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We acknowledge that we are on the land of the First People of the Murray and Mallee.
We pay our respects to the Elders both past and present and honour the laws and customs that cross this traditional country, the ancestors who taught and still teach the knowledge that is embedded forever with the Aboriginal people today.
New Renmark High School Website
We are excited to announce that our new Renmark High School website has now launched and is available online at www.renmarkhs.sa.edu.au. We have taken some new photos to help give a snapshot of the high quality learning opportunities for students across a wide range of learning areas. We encourage you to check it out!
Reconciliation Week
This week is National Reconciliation Week (NRW). It is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.
From Reconciliation Australia:
In 2020 Reconciliation Australia marks twenty years of shaping Australia’s journey towards a more just, equitable and reconciled nation. Much has happened since the early days of the people’s movement for reconciliation, including greater acknowledgement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander rights to land and sea; understanding of the impact of government policies and frontier conflicts; and an embracing of stories of Indigenous success and contribution.
2020 also marks the twentieth anniversary of the reconciliation walks of 2000, when people came together to walk on bridges and roads across the nation and show their support for a more reconciled Australia. As always, we stand on the shoulders of those who came before us, and Australians now benefit from the efforts and contributions of people committed to reconciliation in the past. Today we work together to further that national journey towards a fully reconciled country.
Reconciliation is a journey for all Australians – as individuals, families, communities, organisations and importantly as a nation. At the heart of this journey are relationships between the broader Australian community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
We strive towards a more just, equitable nation by championing unity and mutual respect as we come together and connect with one another.
On this journey, Australians are all In This Together; every one of us has a role to play when it comes to reconciliation, and in playing our part we collectively build relationships and communities that value Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, histories and cultures.
Covid-19
It is fantastic to see our students back in classrooms, with student attendance a little higher than at this time last year. We are pleased to be able to run some essential excursions and camps again and will advise parents as these plans develop. We continue to have soap and hand sanitiser for students and our increased cleaning schedules have also continued.
Student Progress and "Traffic Lights"
One of the valuable ways at RHS to monitor student progress is the use of a "traffic light" system. Students are given a colour code according to their progress in each subject. Green indicates students who are not currently at risk, yellow indicates students who are at risk due to attendance, submission of work, or disengagement, and red shows students who are severely at risk (below expected standard).
We encourage you to log into your Daymap parent portal to check out the most recent traffic lights and to use these to prompt conversations with your child about their progress at school. Now is the time to take notice of this interim report and make changes if necessary over the next 4 weeks before end of semester grades. Please do not hesitate to contact teachers at the school with any concerns or questions, especially if you see a yellow or red light. Well done to the students who are in the green, your efforts are resulting in successful achievements.
Student Free Day
This Friday, the 5th June, is a Student Free Day. Teachers will be engaged in a professional development day with a Learning Design, Moderation and Reporting focus. Lauren Haggis from the Learning Improvement Division will be delivering a session on learning design for teachers and classroom SSOs. Ancillary staff are undertaking training in Records Management, Information Sharing Guidelines (ISG), and are sharing best practice.
Mat Evans - PrincipalFLO COOKING
In FLO we have had the opportunity to take part in ‘Skills Cooking’ lessons with Ms Kalkstein on a weekly basis. Recently, we have made chocolate mud cakes and rainbow cakes. To make each of the colours we had to separate the mixture and add different food colouring. We then had to carefully layer and swirl it back into one mixture into the log tin to bake. Once cooked, we decorated them with ganache icing with fancy sprinkles on top. Once cut, the inside looked pretty impressive, not to mention they were yummy too. Another time we made sausage rolls with Rhett. These did not last very long as they were delicious.
Written by Lizzie, Ellia, Mani - FLO Students
YEAR 10 MATHS
In Maths this term we did a unit on scatter plots. For this, we needed to create some exercise data that we wanted to record. We had to repeat the same exercise over a series of time intervals so I decided to shoot a certain number of basketball hoops.
I started shooting hoops at 30 second time intervals, and then increased each turn by 30 seconds. My final interval was 150 seconds where I needed to shoot as many hoops as possible. At each interval, I wrote down how many hoops I scored so I could use the data later.
Looking at the data, I scored the most hoops in my 120 seconds time limit. I scored seventeen shots during this time. During the 60 second time interval, I only scored four hoops, which changed my data.
Once I had all the data, I created a scatter plot looking at the shots I took and how it changed over time. I enjoyed doing this assignment because there were more hands-on parts to the task, and being a good basketballer, I could use my skills to improve my Maths.
Jacob Dawe - Year 10 student
SCIENCE
Students have been busy across all years in Science, engaging in a range of hands on experiences to support their learning. Our Year 8s have been using the context of renewable energy to learn about energy transfer and transformations. As part of this they have been using our STELR kits to run through a series of investigations using solar panels and wind turbines. They will then use this to design an experiment which focusses on wind or solar energy.
The Year 9s have focused on plate tectonics, earth quakes and volcanoes. Students took the time to consolidate their understanding of the different ways in which continental plates interact; focussing on convergent, divergent and transform boundaries. Students were able to show their understanding of each of these interactions through the use of play-dough. Students were able to link this to past learning, including evidence for continental drift from the super continent Pangea.
Jess Farrelly - Science TeacherFILM MAKING WITH YEAR 8's
Year 8 Drama students have been working on their film making skills where they have all chosen one skill to focus on to create a short film. Students have been learning about camera angles, how to use a video camera and editing with Adobe Rush.
The title of our film is 'A Cupcake Tutorial'. We taught our audience how to make cupcakes. We have been learning about how to act in front of a group, film making and camera angles. We have worked on our settings for our film, costume design and organisation. We used 5 different camera angles for our film. We’re going to do some special effects as well - Kaidee and Paityn
We have learnt about how to make a short movie and how to use camera angles to make a shot dramatic or scary. We also learnt how to act out a play, use props and outside lighting - Tenielle, Samara, Alisha.
The title of our film is ‘Being Epic on Bikes’. We have learnt about camera angles and their effect on a scene. We really enjoyed filming and editing this video - Zac and James.
Some camera angles are challenging to do but most are easy. Facing the audience is easy and it boosts your confidence. I’ve enjoyed filming, acting and shooting hoops for our film - Kane
Wendy Matulic - Year 8 Drama Teacher
Over the past 2 weeks the Year 9 Girls PE class has participated in self-defence sessions run by Mrs Elliot. The girls are being taught to be confident and how to defend and attack in various scenarios. They have developed life-long skills to stay safe and to remove themselves from dangerous situations. Mr Thiele and the Year 9 Girls PE class sincerely thank Mrs Elliot for this amazing experience.
I felt confident afterwards because during the sessions I learnt a lot of skills. I now know how to do a thigh kick and I was able to do it well, and found it easy. - Tay-Lee Steele
I learnt how to defend myself from various attacks including choke-holds, weapons, stealing your purse and many more. - Sakina Qambari
I was a bit sore afterwards but I am glad to know what to do in dangerous situations. - Amber Fenn
SCHOOL SPORT
Cross Country
With many of the Riverland high school and School Sport SA events being postponed due to the current situation, it was pleasing to hold the annual RHS Cross Country event at the end of Week 3. The event was slightly modified to minimise the number of students in one location but overall it was a success. Our numbers were similar to previous years with many students using the opportunity to be active and prepare themselves for the possible return of winter sport.
There were many highlights throughout the day which included the Year 8 students experiencing the event for the first time and the Year 12’s for one last time. The White brothers took out the U14, U16 and U20 events but one moment that stood out was the final sprint between students Adren V and Jordan G, with Jordan taking out the U/15 event.
Well done to everyone who supported their house and the event and thank you to the staff and students who assisted with the set up and official duties.
School Sport SA are holding a virtual Cross Country event (replacing the State School event at Oakbank) during week 6. Students can upload their individual times with each age group having a specific distance. For more information please see Mr Camplin or visit the School Sport SA website.
The Riverland high schools Sports Coordinators will be meeting very soon to plan the rest of 2020 and we look forward to conducting more of the annual sporting events (5 a-side soccer, 9 a-side football, tag rugby and other Knock Out Cup Sports).
Stage 1 Outdoor Education – Bushwalk
After discussing a few alternatives we received some good news last week that we can go ahead and finalise the Year 11 Outdoor Education Bushwalk. The expedition will be held at Mt Bryan (Burra) on Tuesday 16th and Wednesday 17th June (Week 8). The majority of students are looking forward to the challenge and will be keen to showcase some of the navigation and camping skills they have developed since the Kayak Expedition.
Volleyball
Students have the opportunity to participate in volleyball training during lunch (each year level has a separate day). The purpose of the training is to get students outside for some physical activity and have some fun while practising for Knockout Cup later in the year.
Please seek information from the Riverland Volleyball Association who are hoping to run a competition in Term 3.
Aaron Camplin - Health & PE
Reconciliation Week 2020 ‘In This Together’
National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.
The dates for NRW remain the same each year; 27 May to 3 June. These dates commemorate two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey— the successful 1967 referendum, and the High Court Mabo decision respectively.
This year’s theme is ‘In This Together’ and we all have a part to play in reconciliation. We all must stand up for what is right, we all must hear and value everyone, we all must work together to build upon our future.
2020 also marks the twentieth anniversary of the reconciliation walks of 2000, when people came together to walk on bridges and roads across the nation and show their support for a more reconciled Australia.
At Renmark High we have been introducing the film ‘In My Blood It Runs’ to staff and students. This has been a great resource to improve cultural awareness in our school community.
Our Aboriginal Education Team were involved in organising the staff PL (Professional Learning) session which revolved around the movie and the lives of young Aboriginal people, and how that connects with school-based education.
The Strong Futures class is hosting a ‘Race of Life’ event and has invited other classes and staff to participate. This event aims to educate our students and help them understand that everyone has their own race to run and everyone has a story.
Reconciliation must live in the hearts, minds and actions of all Australians as we move forward, creating a nation strengthened by respectful relationships between the wider Australian community, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Daniel Giles - Aboriginal Secondary Education Transition OfficerFINANCE
2020 Materials and Services Charges are now due.
All parents and caregivers owing funds for Materials and Services charges will receive an up to date statement in the mail over the next few days. If you need to apply for school card please complete the enclosed application form or visit www.sa.gov.au to apply online or for further details.
A pay by instalment plan is also an option for families requiring further time to pay or families facing financial hardship due to Covid-19.
If you require further assistance on these options please contact the Finance Officer, Sonja Modlinski or Business Manager, Karina Lambert on 85866974 or email dl.0794.finance@schools.sa.edu.au for support.
WE ARE WORLD CHAMPIONS!
Renmark High School are Language Perfect World Champions once again, taking out the title for the second time since 2013!
Competing in the category of 101-250 students, 114 passionate, enthusiastic and dedicated language students in years 8 to 11 spent 571 hours online answering 525,626 questions in 30 languages over seven days.
For the duration of the competition, we were trailing schools in New Zealand and in Melbourne. With only one day in the competition remaining, Renmark High School were 10,000 points behind.
Progress scores throughout the competition
An epic effort by our students who took to their laptops and filled computer rooms over the recess and lunch break – and then stayed on after the school bell rang out on the final day, resulting in us, not only taking out the title, but winning by over 9000 points. Phenomenal!
This year we were up against thousands of students from 56 countries from around the world, including Lebanon, Chile, Japan, Italy, Romania, Qatar, Hong Kong, Brunei and the USA.
Renmark High School placed 1st out of 521 schools globally and was the only South Australian school to feature on the Championship Board!
In South Australia, Renmark High School came first on statistical average in French out of 84 schools, outperforming schools with over 500 students competing; a magnificent achievement.
A phenomenal 73 students achieved award status this year, however, it was Year 11 student, Wyatt Neef who took out the title of Renmark High School’s top language student in 2020.
Emma S, Wyatt N, Cameron B Sophie C, Penny B
Another element of the competition this year, was the first ever, ‘intra-school’ competition set between the Year 8 French and Greek classes. Despite scores remaining close throughout the week, Mrs Papametis and her class, were the proud victors of this inaugural challenge.
Undoubtedly, the linguistic diversity of our students, as well as their keen desire to discover new and unfamiliar languages, has been rewarded and all of our students are to be congratulated for their dedication and putting Renmark High School on the international map once again!
“This EP Competition was incredible and an amazing experience. With the timer on everyone has to type, type, type. Honestly, loved this competition and next time maybe there will be more languages!!”
Sakina Q, Year 9
“This experience was amazing as I learnt heaps in just a week, the last 2 minutes of the competition was very nerve racking, I loved it- it didn't just improve my languages, it improved my keyboard typing!”
Ebony S, Year 8
Congratulations to the following students who achieved number one status for their language:
Top language student by year level;
Top Year 8 student: Penny B
Top Year 9 student: Hadlee H
Top Year 10 student: Emma S
Top Year 11 student: Wyatt N
Top student in each language;
Afrikanns, Latin, Portugese, Esperanto - Sophie C, Year 8
Arabic- Sakina Q, Year 9
Australian Languages - Sophie S Year 8
Chinese - Faith M, Year 10
Dutch, French, German, Greek, Hebrew, Italian, Thai, Zulu - Wyatt N, Year 11
Fijian - Ivan H, Year 8
Hindi, Japanese, Malay, Russian - Shamsher S, Year 11
Indonesian - Amber F, Year 9
Korean, Māori - Navdeep K Year 10
Punjabi - Jasmun K, Year 8
Samoan - Jada P, Year 8
Spanish - Cameron B, Year 11
Tongan - Matthew W Year 8
Turkish - Umut S, Year 8
Vietnamese - Ayden S, Year 8
Jasmine Sotiroulis - French and Spanish Teacher
Congratulations Jasmine Sotiroulis who entered the Education Perfect Language World Championships ‘teacher competition’. Jasmine produced a short video about Renmark High School’s participation in the championships and successes over the years, and how we have embedded this learning platform in our teaching of languages.
And, she won!
Please visit our Facebook page to view her award winning video!
Hello everyone, I personally have never known things to change so quickly and so often. Almost everything is back to 'normal' or as we hear so often the 'new normal', and how excellent our state of South Australia is doing. What a blessing it is to live in the Riverland – I know I say this a lot but it is so true…the Riverland is truly a great place to be. May I add that Renmark High School is a great high school. We have highly dedicated teachers led by a professional and committed Executive Leadership Team. Speaking about dedication, I wanted to write about the following:
Being a parent is one (there are many others) of the best, most wonderful things you can experience. From the moment your child is born, yours is the first smile they see as you gaze down with love, at your new child. Being a parent is a huge responsibility as you take this little human home and begin to teach them what they need to know to survive in this world. Whether you are aware of it or not, your child is learning from you, how to speak, walk and interact with others, deal with conflict and how to regulate their emotions. They also learn from you what is important in life, and how to value themselves and others, and to show empathy. When you think about it, parents have a huge responsibility.
I applaud every one of our Renmark High School parents! You are brave, courageous and you do a wonderful job. Each day I come to RHS and I see the results of the love and care that you, the parents, have put into your children already. Be proud of yourselves and be proud of your amazing children. They are growing into wonderful humans.
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 in life. Keep smiling at everyone you meet.
Pammy Main - Pastoral Care Worker
LOST PROPERTY
With the cooler weather most definitely upon us, we start to see an increase in lost property, particularly jumpers and jackets.
To assist us in finding their owners, please label all clothing with student names.
If your child has lost an item please ask them to visit Student Services during their recess or lunch break.
SCHOOL EXEMPTIONS
If your student has a planned absence of 3 days or longer, i.e. for family travel, the school is required to have an exemption form completed prior to the absence. An exemption application form can be collected from Student Services and must be approved by the Principal.
Students absent for an extended amount of time must make contact with their teachers to ensure their absence does not impact negatively on their studies, particularly Year 10, 11 and 12 students.
Please give at least 2 weeks notice, where possible, for the exemption to be approved.
SCHOOL UNIFORM
Parents and students committed to Renmark High School’s uniform policy when they enrolled in our school.
Please ensure your child is attending school in full school uniform. Denim and sportswear are not part of the school uniform.
Blue pants and track pants can be purchased from both Tri-State Graphics and Yates Menswear Renmark. Online orders are available on the Tri-State Graphics website
Students can wear plain blue bottoms from any store however brand names are not permitted.
Please also check the length of shorts that your child may be wearing. The acceptable length is half way above the knee.
If you need support in purchasing or sourcing pants or a jumper for your student, please contact Mr. Files or Ms. Yates who will happily assist families in need.
Dungeons and Dragons Club meet on Wednesdays of week 6, 8 and 10 between 3:30pm - 5:30pm. All students are welcome! - Stuart Watkinson
Is your child enthusiastic about playing, learning, or listening to music?
The Music room will be open every Wednesday at lunch time for students to play some instruments with other students. With the piano, guitar, drums and other instruments available, students have the opportunity to experience the magic of music without commiting to purchasing an instrument. Hidden talents may be discovered!
“A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies . . . The man who never reads lives only one.” – George R.R. Martin
