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.

Chief Executive Visit

Last Tuesday we were visited by Rick Perrse, the Chief Executive of Department for Education, and Roy Page the Principal of Heathfield High School. They were here as part of a tour through some Riverland school and preschool sites.  Rick was impressed with our school, the layout and look of our learning spaces, and how we are prepared for the present and future needs of students. 

2021 South Australian Secondary Teacher of the Year Award Finalist

Congratulations to Digital Media teacher Jodi Long, who was recently named as one of three finalists for the prestigious “2021 South Australian Secondary Teacher of the Year Award”! This recognition is well deserved, our school community members are very proud of Jodi’s dedication to her students not only this year but every year. We look forward to the announcement of the Public Education Awards to be held in November, we wish you the best of luck Jodi!

Student Free Day - Awesome Learning Collaborations

Last week we had teachers and ancillary staff from across the five Riverland schools, Renmark, Glossop, Loxton, Waikerie and Swan Reach for a day of professional development. Teaching staff were involved in workshops with Dr Misty Andoniou, a literacy expert, who worked with staff in developing our skills in teaching the literacy and language of our individual subject areas. Ancillary staff were part of a range of workshops including records management / finance, our department's new software, Workplace Health and Safety, and marketing and promotions.  It was fantastic to have the five schools together as a networking opportunity to continue to build the collaborative strength of our five Riverland secondary sites.

R U OK Day

Last Thursday was R U OK Day, a good chance to remind us of the importance of checking-in, but please don’t forget we don’t need a “day” to check in on our families, friends, students, colleagues and ourselves. We can do this anytime!  You don't need to be an expert to reach out - just a good friend and a great listener. Use these four steps and have a conversation that could change a life:

1. Ask R U OK?
2. Listen
3. Encourage action
4. Check in

Don’t forget that we have many staff who can support student wellbeing at school, including our Wellbeing Leader Ben Files, full time Social Worker Alicia Thackrey, Aboriginal Secondary Transition and Education Officer Daniel Giles, Pastoral Worker Pammy Main, and Attendance and Engagement officer Tara Camilleri. Please refer to them for support as required.

Parent Teacher Interviews Rescheduling

Due to current COVID restrictions and DfE requirements limiting the number of community members we are allowed to have on site at the moment, we have decided to postpone parent teacher interviews until Thursday 14th October in week 1 of term 4. If you have concerns about your child’s progress you do not need to wait until next term. Please do not hesitate to contact teachers via telephone or message via DAYMAP. 

COVID

It is important that the school has the most up-to-date contact details (including phone number and email addresses) for all parents/carers so they can be quickly contacted in the event of a temporary closure or regional closure.   We also require students to stay home if they are unwell and if they have symptoms of COVID-19, no matter how mild – please get tested.  Please take some time this week to make sure that students can find their subject information in DAYMAP, that they can upload assessments, and can access Microsoft TEAMS and Learnlink emails.  If there are any troubles with this please have the students contact their teachers or please contact us on their behalf.  We are really appreciative of our students, families and staff who have been extraordinarily supportive throughout this pandemic to ensure continuity of learning for students, so thank you.

Mat Evans - Principal

Preparing for Year 12 Exams

The end of year exams are approaching quickly and students have begun to prepare in earnest with electronic exam trials running this week. Teachers have offered additional study sessions to students and are beginning to undertake practice and preparation for exams during lesson times.

Check out these helpful steps to help get on the right track for study

Step 1: Set yourself up in the right environment

• Find a place or places where you can minimise distractions. If this isn’t possible at home, consider the school library or your local library.
• Make sure you have enough space, light, and quiet.
• Switch off your phone (or put it on silent) and avoid social media while you study.

Step 2: Set goals and plan your schedule

• Include your commitments (lessons, but also sport, part-time work, and family outings).
• Find time for any other items you want or need to factor into your schedule.
• Don’t forget eating and exercise – along with plenty of sleep, a sensible diet and exercise are important for your health and well-being.
• Remember to make time for catching up with friends, or just watching TV and relaxing.

Step 3: Understand what works best for you

You may not study in exactly the same way as your friends or siblings, so you should find a routine that suits you. Many students seek advice from teachers and counsellors about how to plan a routine that suits them and their schedules.

• You may already know how you prefer to study (and your Personal Learning Plan will help with this, too).
• Plan your study routine and schedule according to how you like to study.

Step 4: Make a timetable and stick to it

• Include milestones such as holidays, assignment due dates and exams in your schedule as soon as you can.
• Create your study timetable around these dates so you give yourself time to study.
• Most successful students say it helps to divide work into small pieces rather than one large chunk, so it feels achievable.
• Spread the tasks out so that your study is varied between simple and challenging tasks.
• Set yourself achievable weekly goals and try to stick to them.
• If something unexpected happens and you don't achieve what you had planned, revise your timetable and get back on track as soon as possible.

Anytime: Ask for help (and take care of yourself!)

School isn’t always smooth sailing. It's important to look after your physical and mental wellbeing — you shouldn't feel alone.

• Ask family, friends or teachers for help or just a sympathetic ear if you’re feeling overwhelmed or stressed.
• Ask family members and friends to test your knowledge, and arrange group revision sessions if you’re the type of student who likes to bounce ideas off other people.
• Teachers can help you identify what you should focus on before tests and other assessment tasks.
• If you’re looking for external help, headspace provides young people and families with information about mental health issues.
• Reachout.com has lots of tips about studying, managing stress and life in general, from everyday issues to tough times.

Renmark High School recently welcomed a group of pre-service teachers from the University of Adelaide over the last week, who observed our classes, interacted with teachers and supported students where possible, as a part of their studies.

One of the teachers, Nargis, was very enthusiastic to meet with our Afghan background students.

In light of the unfolding of events in Afghanistan over recent weeks, she was particularly interested in meeting our students to speak with them in Dari, their first language, about the impact this situation has had on them, particularly as most still have family living in parts of the country.

A minority group in rural South Australia, it was truly a wonderful opportunity for our Afghan students to be able to connect with someone from their community here in Australia studying to become a teacher.

As a parting gesture, Nargis made each of the girls a small gift. Mariam, Shikabah and Sakinna were all very surprised, yet delighted and grateful for such a kind, thoughtful gesture.

One of the most wonderful aspects of our Renmark High School community is our rich and diverse multicultural student population, from which all students and staff benefit, learn and grow. As a teacher at Renmark High School, I was immensely proud to support the facilitation of this lovely interaction and exchange between our students and pre-service teachers in the classroom.

Jasmine Sotiroulis - French & Spanish Teacher

SA Cross Country

After some solid performances at the Renmark High School, Interschool and School Sport SA Cross Country events held in Term 2, Year 12 student Haylee was invited to represent South Australia at the National Championships. Due to the COVID-19 outbreaks, hot spot declarations and border closures, all School Sport Australian Championships for 2021 have been cancelled although as South Australia were the host for the 2021 event, SSSA were keen to conduct the National Championships (just S.A. students) at Victoria Park.

The Victoria Park course was a challenging 2km loop with some tight turns and open straights on uneven ground. It provided a great spectacle as the athletes made their way through the tree-lined western side of the course, before escaping from the scrub for the finish.

Haylee competed in the U20’s event where she was required to run a total of 6km (3 full loops). She mentioned that it was a challenge, but after competing in these events over many years of her schooling, her experience and fitness from her training made it slightly easier. Haylee was very pleased to finish 3^rd overall.

Well done to Haylee.

Community Sport

As a state and region we have been very fortunate that our local sports have gone ahead with only a small break due to the lockdown. Over the past few weeks we have had many staff and students involved in a variety of sports with many of them achieving success as a team and/or individually. Congratulations to everyone and all the best for those involved in the soccer finals this week.

Aaron Camplin - Health & Physical Education Coordinator

MATERIALS AND SERVICE CHARGES FOR 2022

You’re invited to attend the Governing Council meeting on Wednesday the 27th of October at 7pm in the Elaine Balfour-Ogilvy Library. The meeting will give the opportunity for parents, caregivers and students to discuss and comment on the Materials and Services Charges for 2022.

If unable to attend, you can express your views in writing to the Chairperson of the Governing Council, via the following email address: dl.0794.finance@schools.sa.edu.au by COB Friday the 22^nd of October.

Please note: Renmark High School is requesting to keep fees at the Department for Education standard rate of $334 for the 2022 school year.

Karina Lambert - Business Manager