Welcome to another exciting year at Renmark High School! It is with great pleasure that I extend a warm welcome to all our new students and families, particularly our year 7 cohort embarking on their journey with us. We are thrilled to have you join our school community and are committed to providing you with a supportive and enriching educational experience.

As we settle into the new academic year, it has been wonderful to witness the enthusiasm and dedication of our students and staff towards teaching and learning, embodying our school values of respect, connect, and achieve. The classrooms are buzzing with energy, and it is heartening to see everyone embracing new challenges and opportunities for growth.

This week, our year 7 students will embark on a memorable adventure at our annual year 7 camp, where they will have the opportunity to connect with their peers, build lasting friendships, and demonstrate respect for each other in a collaborative environment. The camp experience fosters teamwork, resilience, and the values that underpin our school community.

I would also like to extend my gratitude to all students who participated in our recent swimming carnival, where our school values of respect and achieve were prominently displayed. It was a day filled with spirited competition and teamwork, highlighting the importance of connecting with one another while striving for excellence. Congratulations to Chaffey as the winning house for their outstanding performance and sportsmanship, exemplifying our values in action.  Well done to Sturt for being a very close second place.

As we continue to foster a positive and inclusive learning environment we continue to embed our Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) initiative. Our theme for the first few weeks of this term has been "Be Prepared, On Time, and Ready to Learn," which aligns closely with our values of respect, connect, and achieve. It is heartening to see many of our students embodying these values each day, contributing to a conducive learning atmosphere for all.

In closing, I encourage all students to continue approaching each day with enthusiasm, curiosity, and a willingness to embrace new opportunities, while upholding our school values of respect, connect, and achieve. Renmark High School is not just about academic achievements but also about personal growth and development.

Thank you for your ongoing support and involvement in our school community. Together, let's make this year a memorable and rewarding one for everyone.

Parent Representatives

With our AGM coming up in week 5, I extend an invitation to you to become an integral part of our school community by joining our Governing Council as a parent representative. The Governing Council plays a vital role in shaping the direction and policies of our school, ensuring that the voices and perspectives of parents, staff, and the broader community are heard and considered. As a parent representative, you will have the opportunity to contribute to important decisions that impact the education and wellbeing of our students.

Your involvement in the Governing Council will provide you with a platform to actively engage in discussions and initiatives related to curriculum development, school policies, budgeting, and community engagement. Your insights and contributions will be invaluable in helping us create a supportive and enriching learning environment for all our students.

We believe that the success of our school relies on the collaboration and partnership between parents, staff, and the wider community. By joining the Governing Council, you will play a crucial role in strengthening this partnership and ensuring that the needs and interests of our students are at the forefront of our decision-making processes.

If you are passionate about making a positive difference in the lives of our students and are interested in becoming a parent representative on the Governing Council, please express your interest by contacting the front office.

We look forward to welcoming you to our Governing Council and working together to shape the future of Renmark High School.

Regards,

Mat Evans
Principal

The senior classes have made an excellent start to the year. This year we have 60 year 12 and 80 year 11 students. I have changed and corrected a number of subject choices based upon student career aspirations and their capacity for success. This should now have settled for the year.

There are a number of programs and events that will run throughout the year. Students are expected to attend Beyond Tomorrow and check their Daymap to find out what is available to them. These are just a few of the ways we will be supporting students this year.

Academic Coaching

Teachers at the school volunteer to be an academic coach for the year 12 students. They meet with them throughout the year to support with time management, subject issues, well being, SACE completion and career advice. This is then noted for other teachers to act upon.

Studiosity

This year the school has again engaged with Studiosity. They provide one on one online help for the following subjects: Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Biology and English. They also provide a drafting and editing role for all subjects where a student will be able to upload any written assignment and seek feedback from an expert. They will receive this within 24 hours, often less. This will then allow for the student to receive two drafts, one initially from Studiosity and then one from their subject teacher. Students have been shown how this works and we hope they will make good use of this. 

Elevate Program

Elevate Education will be hosting a free webinar series on Wednesday 14 February from 6.30pm for parents to keep their child motivated at school. Elevate Education works with students, delivering high impact workshops on study skills, motivation, wellbeing, and exam preparation. By tuning into their webinar series you will learn how you can help better support your children at home through reinforcing the skills they learn at school.

They will cover:

• Using praise and reassurance to motivate your child   
• Setting relevant and effective goals for your child   
• Helping your child to stay motivated long-term  

Register your place in our parent support series (elevateeducation.com)

For more information about Elevate Education, visit: https://au.elevateeducation.com/home

Supervised Study

Renmark High School provides supervised quiet spaces for senior students to use in their allocated study lines. At the end of semester one, students who have shown strong academic success will be able to take up the home study option with parent permission. Year 12 students may have home study if they have study lessons in the morning or at the end of the day. Students are not to leave school grounds in the lessons in between recess and lunch, and in break times. It is also not a time to be seen down the street. Year 12 students may also find these times useful to be at school where they can have access to their subject teachers, work in collaborative groups and also have access to spaces they may want to use eg. Tech Studies workshop, Art Room, Digital Media space, Music suite and the new Podcast room.

Medicine - Zoe Siviour

Thank you to Zoe Siviour who was our 2023 Dux at Renmark High School, who visited our senior students last Wednesday to discuss her study tips, medicine pathway and how she prioritised her time in year 11 and 12. 

University Camp

This year we will again provide a university camp to Adelaide for year 12 students. The program will include visits to most of the universities as well as boarding colleges. It will also include getting acquainted with the city of Adelaide. Students who are on a university pathway and have shown a strong academic start to the year will be considered. The year 12 camp will be in week 11 this term, from Wednesday 10 April - 12 April. Expressions of interest were taken last year and more information will be coming soon.

There will be many more chances for students to plan for their post school pathway and parent support with that is always appreciated. Please contact me at the school, via Daymap or email if you would like to discuss any future options for your child.

Riverland and Mallee Vocational Awards

Well done to Jade C (left) on winning the Riverland and Mallee Vocational VET Student of the Year Award on Friday night at the Riverland and Mallee Vocational Awards at the Berri Hotel. Jade completed her Certificate III in Individual Support while completing year 12 in the VET Schools program in 2023. 

Congratulations to Temika M, who was also a finalist in the Riverland VET Student of the Year Awards and past student, Janis Richter who was nominated as a finalist and completed her Certificate III in Business throughout 2023 in our front office administration. 

I look forward to sharing more senior news and student success stories throughout 2024.

Regards,

Marina Pater
Assistant Principal
Director of Operations

How great do our new values look throughout the school!? You may have noticed a fresh touch of colour as you enter our school grounds. 
In the recent school holidays, Rivergraphics installed:

• new value posts along our main entrance
• our crest and values on the Elaine Balfour-Ogilvy Library
• new value posts along bus bay entrance

A huge thank you to Blak Scarlett for the unique Aboriginal artwork featured in the designs of the value posts that align with our school values - respect, connect, achieve.

Hi students and families,

For those who don’t know me, my name is Alicia Thackray, and I am the Social Worker based here at Renmark High School. This is now my third year here at this wonderful school and I cannot wait to see what 2024 brings!

In my role, I can support students through both academic and personal challenges. I am able to provide both group and individual support to help students build resilience, address and support concerns relating to wellbeing and mental health and to navigate challenges that affect their day-to-day lives. I am involved in a variety of activities, some of which include interaction with students through groups, assessments, counselling, home visits, and school events. However, some of the activities will also involve consulting with staff and/or meeting with parents. I can also support families in accessing external supports such as headspace, CAHMS and Relationships Australia.  

Students receiving support are encouraged to inform their parents they have received support from me and, when appropriate, to discuss the interaction with me with their families. I communicate to students the limits to confidentiality and that certain information may need to be shared, especially when it involves risk to themselves or others.

Students can book appointments via Daymap or through the Student Service Office. Families can get in touch with me via Daymap, phoning the school or via email at alicia.thackray687@schools.sa.edu.au.

Alicia Thackray
Social Worker

Swimming Carnival

Since the drought-breaking win by Chaffey in 2019, everyone was wondering whether fourth time's the charm! However, Sturt, Murray and Tintra were eager to knock Chaffey off the 'first' podium in 2024.

After the nomination assembly, house captains worked together and communicated with the PE staff to select their teams for the event. The attendance numbers for the event have fluctuated, making it difficult for the house captains during the selection process. A goal for our house captains was to have every lane filled throughout the day.   

The conditions were perfect and as usual, the Renmark Swimming Centre looked great. It was great to see plenty of red, green, blue and yellow around. A big thank you again to the Renmark Vitor Swimming Club families who assisted with the setup and pack up, along with the usage of equipment. The big question for the day was “Can Chaffey make to four? Who will be the 2024 Swimming Champions?”

Even though there were a few lanes missing competitors throughout the day (due to various reasons), all house captains stayed positive and continued to work hard throughout the day. There were many highlights and great contests between the houses, students and the overall spirit of everyone involved. Whether it was your first carnival as a year 7 student or last as a year 12 student, all who attended had a great day competing, cheering, catching up with friends and, ultimately, supporting their captains in the swimming and splash events.

Many students - Madden H, Sarah W, Emme L, Courtney W, Noah M and Heath F all scored maximum points (or close to it) for their age group. Congratulations to all the students who achieved a place on the day along with the age cup winner. The most pleasing part of the day was the efforts from everyone who was involved, as every point contributed to your team.

Renmark High School swimming team is excited to attend Interschool Swimming at the Loxton Swimming Pool on Monday 19 February. School Sport SA Championships will be hosted in Adelaide at the SA Aquatic and Leisure Centre in Marion on Wednesday 28 February, where Renmark High School will be competing in the C grade category against other South Australian high schools.

Thank you to the Renmark Vitor Swimming Club and our sponsors - McDonalds Renmark, Renmark Club, BusBiz, Hotel Renmark, Hoops Auto & 4WD Centre, Nutrien Water, Almondco, Priceline Pharmacy, Tristate Graphics, and AA Canvas and Shades for your continued support.

Upcoming Sport Events

• Interschool Swimming Carnival hosted at Loxton Swimming Pool - Monday 19 February (week 4) 
• Sports Day event nominations Friday 23 February (week 4)
• Adelaide Swimming Competition - Wednesday 28 February (week 5)
• 1500m run - Tuesday 27 February (week 5)
• 800m run - Wednesday 6 March (week 6)
• Sports Day - Friday 8 March (week 6)
• Interschool Athletics - Tuesday 26 March (week 9)
• Adelaide Athletics - Friday 5 April (week 10)

All students are encouraged to come along and support their house! 

Regards,

Aaron Camplin 
Leader of HPE and Sports

Our friendly library staff - Alistair, Sharen and Kerrie.

The Elaine Balfour-Ogilvy library is located next to Student Services and is versatile in many ways! Pop in and say hello to our friendly library staff. Open from 8.45am - 4pm Monday - Friday, closed at recess, with some activities happening at lunch time. 

Borrowing Information
Use your ID Card or the borrower barcode on your school diary to borrow resources or equipment from the library.

• Borrowing Items
  Junior school students (7-8) can borrow up to 8 items.
  Middle school students (9-10) can borrow up to 10 items.
  Senior school students (11-12) can borrow up to 20 items.

• • Books (Fiction) - 4 week loan
  • Books (Non Fiction) - 4 week loan
  • eBook Readers (Kindle) - 2 week loan
  • Equipment - Lesson loan
  • Class sets - either term, semester or year loan

You will receive a friendly reminder via Care Group when your items are overdue.

Renewals
If you still require an item for a longer time it can be renewed once unless someone else has reserved it. Please see the library staff if you wish to renew your item.

Returning Items
Books and equipment can be returned through the returns slot in the library circulation desk. If you are returning a text book we would prefer that you give it directly to library staff so that we can let you know that you have returned the text book borrowed in your name.

The Renmark High School library website (https://renmarkhs.sa.libguides.com/library)

Students can access a variety of library services and information from our website. These include our latest new books, Premier's Reading Challenge information, digital reading magazines SpineOut and Good Reading, links to book review sites and databases. The library catalogue (available from the quick links box) can also be searched from home using the student’s unique barcode beginning with B0794 (no password required). This barcode is on both the student’s school diary and/or ID card.

Premier’s Reading Challenge (PRC)

The Premier Reading Challenge started on the first day back at school, and all students can participate. Student reading records can be picked up from the library or downloaded from the RHS library website at http://renmarkhs.sa.libguides.com/books/prc.

The Book Club

The Book Club meets twice a term to discuss books and reading and is available to any interested students.

Access to Technology

• Clickview (digital video collection)
• WiFi internet access
• Desktop computers for research and study
• Laptop computers (for use in the library only)
• eBook readers (Kindles)
• Digital video cameras
• Digital voice recorders
• Headphones loaned for learning needs only
• A variety of device cords for downloading
• Colour/black and white photocopying
• Scanning (you need your USB)
• Colour/black and white printing
• Reseting your curriculum email passwords

Newspaper and Magazine Access - eLibrary
Locate credible and reliable information for your research needs 24/7 in a variety of subjects. This online database includes fulltext national and interna-tional newspapers and journals. In addition, it contains information from reference books, journals, books, web-sites, pictures, maps, video and interactive simulations.
Click on the link from the Quick links box on the RHS library webpage. See our friendly library staff for the username and password. 

In the main entrance of our Elaine Balfour-Ogilvy Library, a mural has been installed by Rivergraphics honouring the late Elaine Balfour-Ogilvy. We are honoured to share her story and achievements as part of Renmark High School's history.

Trash novel study – Google Earth tour

Our year 8 class is currently studying ‘TRASH’, a novel about a group of young trash pickers in a developing country who find something extraordinary in the rubbish. For students to understand the geography of the novel’s setting, they completed a Google Earth tour, visiting some of the key locations in the novel and watched embedded videos, read articles, and did creative writing tasks to better understand and empathise with the characters.

Alistair Ward
Year 8 English Teacher

Galette des Rois
Year 11 and 12 French students participated in the tradition of the 'Galette des Rois' (King's Cake) this week. Celebrated in France during the month of January, its origin is can be traced back to the 13^th Century in France. Inside one slice of the 'galette' is a 'fève' or charm which brings good luck to the recipient who is crowned 'king' for the day. This year the winner was Fletcher who then chose Meegan to be queen. Bon Appétit!

Jasmine Sotiroulis
French and Spanish Teacher

If you have any further general enquiries or questions, please contact our front office administration. 

Careers Counsellors make an invaluable contribution to helping secondary school students achieve their goals. In recognising the vital role you play, we feel we should make our organisation known to you, since our aim is in line with yours: helping students gain entry into the course of their choice.

As you may be aware, the UCAT (University Clinical Aptitude Test) is required for entry into most medicine and dentistry courses across Australia and New Zealand. Students who wish to enter such courses in 2025 will need to sit UCAT in 2024.  

MedEntry is run by doctors and academics, and is the trusted leader in UCAT preparation. We provide resources for Careers Counsellors which can be accessed from MedEntry's teacher portal. Here you can find resources to pass onto your students (including a Medical Entry Handbook, 2 hour UCAT bootcamp and information sheets / posters), as well as resources to assist Careers Counsellors (including a recorded information seminar - a live event will be held on 6th March). As a Careers Counsellor, you can also nominate students for discounts and scholarships, as well as request free educational events. 

Many students mention in their evaluations that they wish they had known about MedEntry earlier. We therefore seek your assistance in making students aware of the services we provide by placing an article in your school newsletter or careers website along these lines:

Students interested in pursuing medicine and dentistry need to sit the UCAT test in July/August 2024. MedEntry is a government-accredited Registered Training Organisation specialising in UCAT preparation. MedEntry offers free resources, discounts of 40% for groups of two or more, and many other discounts including for those nominated by their teacher. For more information, please visit www.medentry.edu.au