The week has flown, with great weather and a multitude of student and staff learning opportunities present.
Research Project – Congratulations
In the 1st semester, 2011, all of our Year 12 students and their class teacher, Mrs Marg Custance, experienced a new and compulsory subject titled – Research Project.
With anything new it obviously presents different learning opportunities and unique challenges; however I can say that all the Year 12 students and their teacher were highly successful in their approach, application and ultimately their results.
Therefore I wish to publicly ‘Congratulate’ the Year 12 students and their teacher Mrs Marg Custance and their fantastic results, with all students successfully passing the subject, and to a high degree I might add.
Research Project information
The Research Project is a compulsory subject of the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE). Students must complete the 10-credit Research Project at Stage 2 of the SACE with a C- grade or better.
In the Research Project students choose a research topic that is based on an area of interest, and a capability (communication, citizenship, personal development, or work) that is relevant to their research. The capability for learning is integral to the Research Project for all students.
Students use the research framework as a guide to developing their research and applying knowledge and skills specific to their research topic. They evaluate the research processes used. They reflect on the relevance of the chosen capability to themselves and their research project.
The term ‘research’ is used broadly and may include practical or technical investigations, formal research, or exploratory inquiries.
Students are expected to:
1. generate ideas to plan and develop a research project
2. consider the relevance of a chosen capability (communication, citizenship, personal development, or work) to their research
3. analyse information and explore ideas to develop their research
4. develop and apply specific knowledge and skills
5. produce a research outcome
6. evaluate their research.
Research Project topics – Orroroo Area School Year 12 students
v Should we stock Alpacas on our property ?
v How to improve umpire numbers in the netball club.
v How effective is MYOB software for a small business ?
v How do you train a steer to lead ?
v Writing and recording a song
v Designing a dress
v How can a GPS improve cropping ?
v What are the issues facing the Carrieton Rodeo ?
v What is the best way to sell a house – Auction or Private Treaty ?
v What were the reasons behind the forcible removal of the Stolen Generation ?
v What are the risk factors and treatment options for pancreatic cancer ?
v What were the processes used to capture the Beltway Snipers of Washington, DC ?
Pupil Free Day – Report
Orroroo Area School staff were involved in two different workshops last Friday for our Pupil Free Day. The Primary teaching staff and SSO, travelled to Laura to be a part of the Upper Mid North Maths Cluster day. The day was facilitated by Jodie Zwar (Crystal Brook) and Kirsty Williams (Orroroo). The reports back from our staff who attended were that the day was extremely beneficial, as they were able to link ‘Big Ideas in Number’ with the Australian Curriculum and begin planning processes.
Our Secondary staff were on-site working on school priorities, unpacking the Literacy and Numeracy curriculum, planning, mapping and developing programs with reference to the new Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA).
2011 National Legacy Junior Public Speaking Award (S.A. Finals)
Last Friday night the South Australian State Final of the 2011 National Legacy Junior Public Speaking Award took place in Adelaide, where Isaac Gibb represented Orroroo Area School.
Reports from both Isaac’s parents and Marg Custance, who attended as a school representative, said Isaac articulated his message well (5 minute prepared speech) and was able to instil elements of humour in his impromptu speech (2 minutes), which was dutifully noted by the judges and enjoyed by the audience.
Isaac should be proud of his efforts and opportunity to speak in the State Final. Congratulations once again, 2012 here we come !
SSO Week 2011
This week we celebrate and acknowledge our School Services Officer (SSO). As a school, our School Services Officer is an integral cog in the operation and effectiveness. They are without doubt multi-skilled, enthusiastic and dedicated to the roles and requirements of our site.
Therefore I would like to acknowledge our SSOs, the quiet achievers on our staff who are the very face of public education and liaison between the school and wider community. From the front office staff who answer phones, give advice, help you fill in the seemingly endless forms and paperwork that comes as part of a school’s operation, type the newsletter, community notices, help with special events and manage finances, administer first aid, the classroom support SSOs who work with individuals and small groups of students to assist them in their learning to the library staff who go the ‘extra mile’ to deliver books to some of you at home, as well as assist in the organisation of the book room and science laboratory.
I know that everyone reading this newsletter has had some dealings with our SSOs and that you will join with me and the rest of the staff in expressing our appreciation for their hard work and dedication to the students and the school.
Ros, Patricia, Belinda, Virginia, Pauline, Di, Kerry, Craig and Kevin, along with our relief SSOs – Jenny and Simone – we thank you, value your contributions to our school and hope you have a very happy SSO Week !
Subject choice 2012 – Meeting
On Tuesday night a meeting was held in the Year 11 classroom, at 7.30pm for Year 10 and Year 11 parents and students. The night was organised and delivered by our Senior Coordinator, Mr Mick Rosenblatt, which included;
- · the discussion of subject choices for 2012
- · SACE arrangements,
- · distance and vocational learning,
- · assessment criteria.
The attendance by students and parents was exceptional, which demonstrates the commitment and importance of Senior Secondary years.
Year 4/5/6 Camp – Errappa
On Wednesday the Year 4/5/6 class travelled to the ‘Errappa’ campsite at Iron Knob, on the Eyre Peninsula for their annual camp. The camp programme is prepared using physical and challenging obstacle courses and other positive self improvement activities. The camp will be supervised by fully qualified police officers. I’m sure we will hear great stories and adventures.
Home Economics – Camp Cooking
Today the Year 9 students are fortunate enough to be spending most of their day ‘camp cooking’ at the Kuerschner farm. They will experience and experiment with various recipes and ingredients, using an open fire / coals to generate the cooking capacity.
Leadership Meetings
Today and tomorrow both Julianne O’Dea (Deputy Principal) and I will attend the Yorke and Mid North Regional meeting at Port Pirie. In addition Marg Custance has been invited to attend specific workshops on Friday in relation to the South Australian Teaching for Effective Learning (SA TfEL). These opportunities provide an avenue to only enhance our learning of initiatives, programmes, curriculum requirements and issues which may impact on our school.
It also provides great networking capabilities to find out what other schools are doing at their sites eg. programmes, initiatives or managing curriculum. Ultimately the meetings keep Orroroo Area School informed and able to draw from a multitude of networks to provide the best possible opportunities for students and staff alike.
School Closure – 9th September
The Governing Councillors have supported the proposed ‘School Closure Day’ for the Friday 9th September (week 7). This is an annual day granted by DECS for a day of significance. The day corresponds with the last Friday of the Adelaide Show, which we believe suits the needs of students and families.
Parent Opinion Survey
With respect to aspects of our school, parents, again this year have been randomly selected by DECS Data Management to complete an Opinion Survey. If you have been selected you will already have received information about the on-line survey. If however you do not wish to do the survey online, please contact the Front Office for a hard copy and a reply paid envelope. Thanking you for your cooperation in this matter.
Regards
Paul Pitkin
~ Respect Responsibility Excellence Tolerance Honesty ~
CRICOS NAME: Department of Education and Children's Services t/a South Australian Government Schools