We have had a busy term two with a wide range of student activities. This has included Knock Out Football and Volleyball competitions, Stage 1 Outdoor Education local canoe expedition and a bushwalk at Mt Crawford, Stage 2 Outdoor Education surf trip, Riverland and Adelaide Cross Country, a visit from the Spanish Embassy, presentations from organisations including Ski for Life, MFS, Australian Defence Force, SAPOL, SA Ambulance, and Universities, SANTOS Aboriginal Power Cup, Global Languages Competition, calves visiting for 'Cows Create Careers' program, Year 6 Transition visit, Mountain Bike Championship, lunchtime sport competitions and much more!

Shark Tank Win!
Congratulations to Mrs Atsaves’ year 10 Enterprise 'River Rats' team who won the National Title in the Shark Tank eSchool Competition in the general category. Well done to Students Cooper S, Ollie L, Leela W and Grace A for this significant achievement – see the article in this newsletter for more details.

World's Greatest Shave

Last newsletter I congratulated staff and students who participated in the World's Greatest Shave. At that stage we had raised just over $3000. We are excited to announce that our fundraising team has achieved a total just short of $5500 for the Leukaemia Foundation! This is an incredible effort from our school community.

Thank you to teacher Rachel Dunn for instigating this fundraiser, to the many helpers that assisted, to staff and students who raised the money, and many thanks to Invictus Barber Lounge Renmark for assisting on the day.

Personal Behaviour for Learning (PBL)

As part of our Positive Behaviour for Learning program, we have been delivering a PBL lesson to students every two weeks. Examples of these PBL lessons have been 'being on time and ready to learn' and 'speaking with kindness'. Rewards points are issued to students who display these behaviours and, due to student success they have earnt school wide rewards this term including a sausage sizzle earlier in the term and hot chocolates at lunch time today. By demonstrating our school values of Respect, Connect and Achieve, our students have earnt 10,274 rewards points this year!

NAIDOC week
The first week of the holidays from 7 July to 14 July, is National NAIDOC Week. NAIDOC week celebrations are held across Australia in the first week of July each year (Sunday to Sunday), to celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

NAIDOC Week is an opportunity for all Australians to learn about First Nations cultures and histories and participate in celebrations of the oldest, continuous living cultures on earth. This year’s theme is Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud & Proud, and this is explained by the National NAIDOC committee: The fire represents the enduring strength and vitality of Indigenous cultures, passed down through generations despite the challenges faced. It is a symbol of connection to the land, to each other, and to the rich tapestry of traditions that define Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. As we honour this flame, we kindle the sparks of pride and unity, igniting a renewed commitment to acknowledging, preserving, and sharing the cultural heritage that enriches our nation. 

We will be undertaking some activities at school and we encourage our students and families to get involved themselves in the community NAIDOC week activities held in the first week of the holidays.

Subject offerings in Semester 2
Students in year 9 to 12 have recently confirmed their subject choices for next term. We are offering two new SACE units for semester two in collaboration with St Peters College for Cyber Security and the Department for Education and Adelaide 36ers collaboration for a 'Leadership Through Sport' program.

$200 Discount on 2025 School Fees
As part of the 2024-25 State Budget, eligible families will receive a $200 discount per child on their public school’s materials and services charge for 2025. This is double the discount provided for 2022, 2023 and 2024. Please see the below parent letter from Minister Boyer for more details.

Australian Business Week
Australian Business Week (ABW) is here again for year 11 students next week. During ABW students are in teams of 12 and assume management roles to run a virtual company, making important business decisions as they compete against other teams. For these year 11 students the program replaces the regular curriculum for a week, allowing students to immerse themselves in the experience for maximum learning potential. It can count for 10 credits towards their SACE so it requires commitment and significant effort for the week but it’s a terrific learning experience and is also great fun!

Future Planning Expo
Please mark in your diaries our Futures Planning Expo night for Wednesday 21August. This is an important night for students currently in year 9, 10 and 11, providing information and support in planning for senior school pathways in 2025 and beyond. It will be a chance to have a look through our school's different learning areas and to ask questions of staff around subject choices. Keep an eye out for more details early next term on our Facebook page for more details.

Uniform
As the weather is getting colder, the standard of our uniform has slipped for some students. Please use some time in the holidays to have a good look for uniform jumpers and uniform suitable pants, or purchase a new one ready for term 3.

• Tri State Graphics - 216 Renmark Ave, Renmark. Phone: 8586 5815.
• Yates Menswear - 127 Murray Ave, Renmark. Phone 8586 6121.

Enjoy the break, and stay safe! Senior students make the most of the two weeks and we will see you all next term!

Mat Evans
Principal

To support our current year 11 and 12s the school has been visited by a number of tertiary and other career pathways organisations.

University Opportunities
University of Adelaide visited the school earlier this term offering great insight into the courses and opportunities that they can support students with as they begin their next journey.

UniSA will be visiting us early next term to showcase their courses and answer any questions. This will be the last group of students who will apply for the two separate universities as in 2026 they will combine to form Adelaide University.

Flinders University have also continued to visit and offered their 'Inspire' program where any students looking at university courses are being mentored by current Flinders students studying in the same field.

Last week, Renmark High School was the proud host of the second Flinders University Roadshow held in the Riverland. 150 senior students from Berri Regional Secondary College, Loxton High School and Waikerie High School visited and were grouped based on their various choices. Each group moved through four rostered sessions during the day where university experts gave in-depth talks about what each course involves. The sessions included Allied Health, Computing, Creative Writing and Publishing, Design and Technology, Education, Law, Medicine and Public Health, Natural Science, Nursing and Screen, Film and TV. We also had a visit from the Flinders University Solar 'FAST' car, which students could view in their break times. 

We had some great student feedback:

"The presenters were fun and interactive. It was great to learn about the university courses available" - Mia

"I loved the Screen, Film and TV session! It was fun to see the behind the scenes and how a film set works." - Khushmeen

"The Nursing session was fantastic and gave me a great outlook on my future plans for studying in the Riverland at the rural Flinders University clinic." - Temika

We would like to thank Flinders University, their presenters, and the surrounding Riverland schools for a fantastic and informative day!

Defence Forces
The Defence Force visited us with the Navy, Army and Air Force all being represented. They discussed general entry requirements, the types of trades available as well as ADFA leadership opportunities. There is also a gap year program that may suit some of our students.

SATAC Applications
We will support students with their SATAC applications when all the information arrives next term. I suggest that any interested students do some research online on the selected university websites. There is plenty of useful information about courses, applications, accommodation, scholarships and other general support networks.

University Open Days
Open days for all universities will give students and parents another opportunity to visit campuses as well as checking out accommodation options.

Dates are as follows:

• UniSA- Sunday 11 August
• University of Adelaide- Sunday 11 August
• Flinders University - Bedford Park - Friday 9 August and Saturday 10 August
• Flinders University - City Campus - Sunday 11 August

I encourage parents and students to visit the university websites prior to visiting to see what is happening at each campus on the day.

Year 12 transition to 2025
We are continously supporting senior students with updating resumes and job searching through local advertisements and apprenticeship support networks. Our aim is for every Renmark High School student to successfully move into their next stage of life with a successful transition to university, TAFE, apprenticeships and/or local jobs.

Year 12 mid year exams

Throughout week 10, year 12 students will be participating in their mid year exams from 1 July - 5 July. Below is a detailed timetable. Parents and students have received a timetable. All exams will be hosted in Porter Administration Building (Senior Study) at the indicated times listed below.

Australian Business Week

Australian Business Week will be held during the whole of week 10 this term, from Monday 1 July – Friday 5 July. Normal year 11 lessons will not run during this time. All year 11 students are expected to attend each day from 8.40am–3.20pm.  Students are not required to wear school uniform during ABW as they take on the roles of ‘business people’ and as such are expected to wear appropriate attire.

Please read below letter to parents for further information.

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

Marina Pater
Assistant Principal
Director of Operations

Aboriginal Education

The SAASTA Connect program has grown by 50% this year with 15 students accessing the class each week. Run by ASETOs Daniel Giles and Uncle Barney Lindsay and AET Wayne Elliott, the class provides an opportunity for students to get together and connect with their culture. The class is offered to students in years 7-9 and is a pathway towards SAASTA in year 10.

We have approximately 10 students also engaging in a Men’s Group with Uncle Barney each week. Sessions focus on health, connection and identity and have proven to be a highlight for many young men.

We have held another highly successful community event with our Closing the Gap event in term 1. Daniel invited a range of external services providers to come onsite and talk to families about services and opportunities they may not have previously been aware of. It also gave us the opportunity to seek feedback from families on the things that are working for their students and the areas we can improve on. We had to postpone our Firepit Night this year because of inclement weather. This has been rescheduled to week 3 next term, Thursday 8 August.

AET Martine Turnbull is involved in a SACE Pilot Program, looking at ways to include authentic Aboriginal learning in a student’s SACE pattern. This is an exciting initiative, and we hope to be able to share more information in the near future.

FLO Program

The Flexible Learning Options (FLO) program has been at full capacity this semester with a range of services and curriculum offerings being taken up by students. While most students enrolled in the program attend two days a week to complete SACE requirements including literacy and numeracy, other students are supported by Youth Worker Kyla Wade through Case Management and general wellbeing. Successes have included students setting up bank accounts, acquiring a tax file number, accessing their birth certificate, and police checks for employment as well as achieving their White Card and Driver’s Licence. A highlight of this year has been that 24% of students have gained employment while 21% are now actively seeking employment.

Student Support, Attendance and Engagement

Our Learning Hub space continues to be well-utilised with over 115 students accessing the space over term 2 (this only includes Monday, Thursday, and Friday as it is closed to run FLO on Tuesday and Wednesday). This does not include students who have accessed the space to use the regulation room when they have needed a space to re-set.

We have seen an improvement in attendance data following Ben Files’, our Wellbeing Leader, waves of intervention processes. Ben identified a need for developing strategies for students whose attendance was starting to show a pattern of general decline. Ben met with students and families to identify barriers to learning and attendance. Many have been able to reverse or slow this trend, resulting in significant improvements in attendance.

Following concerns collected via last year’s WEC (Student Wellbeing Survey) and anecdotal reports, I was very excited for us to partner with The Resilience Project as a Beyond Tomorrow focus for years 7-9 this year. While it is early days, care group teachers have embraced the program and we look forward to recording some positive growth moving forward.

Wellbeing

Social Worker Alicia Carter has continued to support students across years 7-12 this year across a range of concerns including relationships, wellbeing, gender diversity, mental health, stress, and learning. Her support has involved chats with individuals and small groups as well as in the classroom setting, Academic Coaching and the University Camp last term. Alicia has also worked with Maria to develop a program to support year 7 and 8 students with issues around friendships, bullying and online communication. We are hoping this will commence next term. Alicia has been a real asset to our school and we will be sorry to see her go when she finishes her time with us at the end of this term (see Alicia’s farewell in this edition), however we are very excited for her success in securing a permanent position with SA Health.

Our Wellbeing team has been supported by Maria Dowzard this year as she joins us from Monday to Wednesday each week, providing support to mainly year 7 and 8 students. Maria’s focus has been on helping students to manage their feelings and emotions in a way that enables them to be successful with their learning. Maria has developed individual “My Plans” for students and has recently set up an art program designed to develop resilience, confidence, and friendships. The program involves a few students in year 5 who are working with our FLO students. This has proven to be a hit so far! 

Additional Programs

This term, Martine Turnbull and Maria Dowzard have started a Drumbeat program with a group of year 7 and 8 girls. The program is very structured with a focus on developing resilience, problem solving and self-esteem. We are looking forward to hearing student input at the culmination of the 10 week program.

Student Inclusion Officer, Tegan Smith is running MacqLit this term with a small number of students identified as having some gaps in their literacy. The intensive program aims to help students to close the gap and catch up on reading skills enabling them to have greater success in accessing the curriculum.

We have some exciting initiatives coming up next term so will keep you updated as these evolve.

Danielle Weeks
Director of Inclusion

Hello all,

I wanted to share with our Renmark High School community that I am finishing up at Renmark High School at the end of the term, to pursue a new opportunity with SA Health, where I have won a permanent position. This decision was not made lightly, as my time here has been incredibly rewarding and fulfilling. Over the years, I have had the privilege of working with dedicated teachers, enthusiastic students, and supportive parents, all of whom have made my experience truly special. I will always cherish the memories and the friendships I have formed here. Our students have been a constant source of inspiration with their courage, resilience, and determination. It has been an honour to support their emotional and social growth, and I am deeply proud of the progress they have made.

I would like to thank the Renmark High School community for embracing and welcoming me to the Riverland; it is a special place that I don’t see myself leaving for a long time! While I am excited about this new chapter in my career, it is with a heavy heart that I say goodbye to such a wonderful community.

Kind regards,
Alicia Carter
Social Worker

Congratulations to all students who participated in the Oakbank Cross Country Championships on Thursday 6 June in week 6. 

13 Boys 3000m

Landon C 71^st out of 154 (12:27.97)

14 Boys 3000m

Kayos B-R 82^nd out of 138 (12:55.01)

Declan B 92^nd out of 138 (13:08.23)

Brayden S 105^th out of 138 (13:52.35)

14 Girls 3000m

Emme L 71^st out of 126 (14:29.89)

15 Boys 4000m

Reach K 96^th out of 109 (19:13.07)

15 Girls 3000m

Emilly W 63^rd out of 76 (16:31.31)

Blossom K 68^th out of 76 (19:04.64)

Caleigh M 69^th out of 76 (19:09.39)

Bree W 72^nd out of 76 (21:04.11)

Gemma K 75^th out of 76 (26:19.06)

16 Boys 5000m

Ollie L 6^th out of 47 (18:27.20)

David K 45^th out of 47 (27:35.65)

Open Girls 4000m

Sophie S 36^th out of 40 (26:39.36)

Congratulations to Evan M who has been selected to represent School Sport SA at the School Sport Australia 18 years and under Softball Championships. The championships will be held in Gold Coast, Queensland from Saturday 27 July to Thursday 1 August 2024. We wish him all the best.

We would also like to wish Lachlan K all the best as he represents School Sport SA at the School Sport Australia 16 years and under boys Basketball Championships. The championships will be held in Gold Coast, Queensland from Saturday 27 July to Thursday 1 August 2024.

This term Mrs Atsaves’ year 8 Digital Media designers created and illustrated their cartoon characters using Adobe Illustrator. Students explored various features of cartoon characters analysing cartoon characters from the years 1950s- 2000s. Students’ own final cartoon characters were inspired by cartoons from popular culture. Here are some amazing illustrated characters.

Darija Atsaves
Digital Media Teacher

And the winner is…. Renmark High School! Congratulations to Mrs Atsaves’ year 10 Enterprise ‘River Rat’ team who won their National Title of Shark Tank eSchool Competition in the general category this week.Students Cooper S, Ollie L, Leela W and Grace A pitched their innovative idea in front of three judges from Australia and overseas, and to another two groups from NSW. Their innovative idea was the launch of River Rat Sunglasses, which the judges were most impressed with how the young entrepreneurs presented their pitch.

What an incredible achievement!

Darija Atsaves
Enterprise Teacher

In week 7, Mr Lindner and Mr Camplin's Stage 1 Outdoor Education classes embarked on a two day bushwalk expedition at Mt Crawford. Students have been learning about navigation, organisation and group development to prepare for the trek.

Restaurant Review

On Thursday 13 June, the year 12 Essential English class visited 23^rd Street Distillery for lunch. Students were required to sample items from their menu and take notes in preparation to write a restaurant review. Their review will evaluate their experience and focus primarily on the establishment, their meal, the décor and the service they received.   

Daniel Clark
English Teacher

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

From 1 March 2024 new regulations will extend the smoke-free and vape-free areas to within 10 metres of site boundaries.

This includes:

• school drop-off and pick-up zones that are within 10 metres of the school fence, gate or boundary
• school ovals and sporting fields and within 10 metres of the boundary of the oval or sporting field
• footpaths, roads, public nature strips and public recreation areas that are within 10 metres of a school boundary.

E-cigarettes

E-cigarettes, or ‘vapes’, are not safe for young people. They come in many shapes and sizes and can be hard to spot as they can look like everyday items including highlighters, pens, USB memory sticks or watches.

Key vaping facts

• Many e-cigarettes contain nicotine despite being labelled as not. Nicotine can cause long-lasting negative effects on young people’s brain development, including impaired learning ability and altered mood, and can increase the risk of depression and anxiety.
• E-cigarettes can contain the same harmful chemicals found in cleaning products, nail polish remover, weed killer and bug spray, which can lead to serious lung diseases.
• Young people who vape are 3 times as likely to take up smoking cigarettes.
• E-cigarettes are harmful to the environment as they contain single-use plastics and lithium batteries, cause pollution and can start fires.

The laws around selling e-cigarettes

It’s illegal to sell or supply e-cigarettes to anyone under the age of 18 years. Young people often purchase vapes online, from retail stores, or from friends and contacts on social media. There are a number of retailers who sell e-cigarettes to young people. This is a crime.

Talk to your child about vaping

It’s important to take the time to talk to your child about the risks of vaping. Try to start the conversation in a relaxed easy-going way, and remember your goal is to have a conversation, not deliver a lecture. Parenting SA provides a Parent Easy Guide on talking with children and young people about drugs and alcohol – visit parenting.sa.gov.au.

Get the evidence and facts about vaping at www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/vaping.

Find out more about how we manage alcohol, tobacco and other drugs in schools at www.education.sa.gov.au/vaping

Renmark High School will be offering an Adelaide 36ers Academy and XVenture Schools Program as a subject next term. The schools program is an experiential learning program that focusses on emotional agility, resilience, leadership and aims to equip young people with important life skills to thrive in their life. The subject will be offered to students in year 10 and 11, which they can select at the end of this term as part of the subject selection process. 

Students and families who have inadequate or no access to internet at home are eligible to apply for a free internet connection to support learning.

There are 2 options available to eligible families:

• wireless internet access from the Department for Education through the student home internet program
• NBN broadband internet access until December 2025 from the Australian Government through the School Student Broadband Initiative.

You might be eligible if you:

• have a school aged child
• don’t have reliable home internet access or have no active NBN broadband connection.

Find out more about what options are available and how parents and carers can apply by visiting the department’s website.