One of the many things we pride ourselves on at Balaklava High School is our Arts education.  This occurs in Performing Arts through Drama and Music and the Visual Arts in Art and Design.  The broader benefits of an arts education are well-known and include developing a young person’s  ability to collaborate, cooperate, communicate, create, problem solve and so much more.  This week our Arts program was showcased through the school production of Seussical Jr, which was a spectacular production of amazing colours, sight and sounds with some spectacular individual and group performances.  Miss Umapathysivam, the cast and crew are to be commended on their presentation of this musical.  You will read further about this production later in this newsletter.  Our students’ Visual Art and Design skills will be showcased at our upcoming Art Exhibition at the Balaklava Courthouse Gallery running from the 4th to the 21st November.  I encourage you to go to the Gallery and see the quality student work Mrs Tilbrook has curated.

Year 12 Farewell

Scheduled lessons for our Year 12 students will conclude this afternoon and we will hold a formal farewell assembly at the school at 9am tomorrow (Friday 22^nd October).  After this date, some students may still be completing final assessment tasks or preparing for exams, which brings a new set of stressors.

The SACE Board offers the following advice to students for managing exam pressure:

• Develop good study habits – devise a study plan, set aside a quiet study space and take regular breaks
• Eat and sleep well – eat healthy food, drink plenty of water, get enough sleep and exercise daily
• Use friends – study together, discuss exam topics and test each other
• Speak to family and friends – tell them how you are going and let them know when you need quiet time
• Recognise stress signals – discuss concerns with family and friends, speak to teachers, take a break.

The SACE Board have announced that Year 12 results will be available via Students Online from 8.30 am on Monday 13 December with hard copy documentation arriving from this date onwards.  Year 12 students should log in to Students Online to activate their accounts and check that their details are correct prior to results release day.  Waiting for these results can also be a stressful time and Reach Out.com offers the following advice for parents to support their teenagers during this time:

• Avoid discussing potential results before they are released as speculation about ‘good’ or ‘bad’ results isn’t helpful
• Stop worrying what other people might think of your child’s results and avoid comparing your child’s results with other family and friends and appreciate individual success
• Recognise signs of stress in your child and offer support if needed
• Most importantly, don’t panic if the results are not what you’d hoped for as there are many alternative options available for university degrees and employment.

More advice on supporting your child can be found at the following link:

https://parents.au.reachout.com/common-concerns/everyday-issues/6-things-parents-can-do-to-help-teenagers-handle-exam-results

As the Year 12s embark on their next great challenge, from the safety and routine of school to the often uncertain expectations of Uni or work, we wish them well and trust they have many happy memories of their schooling.  They are at a very exciting point in their lives and we hope they enjoy every minute of it.

Presentation Night

Once again, Presentation Night will look a little different this year to the traditional format we have enjoyed for a number of years.  With the current COVID restrictions, we are able to hold a modified event at the Balaklava Town Hall with restricted numbers of audience members present.  We are currently working out final details and will communicate information to Year 12 students and other award recipients as soon as we are able to.  As with all events in SA at present, the event will, of course, be subject to last minute change if SA Health guidelines dictate.

Staffing News

We have a couple of staffing changes this term.  Hudson Noack has joined us to teach PE and Performing Arts and he has been a great addition to our teaching team with his specialist Physical Education knowledge.  Hudson has taken the teaching load left by Sally McArdle when she left at the end of last term to start her maternity leave.  We were very pleased to hear this week that Sally and Jamie have welcomed their daughter Annie into the world and we are sure she will soon settle in at home with lots of love from her two older brothers.

Colleen Lowe is on long service leave this term and we have redistributed her teaching load with the bulk of her Maths/Science classes going to Kelly Schubert whilst Michelle Pudney has also picked up a Maths class.  Thank you to both Kelly and Michelle for being willing to take on these extra classes and we trust that Colleen has a relaxing break.

Student Free Days

A reminder that, as previously advertised, we have two student free days this term:

• Monday Week 3 Term 4, 25^th October
• Friday Week 6 Term 4, 19^th November

As Balaklava Primary School are also having the same student free days, the school buses will not run on either of these days.

I am excited for all of the opportunities this term holds for students as we continue with our learning program until the very end of the year.  As always, I encourage parents to contact me at the school with any issues or concerns or if you would like to discuss any aspect of your child’s learning.  I can be contacted at the school via Daymap, email Sonia.Pringle235@schools.sa.edu.au or phone 8862 0600 where you can speak to me directly or make a time to come and see me.

Sonia Pringle

Middle School Awards

It is always a pleasure to finish Term 3 by congratulating students achieving the School Value Awards.

Our school values, (PRIDE - P = Positive Relationships, R = Respect, I = Integrity, D = Dedication, E = Excellence), set out our expectations of all members in this school community, Students displaying these values are to be congratulated and seen as role models in our school.

Our winners of the school value awards in Year 8 are:

Our winners of the school value awards in Year 9 are:

Michelle Pudney

Middle School Assistant Principal

High Achiever and Improver Awards

Certificates of Achievement are presented to students to acknowledge their academic success at the end of each term.

Congratulations to our Middle School students who received High Achiever Certificates to acknowledge excellence in their overall performance for the Term 3 reporting period.

We acknowledge the effort and dedication the following students have put towards their studies. Congratulations to the  High Achievers.

Congratulations to our students receiving their Improver Certificates which are awarded to students to acknowledge a significant improvement from the previous reporting period.

Shearing time at BHS

Last week the Year 9 and 10 Agriculture classes practised their shed handing skills while Jake Michael shore our sheep. Zoe Ingram, who has just completed her shearer training, was a patient teacher showing the students how to pick up and throw a fleece. Thanks to the groups from Balaklava Community Children's Centre and Ms Nowlan's R1 class for visiting too!

This week it was alpaca shearing. We enjoyed eight Primary School and the Balaklava Children's Childcare Centre groups visiting to watch Cathy and Andrew Chapman at work. The High School alpacas and 14 others from our community were shorn, vaccinated, toenail trimmed and teeth checked in their annual check up. We look forward to seeing what beautiful garments local spinner Sherry Barnfield will create with the wool.

For Sale 

The Ag Department currently has a range of things on offer - contact Sue Pratt for more details or to place an order:

• 12 month old Isa Brown and Leghorn hens, ready late November
• Turkey rolls ($18/kg) or whole birds ($10/kg), ready late November
• Merino hogget $10/kg half (approx 20kg) or whole (approx 40kg), ready late October

HAY - Contact David Pratt 0429 118 017 

• 2021 Hay (6' round bales) - canola and vetch, oaten or awnless wheaten - all $80/bale.
• 2020 Hay (6' round bales) - oaten or awnless wheaten - both $50/bale.
• Composted straw & manure - $30 per front end loader bucketful, suitable for domestic gardens.

To celebrate their completion of Year 12, the Stage 2 Food and Hospitality class ended the subject with a Celebration Cake Task. Students were to research current cake trends and identify how presentation and skills impact the costs of cakes. They found that a lot of time and effort goes into baking and decorating cakes, which became clear when they were put to the challenge of making one themselves. The students attended a holiday session to learn specific cake decorating techniques as well as baking their cakes. They then decorated their own cake using current trends and techniques. They should be very proud of their achievements.

Sarah Mayer

Seussical JR

‘Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not’

– Dr. Seuss

The Performing Arts students have had a busy start to Term 4, being back on stage for the first time in 2 years! Students went down to the Balaklava Town Hall on Friday of Week 1, to start the final rehearsal process for this year’s musical, Seussical JR!, which takes the much loved stories of Dr. Seuss and puts them together in one big story.

On Monday the 18^th of October students prepared to perform to the public that night with a full day dress rehearsal. This was a very big day for the students involved, however, they all stepped up to the challenge and worked through their nerves to put on a wonderful first performance that evening. Students came back again on Tuesday for a full day rehearsal, which was shared with students from Owen and Balaklava Primary Schools.

Eventually the final performance came around, a bittersweet experience for students, who were excited to be performing but sad that it was the last show in this season of Seussical JR!. This was compounded by the fact that students had not been on stage for the past two years and that it was our highly committed Year 12 students’ final show at BHS. A huge thank you to the Year 12s, Taylor White, Lachlan Gaze, Madeleine Karklins, Shannon Schutt, Makayla Litzow, Brayden Cocks and Lachlan Groth, for the wonderful performance and leadership throughout the year long process, whilst also completing Year 12.

A special thank you to BHS staff, Sally Cowan and Michelle Pudney and community members Geoff Spence and Kelly Bickle for giving up their time to support the students to put on a wonderful performance!

Congratulations to all the students who were involved, both on stage and back stage!

‘Think left and think right and think low and think high. Oh, the thinks you can think up if only you try!” – Dr Seuss.

Spring Concert

In the last week of Term 3, the Special Interest Music students took to the main street of Balaklava to spread joy and music to our town! Setting up in the Rotunda in the Triangle, students presented a series of short musical concerts across the day for anyone who wanted to listen. There was a combination of performances during the day, including solo performances by Leyla Jacobson, Ella Taylor and Bligh Wilson. This also gave our students the opportunity to interact with our community in a COVID-Safe environment. Thank you to the Music & Drama Captains and Sally Cowan for make this event run smoothly and supporting the students involved.

Suriya Umapathysivam

Open Girls Netball State Final

On Monday the 13^th of September our Open Girls Netball Team travelled to the Netball SA stadium to compete in the Pool B Statewide Schools Netball State Final. Up against some strong competition from much bigger city schools, the girls played their hardest all day and were competitive against all teams. Well done to Taylah Barker, Sasha Branson, Nicola Tiller, Amber Pratt, Tiarhn Carpenter, Abbie McArdle, Casey Pratt, Kashaya Carpenter and Makayla Litzow for representing out school with pride. Thanks to Alice McArdle, our scorer on the day.

Year 8/9 Basketball

On Monday Week 2, the Year 8/9 Girls basketball team took to the court against Jamestown, Kapunda, Eudunda and Clare. The girls had a challenging day in the heat but were able to finish the day undefeated. Everyone on the team played their hardest and contributed. Special mention to Emily Curnow for coaching.

Thanks to all the players for their effort, teamwork, dedication and hard work.

Players – Janna Mojares, Samantha Lockwood, Kasey Battle, Chelsea Michalanney, Matilda Woidt, Lily Tiller, Maylea Carpenter, Jorja Schutt, Lara Dunstall (Absent)

Coach - Emily Curnow, Assistant Coach - Jamie Banwell

The 8/9 Boys had a very successful day on Monday coming away undefeated in all 8 games played. Throughout the day the boys showed an ability to remain unselfish and play for one another which was fantastic. Whilst all players without question executed a role for the team, Spencer Gaze was invaluable with his on court performance and leadership and Flynn Young had a number of standout games. A special mention has to go to Belinda Woidt who supplied the team with icecreams after a very hot day! We now progress through to the finals.

Should you need further information, please contact the School Office on 88620600 in the new year and we will provide the updated information.

OPTIONS FOR PAYING M&S FEES & INVOICES

In 2022 we will continue to offer multiple ways to pay items which are associated with the school, i.e., school fees, camps etc.  Listed below are some of these options:

• Payment can be made in person with either cash, cheque or EFTPOS at the Bookroom.
• Payments can be made over the phone using credit or debit card 
• If you believe you are entitled to School Card, you MUST fill out a form EACH year (cut-off date will be 12th November 2022) and submit it to the school or to the School Card Section (using the online platform). Forms and details available at Front Office. If you have students at different schools ie High School and Primary School, a form must be submitted for BOTH
• Payments can be made using the new QKR app which can be downloaded onto your mobile phone from Play Store (for Android) or App Store (iPhone). Instructions are included with this newsletter.

** If more detailed instructions are required, please contact the school **

Ruth Stevens

Business Manger

Has your student been involved in something special outside of school? At our Presentation Night, we love to acknowledge the amazing achievements that some of our students are producing outside of their school life. It could be volunteering in a community group like CFS, running a Youth Group, completing the Duke of Edinburgh Award, mentoring with Operation Flinders, elite sport like SANFL footy or State League netball, State or National representation of any sort. 

Please send me a photo and a brief explanation of what they have been doing and we will proudly acknowledge them.

Sue Pratt

The HASS (Humanities and Social Sciences) Faculty is hoping to run a Senior School Canberra Trip and we have a tentative booking for Week 1 of Term 2.  This 6 day trip will depart on Sunday 1^st May and return on Friday 6^th May 2022.

Cost is estimated to be around $800 based on 40 students attending.  On completion of the trip students will be eligible for the PACER rebate which is a $60 Commonwealth Government initiative paid to students who visit Canberra.

As this is an extra curricula activity, students will need to be achieving the required grades, attendance and behavioural expectations of the BHS policy.  Students will also have the opportunity to achieve a Stage 1 SACE Integrated Learning unit worth 10 credits. 

Please send me a daymap message or email (Karyn.vonzieden37@schools.sa.edu.au) to register the interest of your son or daughter.

Thankyou to the many parents and students that have indicated an interest so far. There has been enough interest for the trip to run so hopefully COVID-19 and restrictions will be a thing of the past. Early next year we will confirm details and request a deposit be paid to confirm interest.

Karyn Von-Zieden  (HASS faculty)

We are a small non-government supported group who raise money to support our aspiring school leavers requiring a financial ‘leg up’ to achieve their goal.

Wool, Wine & Wheat Country Education Fund was inaugurated in 2007 with the aim of supporting young school leavers – from Clare, Burra, Balaklava and Riverton – to achieve their goals and follow their dreams to a future career path, wherever it may take them. There are three main criteria from which students are selected: a realistic goal, dedication to achieving that goal and being in real need of financial assistance.

As a non-profit organisation, Wool, Wine & Wheat provides financial assistance to school leavers to help their dreams come true. Our focus is not specifically on academic achievement but rather the need for ‘real’ support, which may include rent assistance, travel, equipment or books, and we ensure a broad range of abilities and interests are supported.

Our recipients’ goals have been extremely diverse over the years – from university courses, stage production with NIDA, equine management, photography, TAFE courses and apprenticeships.

Applications are now open and close at the end of October. It is a fairly simple process where students go onto the CEF website and follow the steps to apply for a scholarship.

If you have any questions or need assistance please contact one of the following people.

Rosemary Goode

Chairperson Wool, Wine & Wheat

0417 082 390

Lesley Squires

Secretary

Email; jssquires@adsl.on.net

0417 817 198