself.  When I fail, I learn.  Tell me I try hard.  If you succeed, I’m inspired.   My effort and attitude determine everything.  Awesome, I just love that when I see that type of mindset in young people who are out there just doing it.

My thought for this week, time is like a river, you cannot touch the same water twice because the flow that has passed will never pass again.   Enjoy every moment of life, and keep smiling and be kind to each other.    Have a great week everyone…cheers Pammy