Principal's Welcome - Blackwood High School
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Term 2 | Week 5 | 1 June 2018
Principal’s Welcome
National Reconciliation Week musical performance by a small group of talented
National Reconciliation Week is celebrated across international students.
Australia each year between 27 May and 3 June. The Staffing Changes
week is a time for all Australians to learn more about This term we have had a number of staff changes.
our shared histories, cultures and achievements While we endeavour to limit the impact that such
and to explore how each of us can join the national changes can have on classes, at times this can be
reconciliation effort. The theme for this year is ‘Don’t challenging. Often a change of teacher is due to a staff
Keep History a Mystery: Learn. Share. Grow.’ and member taking some form of leave, if the teacher is
all Australians are invited to explore Aboriginal and in a leadership role this creates not only a teaching
Torres Strait Islander history hidden ‘just beneath vacancy but also a leadership vacancy. This can
the surface’. create a ‘domino’ effect as the school works through
On Sunday 27 May, Renee Daish (Aboriginal a selection process to fill the leadership vacancy.
Education Teacher), Jasmine Ingram (Aboriginal Sometimes teachers and leaders have opportunities
Education Officer), and I participated in the Walk for to work in other locations for short periods of time
Reconciliation from the Blackwood Uniting Church to which also create vacancies. This has been the
Colebrook Reconciliation Park, the site of the former situation this term with both Luke Northcote and
Colebrook Training Home for Aboriginal Children, Tash Thornton seconded to State Office. Hence, the
located on Shepherds Hill Road. Past residents of following staff will be responsible for the leadership
Colebrook spoke to the large gathering about their portfolios below:
lives as children in this home. These stories helped • Ben Dening – Leader, VET and Year 11/12
us to understand the significance of this site as a • Adelle Matthews – Leader, Personalised Learning
place of healing for the Stolen Generation and their and Pathways
families. • Adrienne Kajewski - Leader, Year 10
As a school community we acknowledged As a result of these changes, we welcome Simela
Reconciliation Week with a whole school assembly Petridis in a short term teaching contract.
held on Thursday 31 May. The theme of the assembly
was to celebrate Cultural identity at Blackwood Whenever a change in teacher occurs, the teachers
High School including Aboriginal and Torres Strait involved work together to ensure the smooth
Islanders. The assembly was hosted by the Student transition of the teaching and learning program.
Leadership presidents, Misa Hirahara and Jai Brown However, if parents/caregivers have concerns about
with Damon Gray giving the Acknowledgment of their child’s learning, please contact me or Jason
Country. Renee Daish introduced our special guests, Loke, Deputy Principal, to discuss these.
David Booth, a Peramangk man, and his two sons, who
shared their Aboriginal culture through storytelling, You are invited
music and dance. This was a wonderful performance to the Governing Council
for students and staff reinforcing the Reconciliation
theme of ‘Learn, Share, Grow’. General Meeting
held on Tuesday 19 June at 7pm in the
The assembly also provided an opportunity for our
Conference Room
international students to share their experience of
living in Australia and attending Blackwood High RSVP to Peta Clasohm by Monday 18 June
School. The assembly concluded with a moving (peta.clasohm@bhs.sa.edu.au)
Helping Children and Young People Learn
It takes a village to raise a child is a well-known African proverb that acknowledges the importance of
family and community working together for the betterment of the child. In a school community this means
developing shared responsibility and positive partnerships with families to support student learning, wellbeing
and achievement. This is one of the key priorities of the Department for Education and a range of resources
to support parent/caregiver engagement are available on the department’s website including information
about helping children and young people learn. The fact sheet ‘Helping young people learn - What you can
do in secondary school’ may be of particular interest to families as it provides advice for families about how
to support their child’s learning throughout the secondary years.
Also, Parenting SA has developed a range of Parent Easy Guides that provide evidence-based, easy to read
information on a wide range of parenting topics. These are also available on the department’s website and
in hard copy from the school’s front office.
Blackwood Rotary Dinner at Blackwood High School
On Tuesday 22 May the Year 12 Food and Hospitality students catered for the
Blackwood Rotary Club held at Blackwood High School. This is a special event in
the school calendar as it provides an authentic opportunity for students to apply
their learning as well as an opportunity for the school to show its appreciation
for Rotary’s ongoing support.
Forty guests (members and partners) experienced a delicious two course meal
prepared and served by our students. Also, the Stage 1 and 2 Accelerated Spanish
students provided a presentation in Spanish about their recent visit
overseas to Salamanca, Spain. Our special guests were most impressed
by the quality of the meal and the student presentation. Thank you
to all the students involved including the Year 9 and 11 students who
contributed to the event ensuring it was a great success. Also, thank
you to the staff who supported the students in this application of their
learning to a real audience.
Governing Council
The Governing Council provides an opportunity for parents/caregivers to contribute to setting the broad
directions of the school, and monitoring and reporting on achievements.
At Blackwood High School we currently have 16 members on our Governing Council which inlucdes parent/
caregivers, staff, students and community members.
At our last Governing Council meeting I asked members if they could share why they decided to be part of
our Governing Council:
Helen Keen (chairperson) - I volunteer on the Governing Council because parent involvement is a great
privilege in our children’s high school education (and all surrounding experiences) and I want to ensure that
their experience is as good and holistic as it can be.
Di Edwards (secretary) - I have been a member of GC for the last year and a half, and am currently the
Secretary. I joined because I wanted to participate in school life as a parent, stay informed, and contribute
to the school that will be a big influence in my daughter’s life. High School unlike primary school does not
require parents to participate as much, and so there is a loss of connection. GC has enabled my family to stay
connected. The GC is not onerous, just a couple of meetings a term that take about an hour and a half on a
Tuesday evening. We may attend (or not) extra activities such as Open Day or graduation. I work full-time and
of course have a busy family life, but I enjoy the contributions I am able to make through GC and appreciate
that I am invited to do so by the school.
Michael Shanahan (treasurer) - I am on the Governing Council because I believe that parent involvement
makes the school a better place for our kids.
Sarah Tucker - I am involved in the Governing Council as it is an opportunity to be involved in decisions
relating to the school and to keep abreast of what is happening at the school.
2
Inspiring Achievement and Respect
Gerald Westbrook – I want to help those with learning difficulties and reduce subsequent bullying that it
sometimes attracts.
Misa Hirahara (student) - I’m lucky enough to be chosen for SRC president this year and joined Governing
Council to report events and ongoing SRC activities and to be the representative of all students at Blackwood
High school to give suggestions and ideas to the adult decisions and concerns.
Lindy Taeuber - I am an Elected Member on the Mitcham Council who, as a former secondary school teacher
and Eden Hills resident, wanted to act as a conduit between the school and council.
Sam Duluk - As the Local Member for Waite, I am involved with the Governing Council because I believe it is
important to keep in touch with the issues facing my local schools and our education system.
If you are interested in being part of our Governing Council, we still have a few vacancies available and invite
you to attend a general meeting on 19 June at 7pm in the Conference Room. You will be able to meet and
speak with the current members and you can nominate to become a member.
If you would like to attend the meeting on 19 June please RSVP by emailing peta.clasohm@bhs.sa.edu.au by
Monday 18 June.
Sharon Goldman, Principal
Blackwood High School high achievers
• Congratulations to Lily Whitcombe,
Olivia Smith, Taylah Jayne and Kiera
Mueller who were all selected in the
State U15 Girls Football Team. They
will be participating in the National
Championships in Adelaide from 21 to
28 July 2018.
• Congratulations to Jackson Roberts who
will be participating in the National
Football Championships in Adelaide
from 21 to 28 July 2018.
• Congratulations to Willow Homersham
and Kiera Mueller who have been
selected in the SANFL U16 State Team.
They will participate in a game against
the VFL U16 Team in Horsham over the
June long weekend.
Pre-order to support Blackwood High School raising funds for Himeji Trip!
We are raising funds for our School and you can help. Order the NEW 2018 | 2019 Entertainment Book
or Entertainment Digital Membership and you will receive hundreds of valuable offers for everything you
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Blackwood High School raising funds for Himeji
Trip
Sharna Granpre-Moliere
08 82780929
sharna.granpre-moliere@bhs.sa.edu.au
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
3
Student Leadership and Participation Student Leadership Induction Day The 2018 Student Leadership Team participated in an induction day at Flinders University on Tuesday 10 April. The day was mainly led by the Student Year Level Leaders and two Blackwood High School graduates were the guest speakers, their presentations inspiring the group. The main purpose of the day was for the students to get to know the leadership group better and for members to have the opportunity to bond further in a range of activities. Another focus was to develop the vision and main goals for this year and to discuss how we would make this happen. Four subgroups were formed: Fundraising and Events Student Participation School Pride Student Support SRC members chose whichever group they wanted to be part of for further discussion and planning. Each group has created a list of priorities and will be actioning their first activity or event during Term 2. The University treated the group to a morning tea, and Subway lunch was enjoyed in the new Student Hub on the campus Overall, the day went smoothly and we were all highly engaged. I personally think that our bond as the 2018 Student Leadership Group has become stronger following on from the Induction day. Misa Hirahara, Year 12 Student Leader 4 Inspiring Achievement and Respect
Dance Stars
The 2018 Blackwood High School Dance Star Teams
competed at the Preliminary Finals at Seymour College
Performing Arts Centre with all seven entries of teams and
soloists making it through to the State Finals. 70 dance
performers were represented in the Blackwood High School
teams.
This year’s results have been consistent with outstanding
results of the previous years with the Mega Troupe
Contemporary, Theatrical Teams and soloist Kasey Bruer
placing first at the Preliminary State Final. The Senior Hip
Hop team and Jazz large team finished in second place as
did soloist Sophie Edwards. The Junior Hip Hop team had
some fierce competition and they placed fourth.
The State Finals will be at held at Brighton Performing Arts
Centre on 23 June where all teams will be competing for
medals and selection to the National Dance Star Competition
at the Convention Centre on the Gold Coast in August.
Congratulations to all of the dancers and coaches for their
outstanding commitment and representation of Blackwood
High Performing Arts in the wider community at this event.
I would like to acknowledge the coaches, graduate
Blackwood High School Dance Students, Torehn Lobow, Jess
Vidau and Katie Harris and input from Natalie MacArthur
for the work and effort they have demonstrated with their
teams. Thank you also to SSO Katheryn Langmaid for her
coaching and support of Contemporary Soloist Sophie
Edwards. This year we have had support in costume design
and construction from dance parents/caregivers Tanya
Blucher, Stephanie Banko and Drama Teacher Brigitte Esvelt
as well as assistance with hair from Natasha Cooper on
the day of the competition. The students were incredibly
supported by the Blackwood High School parent/caregiver
community and teachers Shauna Thompson, Tash Thornton
and Kate Young, with their attendance and cheering during
the competition.
The collaborative efforts of the Blackwood High School Arts
community have contributed to the success and excellence
of this program.
Katrina Constantopoulos, Dance Star Manager
Student comments
Had a great day competing against our fellow schools and
clubs who brought some amazing competition - Jayme
Mansell
Dance Star was a wonderful experience that really helped
me improve my dance technique and performance skills -
Holly Young
A great experience with a group of really awesome people,
and some amazing results to top off the day! - Kasey Bruer
5
SACE Drama Production
The Potted and Incomplete Tragedies Of Willy Shakespeare
William Shakespeare wrote 37 plays and 154 sonnets in his lifetime
and 10 of his most famous plays are the most famous tragedies to
ever be written (other than the death of Han Solo). The ten plays
include; Titus Andronicus, Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet, Othello and
Macbeth.
Our SACE Stage 1 and 2 Drama classes have been preparing all
their lives, or at least for the past few weeks, for this performance
and their updated take on these classic plays brings together the
fun of improvisation, physical comedy and the serious carnage in
Shakespearean tragedies. Be prepared to laugh at this (almost)
family friendly performance.
Don’t miss seeing our Senior Drama students present five heart
wrenching tragedies, as comedies, in under 90 minutes. We warmly
welcome you to our shows, presented as matinees on Wednesday
13 and Thursday 14 June and evening on Wednesday 13 June at 7pm
and Thursday 14 June at 7:30pm.
Mikayla Davis, Year 11 student and Brigitte Esvelt, Drama Teacher
Year 8 and 9 update
The Year 8 and 9 cohort have had a very busy start to Term 2.
In Week 3 the Year 9 students were involved in NAPLAN across 3 days where students participated in the
Literacy and Numeracy testing.
In both Year 8 and 9 the Pastoral Care Program has focused on respectful relationships and having empathy
and understanding of others. Students have participated in small group tasks and then shared ideas and
thoughts around continuing to improve inclusivity.
This has led perfectly into the celebration of Reconciliation Week (Week 5) where we acknowledged the
diversity of cultures at Blackwood High School in a whole school assembly.
Some Year 8 students had the opportunity to go back to their old primary school as part of our transition
program to support the incoming 2019 Year 8 students ready for high school. This was a positive experience
for all involved and our students did a wonderful job speaking to primary students about their experience of
starting high school. The primary school students asked some fantastic questions about high school.
Over the next few weeks Supervised Assessment tasks or Common Tests will be scheduled for students. Most
subject areas will be providing revision sheets for students to study prior to these.
With the cold weather now here it has been evident that not all students are wearing full school uniform.
A reminder, there should be no visible undershirts when wearing the school hoodie and students are required
to wear all black shoes.
Thank you for your support with this.
Shauna Thompson, Year 8/9 Leader
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Inspiring Achievement and Respect
Champions for Change Youth Day - Embrace your differences
On Wednesday 23 May 2018, six Year 8 Blackwood High School students, along with Student Wellbeing
Leader, Argie Buesnel attended the Champions for Change Youth Day at the Cumberland Park Community
Centre. Students from Mitcham Girls and Pasadena High Schools also attended the day to hear from Butterfly
Education leaders. The theme was, ‘Promoting Body Confidence in the School Community’. The four-hour
interactive workshop was occupied with stimulating activities. We explored the issues that impact on self-
esteem and body confidence such as unhelpful language around weight and appearance and explored
strategies and tools to support resilience to become positive body image role models. We also started creating
an Action Plan that could be implemented at Blackwood High School in collaboration with other students.
There were many valuable and insightful take-away
messages, such as:
• Celebrate differences and respect individuality
• It is what is inside that counts
• Our bodies are not an ornament just to be looked at
• What you see may not always be, stop comparing
yourself
• Value all people for who they are
• Love yourself
We extend our sincere thanks to the City of Mitcham
and Variety Children’s Charity for sponsoring this
worthwhile initiative by Butterfly Education.
Charlie Scutchings, Chloe Hodge, Year 8 students and Argie Buesnel, Student Wellbeing Leader
Year 10 update
PLP
As you will be aware the SACE Personal Learning Plan (PLP) is the backbone of the Year 10 Pastoral Care
Program. The PLP, which is a prerequisite for SACE completion, is divided into 4 equally weighted tasks.
Students are currently working towards completing PLP 2 which is a part of the MYP Project.
The SACE PLP Program is continuing through Term 2 with the focus now shifting to PLP 2 My Personal Project
Report. The PLP 2 task utilises the report from the MYP Project. The goal of this report is for students to reflect
on setting/evaluating goals and on their interactions with others to complete them. The focus of pastoral care
time this term will be on students completing the report having moved on from the independent Research/
Planning/Process Journal and Product phase.
All PLP tasks are compulsory for all Year 10 students regardless of their desire to complete work experience
or not.
Work Experience
Year 10 Work Experience is Week 8, Term 2 (18 – 22 June).
The cutoff for the Workplace Learning Agreement form has now passed and Risk Assessments are currently
being processed. We understand that arranging placements was not possible for everyone and while it is an
outstanding opportunity, that we believe makes a large impact on a young person, participating in workplace
learning is not compulsory.
For those unable to find a place or deciding not to take up the opportunity, regular classes do continue on
site during Week 8 and attendance is required as usual.
If you have any queries, please contact me, Ben Dening, VET/Careers Leader through the school on 8278
0900.
Ben Dening, VET/Careers Leader
7
Year 10 Big History Excursion On Tuesday 22 May, as part of their course, the Year 10 Big History class visited the University of South Australia’s Mawson Lakes Campus, specifically the Planetarium. The excursion allowed students to revisit and review their understanding of key events in the syllabus, namely our universe’s origins, concepts around star formation, in addition to various other factors related to cosmology. The Big History course, pioneered by Australian academic David Christian, encourages the development of a holistic understanding of history, the embracing of a view that includes the formation of the universe, via the Big Bang, the development of the stars and our own Sun and Earth, as well the development of life on Earth. The course culminates in an examination of agrarian societies and the development of the modern world as we know it, before culminating in a projection of possible future scenarios. Amanda Aulert, who accompanied the excursion, and I were impressed with the students’ focus and engagement with both the concepts and content presented by the UNISA staff. Raphael Zadey, Humanities Teacher Illuminate Nextgen Challenge During Week 4, members of the Year 11 Business Studies class, along with a group of Year 10 students, attended the 2018 Illuminate Nextgen Challenge, by Illuminate Education, held at the Torrens University campus, 10 Adelaide Schools and over 60 students took part in the challenge. For this 5 day long challenge students broke into teams and were tasked with coming up with a social enterprise/business concept which benefited the community. Those involved were given presentations and advice on how to develop a startup by industry leaders, all areas were covered from financial planning to promotion. Program Reachout An accommodation/training based café. Team members: Isaac Haynes, Jackson Hughes, Oscar Hunter, Fletcher Lewis and Cameron Rowley. Another Cup A pay it forward coffee cart offering care packages for the homeless. Team members: Tyron Blake, Austin Farrugia, Rhys Barlass, Scarlet Partridge-Powell and Sarah Carragher. Lunchboxes for Learning A school lunch system for busy families that features a one for one donation to needy families. Giorgia Bravi, Isabella Deyoung, Kim Ngan Duong and Katie Turner. After presenting our ideas to a panel of judges (think Shark Tank), our team ‘Lunchboxes for Learning’ was lucky enough to be awarded with two awards; the award for Student Choice: Best Idea, and the grand prize, Overall Best Business award. The other Blackwood Teams receiving awards for; Best Pressure Cooker Submission: Program Reachout , and Student choice: Best Team: Another Cup. Although the week was busy, it was thoroughly rewarding, and a great experience for all involved to work independently and apply the skills we have developed in our separate classes. Ben Dening, Year 11 and 12 Leader and Mary Hodson, Assistant Principal Senior School 8 Inspiring Achievement and Respect
Year 11 and 12 update
Year 11 Aquatics
On Monday 7 and Tuesday 8 May Dan Smith and Janet Bradley’s Year 11 Physical Education classes did their
two day SACE aquatics course at Port Noarlunga. The group endured cold, windy conditions on Monday but
were rewarded with a calm, sunny day on Tuesday and hot chips for lunch.
Janet Bradley, Physical Education Teacher
Year 11 Exam Week
Week 6 of Term 2 is Exam Week for Year 11 Students. The timetable and information for students is below and
has also been emailed to all parents/caregivers. Exams are an important part of the learning and assessment
for set subjects and attendance is expected. During exam week, there are no scheduled classes however,
some subjects may have planned sessions which students are advised to attend. These will be communicated
on a subject by subject basis.
Any Year 11 Students on site during Week 6 will be expected to be in Exams, in Study (when available) or in
arranged sessions with subject teachers. To ensure duty of care regarding student identification, students
will be expected to be in full school uniform or they may be asked to change or leave the site. If you have any
concerns please do not hesitate to get in touch.
Information for students:
• You MUST arrive at least 10 minutes before the scheduled start time for your exam. Students arriving late
to exams may not be allowed to enter the examination room.
• There is no leaving the exams early. Once finished, students must sit quietly and wait for the end of the
exam.
• All exams are 90 minutes (including 10 minutes reading time) unless stated otherwise.
• You are required to bring along your own materials (pens, pencils, rulers, etc.) unless your teacher has
indicated otherwise.
• NO mobile phones are allowed inside the examination room. These should be left at home or in a safe place
during the exam. Students found to be in possession of phones or other prohibited electronic devices may
have their exam grades cancelled.
• Students must attend all exams in full school uniform. Failure to do so may mean you are not able to sit
the exam.
• During the exam if you require anything, you must put up your hand and wait quietly for a teacher to
attend to you. You are not permitted to call out or get out of your seat without permission.
Ben Dening, Year 11/12 Leader
9
Sports news Open Boys Knock Out Football On Wednesday 14 June the Open Boys Football Team played Reynella East College and Heathfield High School in the Statewide Knockout Competition. Game one against Heathfield High School was an even contest throughout the entire match. The wet conditions limited scoring opportunities for both sides. The game was a battle of winning the ‘contested ball’ in congested conditions. The game literally went right to the final siren when a Blackwood shot on goal after the final siren was touched on the goal line. The second match against Cornerstone College was again a close contest. Both teams battled it out with Concordia College winning the game by 3 points. Congratulations to all students who represented Blackwood High School on the day. Game 1 Results – Blackwood High School 4 - 7 - 31 lost to Heathfield High School 4 - 10 - 34 Goal kickers – Troy Hocking 2, Reece Milsom 1, Jordan Spells 1 Game 2 Results – Blackwood High School 6 - 9 - 45 lost to Concordia College 7 - 4 - 46 Goal kickers – Troy Hocking 2, Mitch Robertson 1, Zane Millington 1, Eduard Van den Berg 1, Luke Bull 1 Best players for the day were Reece Milsom, Troy Hocking and Kye Dean. Glen Little, Leader, Health and Physical Education Year 8/9 Knock Out Football Round one of the Knock Out Competition was successful for the Year 8/9 team. The team played an attacking style of football right from the first bounce. All players played their role with a ‘team first’ approach. The teamwork allowed a fast flowing game enabling many scoring opportunities. Congratulations to all members of the squad. Results: Game 1: Blackwood High 13-4-82 defeated Reynella East College 1-0-6 Goal Kickers: Nathan Houston 6, Bailey Pedro 2, Rhys Galliford 1, Aiden Grayson 1, Charlie Duncan 1, Bailey O’Donnell 1, Ben Burbridge 1 Game 2: Blackwood High defeated Aberfoyle Park High 19-5-119 to 0-1-1 Goal Kickers: Nathan Houston 4, Cody Padroth 3, Nathan Stephens 3, Riley Jones 2, Bailey Pedro 1, Toby Russell 1, Trent Denning 1, Kobe Vanzetta 1, Milan Spring 1, Max Cope 1, Harry Lemmey 1 Best Players for the day: Nathan Houston, Ben Burbridge, Kobe Vanzetta, Bailey Pedro, Bailey O’Donnell, James Hackett, Rhys Galliford. The team now progresses to round 2 of the competition to be played by the end of Week 8. Glen Little, Leader, Health and Physical Education 10 Inspiring Achievement and Respect
Open Girls Knock Out Football
On Monday 21 May, Blackwood High School Open Girls Football team defeated Brighton High School on
home turf. The highly regarded opposition were no match to our improving group of female football players
at Blackwood High School. Many of the girls have improved through their involvement in the Special Interest
Girl’s Football class as well as developing their skills at club level. All year levels were represented in the team,
with Year 8 student, Lily Whitcombe playing well and kicking a goal, along with Tyler Attiwill, who was thrown
into ruck in the second quarter and was outstanding. Football class captains, Willow Homersham and Keira
Mueller performed strongly all game all over the ground. Other strong contributors were Brie Medder, who
kicked three goals, Olivia Smith in the middle and Charlie Scutchings (1 goal). The team will now progress to
the next round, which will be played in the next 3 weeks.
Score:
Blackwood 5 – 7 Brighton 4 - 4
Goal scorers:
Brie Medder 3
Lily Whitcombe 1
Charlie Scutchings 1
Best players:
Kiera Mueller
Willow Homersham
Tyler Attiwill
Olivia Smith
Brie Medder
Lily Whitcombe
Janet Bradley, Leader, Special Interest Girls Football
Debating update
This year sees Blackwood High School re-enter
the highly competitive field of schools debating,
via Debating SA’s 2018 Schools’ Competition. This
year we are fielding a Year 9 team, comprising
the skills and experience of both Year 8 and
Year 9 students. This year’s debaters include Ella
Goulding (8C), Jessica Jenkins (8C), Laura (9F),
Kaung Hein (9E), Zach Brown (8A) and Adeline
Stoten (8F).
In Round 1 we debated the question of whether
or not JK Rowling’s fictional school was an
ideal educational institution. Our Year 9 team,
comprising Laura, Ella and Adeline, argued in
favour of the proposition, providing a detailed
and quite ingenious analysis of the myriad of ways in which students of Hogwarts benefitted from their
exposure to a diverse curriculum and a multicultural/multi-species environment. Our team commented upon
the free tuition and camaraderie, even going so far as to observe the school’s provision of vocational/VET
opportunities, via its links to the Ministry of Magic.
The girls delivered an impressive performance, presenting a well-structured and coherent discussion, in the
process earning praise from both adjudicator and audience members. Whilst we didn’t win on this first
outing, this was undoubtedly a successful first foray for some of our speakers.
Raphael Zadey and Ben Phillips, Debating coaches
11USHIKU STUDY TOUR 14 - 25 August
Planning is well underway for our next Japanese Study Tour visit. We
are looking for families interested in hosting one of the group of nine
boys and seven girls from Ushiku High School.
Ushiku is in a rural setting in Ibaraki Prefecture, about three hours by
car from Tokyo. It will be the school’s sixth visit to us and the group will
be with us from 14 - 25 August.
Please let me know if you are interested in hosting a student from this
group or would like more information. A homestay payment of $440
will be made to families to help defray costs.
12
Inspiring Achievement and RespectHimeji Cultural Exchange Trip
There are still positions available for students to participate in the Blackwood
High School - Himeji City Youth Ambassadors Exchange Program. From 28
July to 8 August this year a group of five Japanese students will travel from
our sister city Himeji, Japan to Adelaide and spend 12 days at Blackwood
High School. Five selected Blackwood High School students will make a
return visit to Himeji in the October school holidays.
The exchange program is reciprocal in nature – participating Blackwood
High School students will be expected to host the Japanese visitor in their
home during their stay in Adelaide or arrange for another family to host the
student. The group travelling to Japan will be accompanied by teachers from
Blackwood High School and hosted by their Himeji exchange partner.
In Himeji, students will attend school for a few days with their host/buddy,
join in club activities, enjoy an excursion to another city (e.g. Kyoto, Nara,
Kobe or Hiroshima) and experience a range of Japanese cultural traditions such as Shodo (calligraphy) and
tea ceremony. They will also have a tour of the World Heritage listed Himeji Castle.
This is a cultural exchange program and no prior knowledge of Japanese is required. Selected participants will
pay for their airfare to Japan (approx. $1500), travel insurance, passport and some pocket money. In Japan all
expenses are covered by the Himeji exchange foundation and the host family.
Check out the film clip of a previous trip to Himeji on the Blackwood High School homepage – click on the
International tab and then 2017 Himeji Cultural Exchange.
Please consider being part of this amazing opportunity to experience the culture and heritage of Japan and
come home with memories that will stay with you forever.
Contact Karyn Jones for more details.
Karyn Jones, Leader, International Student Programs
1314 Inspiring Achievement and Respect
CyberSmart
Here are a few of the apps that quite a few students are using, that parents/caregivers may not know about.
Along with these, Snapchat is also the app of choice for many of our young people.
Here are some tips for parents:
• Be aware of what your child is doing online and explore it with them.
• Keep the lines of communication open so your child will be comfortable to talk to you and help them to
develop skills they need to interact safely and respectfully online.
• Discuss the kinds of sites that are okay to explore and those that are not, and have clear rules about online
activities.
For more information visit www.cybersmart.gov.au
15Calendar Dates
Term 2 2018 Tuesday 26 June Thursday 2 August
Monday 4 to Friday 8 June Principal’s Tour 9am Year 12 Exam Reports
Year 11 Exam Week Distributed
Wednesday 27 June
Monday 11 June SACE Dance Performance Monday 6 August
QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY PUBLIC Matinee 11:30am Year 9 Wellbeing Survey
HOLIDAY Evening 7pm
Tuesday 7 August
Tuesday 12 June Monday 2 to Friday 6 July Governing Council Meeting
STUDENT FREE DAY Year 12 Exams 7pm
Special Interest Netball
Wednesday 13 June Melbourne Trip Tuesday 14 to 25 August
Senior Drama Performance Ushiku High School Study Tour
Friday 6 July
Matinee 11am
Last day of Term 2
Evening 7pm Monday 20 to Friday 24 August
Term 3 Year 10 Snow Trip
Monday 18 to Friday 22 June Monday 23 July
Canberra Trip STUDENT FREE DAY Wednesday 22 August
Year 10 Work Experience Week Year 12 SATAC Parent
Tuesday 24 July Information Evening
Tuesday 19 June First day of Term 3
Governing Council Meeting Monday 27 August
7pm Monday 30 July Year 10 and 11 Subject
Year 8 Wellbeing Survey Counselling Days by
appointment
School Contacts
Student Absences: student.absence@bhs.sa.edu.au
Student Services: 8278 0900 or see website for staff email contactsYou can also read
