T4N1 Heritage College Newsletter 2024

FROM THE PRINCIPAL'S DESK

It has been a busy and enriching term at Heritage College. We take this opportunity to celebrate the range of learning experiences our students have engaged in, as well as the strong community spirit that has flourished among parents, grandparents, relatives, and our ecclesial community.

Activate Learning Showcase: A Testament to Student Innovation

One of the standout events this term was the Activate Learning Showcase, where our Year 5 to Year 7 students presented their mini business enterprises, emphasizing themes of sustainability and innovation. From beeswax covers to designing unique handmade jewellery, the creativity and entrepreneurship displayed were nothing short of inspiring.

Students pitched their business concepts to potential investors, including exciting propositions such as a panic attack app and a concierge service for elderly flyers. The engagement from parents, relatives, and fellow students was fantastic, reflecting the vibrant learning environment at our college.

We are thrilled to announce that our program has earned us a spot as one of five finalists working with Activate Learning, the only finalist from South Australia. This recognition is a testament to our commitment to providing opportunities that help students develop the thinking and capabilities required by future employers.

Enhancements to Our Uniform Shop

In our ongoing efforts to enhance the experience of our school community, we have successfully relocated our Uniform Shop to our suppliers' store in Para Vista. This change allows for improved service, including access on weekends and holidays, a free alteration service, and convenient online ordering with increased delivery options—all at the same cost.

We have received very positive feedback from parents about this initiative and encourage everyone to visit the shop when you have a moment. A heartfelt thank you to Abby Archer for leading this project so successfully.

Celebrating Year 12 Graduates

Last Friday, our Year 12 students celebrated their graduation at the Inglewood Inn. The evening was filled with heartfelt speeches that expressed unity and a mature appreciation for our ethos and values along with the value of deep friendship. This event marked a fitting conclusion to their journey at Heritage College, as they were recognised for their achievements among peers and family. We wish our graduates God’s blessing as they embark on new adventures and create lasting memories.

A Busy Term of Learning Experiences

This term has been bustling with activities designed to provide valuable experiences of the world of work and unique learning opportunities. Year 11 students participated in work experience, gaining insights into various career paths. Year 9 enjoyed a sailing excursion where they learned new skills and teamwork, while Year 8 students visited the Adelaide indoor market to understand what it takes to run a successful business.

Additionally, some Year 10 students immersed themselves in the civil industry, gaining firsthand insights into this vital sector. Younger students in Years 3-6 participated in an Auz Bike incursion, focusing on bike control skills and safety, while Year 1 students went on a road safety excursion, learning how to navigate roads safely.

We also held a successful P&F lunch for the entire school, thanks to our dedicated volunteers. As part of our commitment to continual improvement, PAT testing was conducted for all students in Year 3 and above, allowing us to measure progress and identify areas for focus in future teaching and learning.

Looking Ahead

Please join us as we come together at out Twilight Celebration this coming Thursday 7^th November to celebrate the growth of our students across both Primary and Secondary and share our appreciation for our vibrant college community —your presence truly makes these moments special.

Thank you for the vital role you play in our community. Together, we’re creating a supportive and inspiring environment where each child can thrive, connect, and grow in faith and learning. ‘But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen’ (2 Peter 3 v 18).

Justin Robinson

Twilight Celebration

Volunteers Morning Tea

Parents & Friends Association

Thanks to P&F for the lovely new sewing machines and overlocker for the music room. They will come in very handy for the ease of sewing costumes for the year 9/10 play as well as next year for the Cinderella musical. In fact the second picture is hemming the skirt for the snow white costume so they are already seeing use

Heritage College Partners with UMS for Uniform Services

We are delighted to announce that Heritage College has partnered with UMS to manage our school uniform needs. UMS is a trusted provider that supplies uniforms to hundreds of schools across Australia and even owns its own manufacturing facility, demonstrating their extensive expertise in producing quality school wear.

One of the standout features UMS offers is their Made to Measure service, understanding that every student has unique needs. For added convenience, their store is located just 10 minutes from our school at 296 – 306 Nelson Road, Para Vista, and is open six days a week. This gives families more flexibility to schedule fittings and receive expert advice at times that suit their busy lives.

For parents who prefer to shop online, UMS makes the process seamless with options to have uniforms delivered to school for students to bring home, arrange home delivery (with a small fee), or use the convenient click-and-collect service from the Para Vista store. A big advantage of this partnership is that UMS will be available throughout school holidays, addressing a gap we previously faced. During the busy back-to-school period, UMS extends their hours to include evening sessions, ensuring that everyone can access the services they need with ease.

If you have any questions or feedback, please reach out to the Para Vista store directly or contact Abby Archer at Heritage College via uniform@heritage.sa.edu.au

Fun Fact: The delicious chocolate donuts we enjoy on Sports Day and Lunch Days come from the same shopping centre where UMS is located. A perfect reason to visit!

This exciting development will help you easily purchase well-fitting uniforms at a time to suit you.           

2025 Secondary Musical

We are very excited to announce the Secondary Musical for next year God Willing is …

Rogers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella, Broadway Version

This wonderful show is all about being true to yourself and being kind to others, along with dashing feats of derring-do, magical transformations, pumpkins, and of course glass slippers.

Being involved in the cast for the show is open to all 2025 Secondary students (current 6-11s) and if they are interested in being involved they need to sign up for an audition by Friday 6th December 2024.

This musical we will be doing 4 performances! So stay tuned for the ticket sales announcements and be prepared for an amazing experience.

The Secondary Musical will be in August 25th - 29th, in Term 3 2025, God Willing.

Lower Primary - Leeanne Clark

Lower Primary - Jesse Bruce

The Year 2 Awesome Astronauts have been busy exploring the exciting world of pixel art on their iPads! Using the Numbers app, we've transformed ourselves into digital artists, creating stunning pixel masterpieces. 

Pixel art is a unique form of digital art that requires incredible precision and technical skill. Each tiny square, or pixel, must be carefully filled with the correct colour to bring our designs to life. We've practiced our fine motor skills as we zoomed in and out on the canvas, selecting the perfect colours and filling in each pixel with care. 

We found inspiration in our favourite things, from adorable ducks to mouth-watering pizza, delectable desserts, and even the heroic Dogman! By using black outlines, we've added definition and depth to our designs, making them truly stand out. 

 We're so proud of our pixel art creations and can't wait to share them with the school community! 

Middle Primary - Emma Sanderson/Elisa Wiafe

The Year 3/4 students were treated to a fun AusBike incursion. Please enjoy the students’ reflections of the incursion!

“I liked riding on the bikes and playing red light, green light.”

“It was fun! We got to ride bikes one handed, we also did the A, B, C, D, E test. A is for Air, B is for Brakes, C is for Chain, D is for Drop and E is for Endplugs.”

“I loved AusBike because we got to ride mountain bikes, my favourite! I got the dark blue unique one!”

“We got our bikes and started riding. I fell off a few times, but I got it by the end. Then we played a target game while riding, by grabbing a bean bag and throwing it at the inflatable target. Then we changed our gears from 1 to 7, but some people’s bikes only went up to 3.”

“Last week we did the AusBike incursion. Two people from the AusBike came in and brought a bunch of bikes. We rode around in a big circle. We played red light, green light and we threw beanbags at targets.”

“I had a low-gear bike and a comfortable helmet. It was really fun and I wish we had a longer time period to ride around one-handed!”

Upper Primary - Jason Hauser

After finishing the novel Wonder by R.J. Palacio last term, students were asked to respond to the book using watercolours.

Guided by prompts that asked them to explore the themes of the story, such as empathy, courage, and friendship, the students let their feelings about the main character’s journey (Auggie) flow out onto the page.

Using different tones and images, each art piece has captured the personal connection to Wonder that students individually made and what resonated most with them.

Wonder is an inspiring story that raises many important and relevant issues for students around 9-12 years old to discuss safely.

Thanks to Eli, Amy, Silas B, Decklan, Aurora, Bentley, Jarrah and Venetia for sharing your work.

Enjoy!

Upper Primary -Rachel Morrison

This term we have begun looking at portraiture. We began by having a look at digital art and doing a line drawing on our i-pads. We then animated it to draw and erase on its own using contrasting colours. Here are a few examples.

We then moved onto creating another portrait of ourselves but this time using transparency paper. We first took a selfie of ourselves which Aunty Rach printed. When given our photos, we traced them onto a piece of transparency paper and then decided whether we wanted to use cool colours or warm colours. When done we had to paint our backgrounds the opposite colour using different textures.

We are learning to appreciate and love what we look like. God has made us unique, special and important and we are using our portraiture to see this and help ourselves realise this.  

Lower Secondary - Jared Burney

During term three, Year 7 English students analysed the language and features of comics. They applied these insights to craft their own comics, adapting sections of a novel into this unique format. I have been truly impressed by the effort and care most students have shown in their work. While many opted to hand-draw their comics, others utilized tools like PowerPoint and AI image creation.

Enjoy a selection of comics that have been submitted this year:

Lower Secondary - Brett Arnold

In Week 2 of this term, Year 7’s showcased the results of all their hard work from the Activate program, in the gym. This was for the benefit of all students and teachers in the school, as well as parents who wished to attend. It proved to be an amazing and successful event for all. The way the program worked was that students were to follow a topic they were passionate about, come up with an idea, research the competition, work on marketing their idea, and then present their finished product/idea at this showcase. Along the way, students developed a sense of passion about an environmental topic and a greater understanding of the issues facing the community and the world. They understood the impact of their issue on the world, both in relation to sustainability and in realising that they have a voice and can influence change. This program was all about developing entrepreneurial skills and capabilities along the way and it worked! A big thank you goes to Aunty Jo Cheek who encouraged the students all the way through this program for which they reaped the rewards of a broader outlook on the world where they live. 

Lower Secondary - Julie Samuel

In Science, the Year 9’s have been learning about the most fascinating creation of the human body- the BRAIN. We have learned about the main parts of the human brain and how they work together with the rest of the body systems. We have also learned how our brains learn and remember things to make us unique in various aspects of life with the amazing ability to reflect the character of our God and give pleasure to him. We have enjoyed dissecting sheep’s brains in our little groups, and it is something that we will remember for a while.

Lower Secondary - Kirsty Palmer

In week 1 this term, the two Year 9 classes enjoyed 2 beautiful days down at West Lakes Aquatic Centre learning to sail small 3-person sail boats. The students had the opportunity to work with their classmates in small groups learning how all the different parts of the boats and how to operate them. They had to work together in order to make each corner successful, and in the afternoon when it was nice and hot they even learnt to safely capsize the boat and get back in again. It was very entertaining to watch them tip over many times and get back in again. The sailing excursion days are the Year 9 “camp” for the year and focused on developing their resilience by teaching them a new skill.

The students had a fantastic time- here are some of their reflections,

“It was so much fun. I loved learning something new and different and would love to do it again. The instructors were nice and funny and patient when we kept getting things wrong. Capsizing was loads of fun as well. I loved working with my friends to steer the boat and it was a team effort to do everything (including crash into other boats on accident).”

“I liked how we got to be in a boat with 2 other people. The instructors were also really nice and helpful and made the instructions really clear. We got to go out on the water for a good amount of time too. Thanks so much for organising the excursion, I really enjoyed it.”

“It was so much fun and it was good that we all got to try different positions in the boat. It was nice weather to capsize in.”

Upper Secondary -Trevor Dodson

The School Captains together with the Student Representative Council (SRC) have successfully planned, facilitated, and completed a fabulous whole-of-school fundraising activity called the Heritage Decathlon. 

The idea for the activity was developed by the School Captains, with the aim of creating an exciting activity for all students to participate in, whilst raising funds to purchase some outdoor classroom furniture to be placed in an area that teachers can use with their students for outdoor learning.

The Heritage Decathlon consisted of ten challenges spread out across the school oval which needed to be negotiated by both younger and older students working in teams.  These included walking over a balance beam, team bobsled, a human knot relay, an obstacle course, skimming along a slip and slide, all the while being showered by water balloons and coloured slime.

The event was a successfully completed on the last day of Term 3, enjoyed by students and teachers alike, whilst raising close to $2,000 to put towards our outdoor furniture.  Our thanks go to the school community for your generous contributions, and to the School Captains (along with their network of helpers) for organising such a fun and exciting event for everyone to enjoy.

Upper Secondary - Shannon Kennedy

For their final assessment of the year, the Stage 2 Food and Hospitality students showcased their culinary skills by creating gourmet grazing boxes for college staff. The project required students to plan, prepare, and present these grazing-style boxes, focusing on organisation and management, current food trends, safe food handling, and legal aspects of food production, storage, and distribution. Here are some photos of their creations.

HeLP Awards - Foundation Dodson

Hannah Samuel for being an engaged learner during our science lessons.

Eva Su for increasing her accuracy in maths by taking her time and not rushing.

Robbie Mitsos for always being a great sharer when playing with others.

Elodie Taylor for excellent reading in her Read Write Inc. group.

Mahalia Witton for being a great partner to others during tasks.

Luca Mansfield for always being keen to extend his learning further.

Austin Oliver for showing a great improvement in effort in all subjects.

Adeline Tretola for making an amazing shelter out of natural materials in HaSS.

Layla Chandler for making an amazing shelter out of natural materials in HaSS. 

HeLP Awards - Year 1 Clark

Alice Badams for excellent effort and problem solving in Maths.

Josephine Johns for careful and thoughtful writing of an information report.

Chloe Mackinnon for excellent effort in Maths.

Vincent Bol Bol for improved effort and task completion in Maths and Writing.

Joseph Atkins for working hard to complete mental Maths activities.

Violet Hill for working really hard in Maths tasks.

Anderson Mansfield for always being kind and considerate of others.

Anastasia Luke for always being willing to contribute to class discussions.

Michael Henriksen for conscientiously and consistently completing all tasks set.

HeLP Awards - Year 1 Bailye

Mila Casey for working so well in Read Write Inc this week.

Abel Petiet for excellent concentration and work in Written Language.

Simeon Todd for being a careful, accurate and methodical worker in class.

Archie Milliken for always getting 100% involved in any classroom activity.

Margot Wigzell for great focus and work this week.

HeLP Awards - Year 2 Bruce

Mia Badams for focus and dedication in writing lessons this week.

Margot Crispin for presenting her written work in a beautiful and orderly manner.

Micah Barr for making a notable improvement in behaviour during instruction time. 

Amali Richards impressive results in the PAT reading test.

Oscar Clark for an impressive return back to school with excellent results in both Pat Maths and Reading.

Rosalinda Arnold for good fluency when reading.

Willa Pan for dedication and effort in all her school work.

Adeline Kruger for always having a positive attitude to everything at school!

HeLP Awards - Year 3/4 Morrison

Ozias Colliver for focusing on your writing and trying out new skills, being willing to make mistakes.

Alex Beard for showing fantastic growth in your writing.

HeLP Awards - Year 3/4 Lagowski/Witton

Fergus Yuile for demonstrating impressive organisational skills and diving into Think Mentals with great focus and enthusiasm every morning.

Maya Scott for her hard work and dedication in reading groups.

Harry Hill for consistently showing resilience in all tasks. Keep up the great work, Harry!

Leo Mitchelson for working diligently in reading and comprehension activities.

Hadassah Mansfield for working diligently in reading and comprehension activities.

Grace Edgecombe for helping others when creating our keynote slides.

Rylan Arnold for helping others in our digital technology lessons.

HeLP Awards - Year 3/4 Sanderson/Wiafe

Sophie Manasherov for showing resilience and a never give up attitude.

Sophie Mitsos for showing resilience and a reflective attitude.

Eliana Badger for an excellent attitude towards her art project - going above and beyond expectations.

Elijah Nolan for displaying resilience and doing his best on spelling and writing tasks.

Hugo Bain for being a kind and supportive friend to his peers.

Macedon Pearce for a responsible effort to catch up on work in all subject areas.

HeLP Awards - Year 5/6 Hauser

Hayden Watt for settling back into school life easily after your big trip!

Silas Bain for setting high standards for yourself and taking care with your learning tasks.

HeLP Awards - Year 5/6 Healy

James Ingram for a reflective attitude and working hard in all tasks this term.

Elaina Kruger for going the extra mile and making her work of extremely high standard.

Parker Scott for demonstrating excellent leadership and resilience during our Activate program.

HeLP Awards - Year 5/6 Morrison

Dallas Farren for having dedication and resilience in completing his recount.

Toby Evans for resilience in trying to get himself organised and keeping his space tidy.

Lillian Hornhardt for always being helpful and kind to those around her.

Noah Nolan for using his time wisely in maths and asking for help.

Spencer Scott for staying focused and taking his time to produce lovely pieces of art.

Jesse Bol Bol for beginning tasks straight away and getting more work completed.

Joash Hammond for taking on feedback and working well in a team.

Alisha Gibbs for always joining in discussions and taking her time in art.

Wellbeing Support - Hannah Mitchelson

Understanding ADHD: A Guide for Parents

As we navigate the challenges of parenting, one topic that often comes up is Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Understanding ADHD can empower us to support our children better, fostering their growth and success. Here’s an overview what ADHD is, the signs and symptoms to look out for and what we can do as a school to support you, as you navigate through this journey of diagnosis (should you need it) or how to better support children with ADHD.

What is ADHD?

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects both children and adults. It typically manifests as persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that interfere with functioning or development.

Signs and Symptoms

ADHD can present differently in each child, but common signs include:

• Inattention: Difficulty sustaining attention, following through on tasks and organising activities.
• Hyperactivity: Excessive fidgeting, inability to stay seated, and constant movement.
• Impulsivity: Difficulty waiting for a turn, blurting out answers, or interrupting others.

Diagnosis

If you suspect your child may have ADHD, the first step is to consult with a GP who will help to refer you to a Paediatrician. As a school, we can also help to write letters to your GP with our concerns or share with you our thoughts on your child. Diagnosis typically involves a comprehensive evaluation, including questionnaires, interviews, and observation. It's essential to rule out other conditions that may present similar symptoms.

Treatment Options

While there is no cure for ADHD, various treatment strategies can help manage symptoms:

1. Occupupational Therapy: This can teach your child the necessary skills to manage their behaviour and improve social interactions.
2. Medication: Stimulant and non-stimulant medications can help regulate attention and impulse control.
3. Educational Support: Collaborating with teachers to implement Individualised Education Plans (IEPs) which can help them to be supported and accommodated for within the classroom.
4. Parent Training: Programs that teach parents techniques to manage their child's behaviour and improve communication can be very beneficial.

Supporting Your Child

As parents, there are several ways you can support your child with ADHD:

• Establish Routines: Consistent daily schedules can help your child feel more secure and focused.
• Set Clear Expectations: Communicate your expectations clearly and reinforce them with positive reinforcement.
• Create a Distraction-Free Environment: Designate quiet, organised spaces for learning activities and other tasks.
• Encourage Physical Activity: Regular exercise can help manage symptoms and improve overall well-being.

Building a Support Network

Don’t hesitate to reach out for support. Connecting with other parents, teachers, outside agencies and healthcare providers can provide valuable resources and a sense of community.

My child doesn’t have ADHD but their friend does, what can I do to help?

1. Educate Yourself: Learn about ADHD to better understand what your child's friend might be experiencing. This can help you empathise and support them effectively.
2. Be Inclusive: Encourage your child to include their friend in activities and games, making sure they feel welcome and valued.
3. Promote Understanding: Talk to your child about ADHD in a positive way, emphasising that everyone has different strengths and challenges.
4. Encourage Patience: Help your child understand that their friend might need more time or support in certain situations, like focusing or following instructions.
5. Create a Supportive Environment: If your child’s friend visits, consider minimising distractions in your home to help them feel more comfortable.
6. Open Communication: Encourage your child to talk to their friend and ask how they can be supportive. This can help foster a deeper understanding and friendship.
7. Collaborate with Parents: If you’re close to the friend’s parents, consider discussing ways to support their child together, sharing insights and strategies.

Your involvement can make a big difference in helping both your child and their friend navigate their friendship!

Conclusion

Understanding ADHD is a crucial step toward supporting our children. By educating ourselves and implementing effective strategies, we can help our children to thrive.

If you have any questions or need further information, feel free to reach out. Together, we can create an environment where every child can succeed.

2024 TERM 4 KEY DATES

October 14th - December 13th

• November 4-15 Year 12 Exams
• November 7 Twilight Celebration
• November 8 Student Free/Staff Development Day
• November 15 Volunteer Appreciation Morning Tea
• November 21 Foundation 2025 Parent Information Session
• November 22 Year 11 Last Day
• November 25-27 Year 11 Exams
• November 25 Foundation 2025 Transition Morning
• November 25 Council Meeting
• November 27-29 Year 6 Camp
• November 27 Secondary Award Presentations
• November 28-29 Year 9 & 10 Exams
• November 29 Tabloid Sports
• November 29 Sausage Sizzle
• November 29 Year 9 & 10 Last Day
• December 2 Foundation 2025 Transition Morning
• December 3 Year 6 Secondary Orientation Parent Info Session (ZOOM)
• December 5 Year 6 Graduation Ceremony
• December 6 Year 7 & 8 Last Day
• December 9 Foundation - Year 6 Transition Morning
• December 9 Secondary Orientation Parent Information Session
• December 11 Secondary Reports Published
• December 11 Primary Presentation Assembly
• December 12 Primary Reports Published
• December 12 Last Day of Term 4 for Students
• December 13 Student Free Day/Staff Development

HERITAGE CONTACTS

Principal  Justin Robinson
Business Manager  Adrian Maycock
Enquiries Front Desk

Staff Contact Details available on Sentral under "Resources:Miscellaneous Information: Heritage Contact List"

COUNCIL MEMBERS

Scott Robson - Chairman/Human Resources | Tea Tree Gully ecclesia
Peter Evans - Deputy Chairman | Salisbury ecclesia
Rod Case - Finance | Enfield ecclesia
Nathan Jolly - Community | Cumberland ecclesia
James Mansfield - Treasurer | Mount Barker ecclesia 
Graeme Shugg - Councillor | Salisbury ecclesia
Steve Jeffress - Councillor | Enfield ecclesia