Newsletter Number 19 • Wednesday 11th November 2020

From the Principal

2020 has been a difficult and challenging year for all and at school we have certainly had to think outside the square and do things a little differently!  It has been disappointing to have to cancel a number of events throughout the year and it is particularly challenging to maintain the 'community feel' of our school when we are unable to get together.  However we hope that the 'short term pain' will provide 'long term gain'.

Our Yultiwirra End of Year concert is one such event that we have had to re-think, as we are unable to deliver the event in its usual format whilst ensuring it is a 'COVID safe' event and adheres to the restrictions still in place around physical distancing.

This year we will offer four, very short (approx 15-20 mins) End of Year concerts for each Cycle to be held on Monday 7th December in the Yultiwirra hall.

9.30am Cycle 1 Preschool classes will present  items for Cycle 1 Preschool parents who are able to attend.

10.15am Cycle 1 Primary classes will present items for Cycle 1 Primary parents who are able to attend.

11.00am Cycle 2 classes will present items for Cycle 2 parents who are able to attend.

11.45am Cycle 3 classes will present items for Cycle 3 parents who are able to attend.

We ask that parents leave the school hall promptly following each concert so that the hall and the car park can clear in time for the next concert and so that we can adhere to COVID restrictions.

For those parents who are unable to attend during the morning, we will send out a Zoom link to parents who register for the link via Skoolbag, so that parents can watch the concert from home or work.

A Skoolbag invite will be sent out closer to the date and parents will need to RSVP so we have a record of those attending to adhere with COVID safe plans.  Due to space and restrictions we ask that no more than two adults per family attend the concerts.

We look forward to sharing our school concert with you, either in person or virtually over Zoom. 

Cathy France

Principal

Celebrating Art!

Our biennial art auction would normally take place at the Festival of Arts event with each class from Infant Program, Preschool, Primary and the Middle School, responsible for collaborating on an artwork which involves participation from each member of the class.

Unfortunately, this event was put on hold earlier this year, however feedback from students was that they were still keen to create! Collaborative art plays an important role in social cohesion as it builds community, fosters cooperation and gives individuals an opportunity to bring a range of skills and talents to the creation of a single piece of art. Most importantly it is social, incredibly rewarding and a lot of fun.

The collaborative art pieces created by students across our school are now available to purchase via online auction until Friday 13 November. Bidding closes at 12pm. This is a school fundraiser, with all money raised going back into the school. 

Link to online auction: https://www.32auctions.com/HMSArtAuction

Online Art Auction Categories

Infant Program - Janine's Class: Celebrating Love ❤️

Created by children aged 0-3 years who attend the Infant Program once a week, with a parent or carer. Children splattered the love heart shapes with watercolour which were then adhered to the canvas. This is a mixed media piece of acrylic, watercolour and paper on canvas. It measures 900mm wide x 600mm high.

https://www.32auctions.com/organizations/69333/auctions/91785/auction_items/2554242

Preschool - Emily, Terri & Sammi: Earthy Rainbow

In the mood for chasing rainbows? Inspired by artist Tess Guiney, this beautiful artwork was created by children aged 3-5 years. It will bring a sense of calm to any room in your home, with its playful lines and beautiful earthy tones. Acrylic on canvas measuring 900mm high x 600mm wide.

https://www.32auctions.com/organizations/69333/auctions/91785/auction_items/2554324

Preschool - Tristen, Narelle and Susan: The Shack

A beautiful piece that would brighten any room of your home or beach shack (if you're lucky enough to have one!). This artwork was created by children aged 3-5 years using acrylic on canvas. It measures 900mm high x 600mm wide.

https://www.32auctions.com/organizations/69333/auctions/91785/auction_items/2554405

Cycle 1 - Lisa and Debbie: Our World

Following on from their study of Georgia O'Keeffe's artwork in Term 2, students decided to create a work that celebrates the world around them using techniques they had learnt in their study of O'Keefe's work. This is a mixed media piece combining acrylic paint, paper, lace and fabric adhered to canvas. It measures 900mm wide x 600mm high.

https://www.32auctions.com/organizations/69333/auctions/91785/auction_items/2554437

Cycle 1- Ruth and Lauren: The Land of Lollypop Trees

Inspired by their study of the artist Hundertwasser, students in Ruth and Lauren's class who are in Reception and Year 1, wanted to create a work that brought together their love of different locations. This artwork depicts the slower pace of country life, combined with a relaxed day at the beach and the excitement of the hustle and bustle of the city. This work is an acrylic on canvas and measures 900mm wide x 600mm high.

https://www.32auctions.com/organizations/69333/auctions/91785/auction_items/2554484

Cycle 2 - Rosi and Sam: Our Community

Cycle 2 students created a work about their community detailing the things they see when they walk outside including trees, pathways, flowers, houses and buildings. Students each carved their own block stencil and then worked together to establish how the prints should be positioned on the canvas to create a community feel. The artwork is 900mm high x 600mm wide.

https://www.32auctions.com/organizations/69333/auctions/91785/auction_items/2554553

Cycle 2 - Penny and Bonnie: I Love You to the Moon and Back

Dusk in the Adelaide Hills is brought to life on canvas, with this incredible piece created by students in Years 2 and 3 who were inspired by their study of the seasons. The purple hues at dusk are more vivid in the colder months due to the clouds and the angle of the Earth as it tilts a little further away from the Sun. 'I Love You to the Moon and Back' is a beautiful example of what happens when science and art come together in the classroom. This work is 900mm high x 600mm wide.

https://www.32auctions.com/organizations/69333/auctions/91785/auction_items/2554725

Cycle 3 - Nat and Sam: We are all a Piece of the Puzzle

Students in Nat and Sam’s class were inspired by their discussions around what the most important characteristics are to have in a classroom. Whilst they are all individuals, they’re also a part of a group who work at building a classroom community and the creation of an active classroom culture which they belong to and take responsibility for. This artwork is an acrylic on canvas and measures 900mm wide x 600mm high.

https://www.32auctions.com/organizations/69333/auctions/91785/auction_items/2554890

Cycle 3 - Suzie and Lauren: Night Visions

Students in Suzie and Lauren’s class (Years 4, 5 and 6) were inspired by the darkness. Darkness triggers a cascade of changes as a whole other world ventures out after dark. The sky comes alive with a backdrop of a thousand stars that light the night sky. The silence is accompanied by the sound of the animal world as creatures move through the under growth or fly through the night. This artwork which captures the peace, stillness and beauty of night, was created by students who carved their designs into lino blocks which were then printed onto canvas. The piece measures 900mm wide by 600mm wide.

https://www.32auctions.com/organizations/69333/auctions/91785/auction_items/2555047

Cycle 4 - Adolescent Program: Produce for All

Our campus at Wairoa which caters for the middle school students is surrounded by nature. This environment is a constant lesson in conservation and how to best care for it. From native bees to birds, kookaburras to insects, rabbits to ducks, it is a hive of activity from dusk till dawn and back again. This work is an acrylic on canvas and measures 900mm high x 600mm wide

https://www.32auctions.com/organizations/69333/auctions/91785/auction_items/2555073

Cycle News

Infant Program

The children have been exploring the changing seasons.  Annabel is practising her fine motor skills and concentration as she is enjoying placing coloured pom pom blossoms onto the spring tree.

Preschool

Sewing is a practical life activity offered in the preschool. Young children enjoy learning how to thread a needle, stitch and sew on buttons. Practical life activities are designed to help children gain the skills they need in order to be as independent as possible in caring for themselves and the environment. Learning how to sew can help to develop manual dexterity, hand-eye coordination, precision and refinement of movements. It also helps to build concentration and perseverance. 

Cycle 1

During each term, the students in Cycle 1 primary are exposed to a variety of practical life activities. These are designed to give students the opportunity to practice life skills they may need to use in their daily lives. These skills can include, for example, threading, sewing, sorting, using tongs, scissor work, memory games and hammering. Cooking lessons are also an integral part of our practical life curriculum.

This is a photo of a student practising hammering nails into wood. He is not only learning how to hammer a nail, he is learning about work safety, strengthening his ability to concentrate and is developing his fine motor skills. Emilio commented that he really enjoys hammering.

Cycle 2

For the first half of Term 4, Cycle 2 students have been enjoying weekly yoga lessons with Tammy from Blooming Hearts Yoga.  The classes have focused on increasing body-awareness, strength, balance, self-worth, and the ability to relax and manage emotions.  The students have navigated many different movements and poses, and each session has ended with a relaxation activity.  These activities have provided the students with valuable strategies to calm their bodies when necessary, including tensing and relaxing muscles and practising breathing techniques.  It has been a lovely way to end each week!

Cycle 2 students have also been learning about different forms of poetry and how to create their own. They have learnt that not all poetry needs to rhyme, however some styles require a certain amount of lines, rhyming words and syllables. One of our lessons looked at limericks, which we all found humorous and enjoyed sharing with the class.







Snowy by Amber

There once was a chicken called Snowy

She was a big fan of Bowie

She really liked singing

And loved the bells dinging

And that's probably why she likes Bowie


Silly Lilly by Mollie

There once was a girl called Lilly

She actually was quite silly

She skated through halls

And bounced bouncy balls

She also had a sidekick called Milly

 

Cookie by Sadie

There once was a bird called Cookie

She liked to live in a nookie

And whenever she peed

Out popped a big seed

And she always took a good lookie

Cycle 3

Friday afternoons continue to be a time in the week that we capitalise on the opportunity to come together as a whole Cycle and build on our creative skills. In Term 4, we kicked off an exploration of ‘The Arts’ with a mixture of students rotating through performance arts workshops and clay and sculpture creations. Cycle 3 students offered their thoughts ... 

“I have really enjoyed the games because it is a great experience and I enjoy spending time with the other class", Portia.

This term Nat and Sam’s class has been participating in a cooking program.  In small groups, each team students have worked with Megan to create some culinary delights for the entire class to share.  So far we have enjoyed chocolate and beetroot muffins, zucchini slice and ricotta pancakes.  Each recipe has involved an unexpected ingredient (like beetroot in the sweet muffin).  The children have learned about catering for different dietary requirements including gluten free alternatives.  At the end of the morning before the class eats the product, the group shares the ingredients and the process.  The program has been very well received. 

“I love doing cooking, especially doing it with Megan”,  Summer

“I think cooking is a good skill to learn when you are a kid”,  Aurelia

Cycle 4

The Occupations groups are in full swing at the moment. Currently it is not uncommon to hear students asking one another, “Does anyone know if the sauerkraut has been burped today?” or, “Have you guys fed your ginger bug?”. The Fermentation group has been studying the science behind processes and connecting this to a variety of recipes and creations. There are certainly some weird and wonderful smells coming out of the kitchen at the moment! With a very clear goal, the Developing a Play Area crew has been conducting site measurements, researching play equipment and creating scale maps and models. Term Four brings with it some big and important events and the Transitions and Celebrations group has been considering the roles, responsibilities and processes required to manage events. Currently they are brainstorming, planning and taking a lead role in delivering: the Year 6 Transition Day, the Graduation Celebration, our end of year Big Day Out and Kris Kringle brunch. 

Music with Maree

Music is a hands-on subject and so performance is an integral component of our music program at the HMS.

Our students play a range of melodic and non melodic percussion instruments where the focus is on musicality as they learn the correct playing techniques and terminology.

Playing the glockenspiel has been a recent addition to the Preschool students’ repertoire. 

Brew like a Beast review

I was given the “Brew like a Beast” parent elective as my early birthday present, and it was an amazing afternoon.  I turned up very slightly late (sorry Brad), and everyone was ready to get straight into it.

Brad walked us through the various equipment needed, and the alternatives if we didn’t want to get the Rolls Royce set up of home brewing.  He explained in detail all the different ingredients and what they added to the beer in terms of taste or feel, or how they helped the fermentation process.  It was a really interesting session and has got me very keen to get my own set up (sorry Alexis), and start making my own craft home brew.

Whilst the wort was fermenting (ingredients becoming beer), we took a break and had some lunch that Che & Brad had put together.  It was a delicious slow cooked beef brisket and amazing salad.  After that we had a few games of pool or chatted and then got back to work.

Brad showed us how to finish off the brew and all the precautions to make sure our beer in the making didn’t spoil before bottling or kegging. He was very generous with his time and the afternoon flew by.

This weekend we’re finishing off the 2-part elective at Che’s house.  I can’t wait to see what he has in store for us and learn some of the secrets of preparing amazing meals! And to taste the beer we made last week of course.

Thanks so much Brad & Che and for the opportunity to learn new skills.

Alex (Amelia & Lachlan’s dad)

2021 Class Allocation

Notification of class placements for primary classes for 2021 have been sent home to families.  All parents of primary students should have received this.  A transition session has been organised for all primary students to move to their new class and meet their 2021 class mates and teacher/s on Fri 27th November from 9.30 - 10.30am.

Year 6 students moving to Wairoa in 2021 will spend all day at Wairoa on Friday 27th November as part of the transition program.

NAIDOC Week- Always Was, Always Will Be.

Always Was, Always Will Be recognises that First Nations people have occupied and cared for this continent for over 65,000 years.

They are spiritually and culturally connected to this country.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people were Australia’s first explorers, first navigators, first engineers, first farmers, first botanists, first scientists, first diplomats, first astronomers and first artists.

Australia has the world’s oldest oral stories. The First Peoples engraved the world’s first maps, made the earliest paintings of ceremony and invented unique technologies.

Always Was, Always Will Be acknowledges that hundreds of Nations and cultures covered this continent. 

NAIDOC Week 2020 acknowledges and celebrates that our nation’s story didn’t begin with documented European contact but the very first footprints on this continent were those belonging to First Nations peoples.

NAIDOC 2020 invites all Australians to embrace the true history of this country – a history which dates back thousands of generations.

It’s about seeing, hearing and learning the First Nations’ 65,000+ year history of this country - which is Australian history.  

Always Was, Always Will Be.

Cultural Awareness

Tarnanthi, the annual celebration of modern Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art, has recently opened again at the Art Gallery of South Australia.  This year’s focus exhibition ‘Open Hands’ celebrates the work of senior female artists, who play a crucial role in passing on cultural knowledge to younger generations.  The exhibition is open until the 31st of January.  An art fair will also be held at Lot Fourteen (the former Royal Adelaide Hospital site) from the 4th to 6th of December, enabling members of the public to purchase works of art from diverse Indigenous artists across Australia.  Head to the Art Gallery of South Australia website for more information. 

St Vinnies Christmas hampers

Many people have been 'doing it tough' this year and so as a community we would like to support those in need.

If families would like to donate non perishable items for St Vinnies Christmas Hampers please bring your donations to the office to place in the provided box.  Donations will be accepted until Friday 4th December.

2020-2021 Vacation Care - December 2020 – January 2021

To help with your summer holiday planning you may wish to take note of the Vacation Care dates over December 2020 and January 2021. 

Vacation Care will run from:

Thurs 10th Dec 2020 – Fri 18th Dec 2020

Vacation Care will close:

Mon 21st December 2020 – Friday 8th January 2021.

Vacation Care will reopen:

Mon 11th January 2021 and run until Mon 25th Jan 2021.

(Tuesday 26th Jan is a public holiday and Term 1 starts on Wed 27th Jan)

Congratulations

Congratulations to Jane and Jarrod Pippos who welcomed baby Theodore Charlie Pippos to the world on the 30th October.  A brother for Holly and Chloe.

Diary Dates

Thursday 12 November

SPTG meeting 9.00am via Zoom

WHS meeting 4.00pm

Tuesday 17th November

Executive Meeting 6.00pm

Board meeting 7.00pm

Wednesday 18 November - Thursday 19 November

Cycle 3 overnight camp

Wednesday 18 November - Friday 20 November

Cycle 4 camp

Thursday 19 November

Policy meeting 4.00pm

Tuesday 24 November

Marketing meeting 4.00pm

Thursday 26 November

Wairoa Cafe 9.15am

Friday 27 November

2021 Class transition 9.30am - 10.30am

Full day transition visit for Year 6 students attending Wairoa in 2021

2021 School term dates

The 2021 School term dates are listed below. 

Please Note:  The 2021 school year will start on Wednesday 27th January as Monday 25th January will be a pupil free day and Tuesday 26th January is a public holiday.

Please Note: Term 3 pupil free day will now be held on Monday 26th July rather than the previously advertised Friday 13th August.

Term 1 - Wed 27th Jan - Fri 9th April

(Term 1 Pupil free day = Monday 25th Jan)

Term 2 - Tues 27th April - Fri 2nd July

(Term 2 Pupil free day = Monday 26th April)

Term 3 - Tues 27th July - Fri 24th September

(Term 3 Pupil Free Day = Monday 26th July)

Term 4 - Tues 12th October - Wed 8th December

(Term 4 Pupil free day = Monday 11th October)

 

“And such is our duty toward the child;

to give a ray of light and to go on our way.”

Maria Montessori

2020 TERM DATES

Term 1:  29 January – 9 April
Term 2: 28 April – 26 June
Term 3: 20 July – 25 September
Term 4: 13 October – 9 December