Principal: Ruth Mussger 8531 9500 – Chairperson Governing Council: Cathy Smith 0408 336 469

It is through working together, with respect, that we can achieve excellence

Murray Bridge High School

Excellence, Respect and Working Together Tel: 8531 9500 Fax: 8531 9595 Email: dl.0785.info@schools.sa.edu.au Website: www.murraybridgehs.sa.edu.au

TERM 3, WEEK 8 – 10 September 2018

From the Principal Ruth Mussger

Over the last three years Murray Bridge High School has been involved in the Social Ventures Australia (SVA) Bright School’s Connection. We have accessed strategies and knowledge from the foundation to support our improvement planning, along with many tried and tested ideas and programs from interstate schools that are very similar to us. SVA has partnered with Samsung Australia and we are the very appreciative recipients of 2 Galaxy S9 with latest model VR headwear. This very generous sponsorship will enable students in class to access virtual reality content by connecting to the Galaxy mobile device, as well as develop their own VR skills to design 3D video and 360 degree content. See Abbey trying out the VR headgear in the photo below right. We are very proud of Rex Catipay and Zack Schwerdt, who represented Murray Bridge High School in the second round of the iAwards, which drew state winners together at the national event in Melbourne. Their SMART app created interest for many of the industry representatives and the boys have been offered internships at a prestigious firm later this year. They were also recognised by the Premier and Federal Member for Hammond for their achievements. I would like to thank teacher Lochlann Dwyer for supporting the boys throughout the design, construction and presentation phases. Last week students moved back into the newly refurbished science labs. Teachers and students have been very positive about the design and layout of the rooms that enable far more integration of classes and flexible, collaborative work stations. State of the art video equipment will allow students to record evidence of practical experiments, as well as making teacher demonstrations available for students to watch on line at school or at home. The photos below show layout before furniture was placed and after with students enjoying the new collaborative layout.

DATES TO REMEMBER TERM 3

Tue, 11 Sep Finance Committee, 4.30pm

Wed, 12 Sep Music Showcase, John Dohler Hall

Mon, 17 Sep Parent/Teacher meetings 3.30 – 5.30pm

Tue, 18 Sep Parents & Friends – 4.45pm Governing Council – 6pm

Wed, 19 Sep Parent/Teacher meetings 3.00 – 5.00pm

Sat/Sun, 22/23 Sep Pedal Prix 24 hour event Murray Bridge

Wed, 26 Sep Creative Arts/Dance Showcase

Fri, 28 Sep House Cup Day Last day of Term 3 – 2pm dismissal

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National iAwards 2018 by Lochlann Dwyer

After school on Tuesday, 28th of August, students Rex Catipay and Zack Schwerdt, myself and SSO Jason Hagger headed to Adelaide airport, the first step in their National iAwards journey. Each year the National iAwards, an ICT industry event is held in Melbourne; it is a celebration of innovation and excellence within the realm of computing and business. Politicians, comedians, business leaders and even students all end up in attendance.

The group arrived at their hotel on Tuesday evening and quickly rested. On Wednesday morning Rex and Zack presented their innovation to a judging panel made of a mixture of business experts, computer engineers and other industry leaders in the sky rise building KPMG in Melbourne’s CBD. Rex and Zack had created SMART (Student Movement Augmented Reality Timetable), a navigation tool designed to help students navigate their way around the school using only a phone’s camera. The two students engaged the judges with their ideas, current progress and even a few jokes, after all, they are ‘SMART’.

Once judging was complete the group had the opportunity to experience Melbourne for the day. The group went to the ACMI (Australian Centre for the Moving Image), a museum / gallery that focuses on both Australian film and video game history. Rex and Zack found themselves in a losing game of oversized chess versus Mr Dwyer, and finally the group found themselves solving puzzles in an escape room.

Thursday morning found Rex and Zack presenting their innovation once again, this time on stage to both a panel of Judges and an audience. The students where participating in PitchFest, a quick shot shark tank style presentation, they only had 3 minutes to illustrate their innovation to the judges followed by a short 3 minute question and answer session. PitchFest focuses less on the innovation itself, and more the ability to sell the idea of the innovation. I, Lochlann Dwyer also participated as a judge in the junior category.

With several innovations in the Senior Student category at PitchFest the competition was going to be tight. Rex and Zack where competing against students from a range of different schools with a range of different innovations from all of the country. Innovations included The Amazing Annoyotron, a coding kit designed to engage students in learning how to code, a safety monitor and locator for the elderly, and even an alarm to notify people who are looking at their phones that trams and trains may be around. Sadly the team SMART did not win at PitchFest, instead the elderly safety monitor was the winner.

Finally on Thursday evening the group attended the iAwards Gala dinner at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. The Gala was an evening of political speeches, presentations, comedians, dinner and even magicians. The group was treated to a three course meal over the night as winners of each of the categories were presented. SMART did not manage to achieve victory in the student category, instead the Amazing Annoyotron was crowned the winner.

Overall the group had a great 2 days visiting Melbourne, and they gained a great insight into the world of innovation, business and excellence.

Rex and Zack present their innovation to a judging panel

Rex, Mr Dwyer and Zack enjoy the sites of Melbourne

Rex and Zack get ready for the big night

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Year 11 and 12 Drama- Priscilla Queen of the Desert by Emily Adams

The story itself although hilariously funny and well developed also showcased a number of important topics for our students including gender stereotypes and homophobia. Priscilla follows the lives of Tick, Adam and Bernadette a trio of drag queens who buy a bus and drive from Sydney to Alice Springs where they will perform their much anticipated show. Nothing goes to plan, however, with a broken down bus, a few small minded towns and a discovery of friendship. Students truly invested themselves in the characters and their experiences throughout their journey. A show that provided us knee slapping humour but in the same minute an outpouring of empathy is one truly worth remembering.

What a spectacle, a hilariously funny but touching story of identity and friendship! On Tuesday 28 August, Year 11 and 12 Drama students attended the Festival Theatre to watch the classic Australian musical Priscilla Queen of the Desert. Within minutes the performers had captured the audience with an iconic opening number which included singers floating from the ceiling and drag queens dancing up a storm. The musical madness continued throughout the performance with many students joining in to clap and sing along to popular hits like ‘I will survive’, ‘shake your groove thing’ and ‘I love the nightlife’.

Sports Colours Day raising money for Teen Challenge

On Friday, 31st August the SRC held Sports Colours Day. This casual day aimed to raise money for Teen Challenge, helping those teens affected by drugs. It was great to see so many students and staff dressed up in their favourite team colours. The day was a huge success and we raised $207.85 for Teen Challenge. Thank you to all those who dressed up on the day.

Congratulations

Blake Zadow

Winner of the Connolly Medal for the Best and Fairest player in the RMFL Under 17.5’s. Murray Bridge High School would like to extend congratulations to Blake on his accomplishment. Well done!

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Girl Interrupted – Year 12 Drama

Performance by Emily Adams

On Thursday evening 30 August, the Year 12 Drama class had their external moderation performance. I believe students truly captured the essence of such a serious text going above and beyond with their development of character.

Beginning last year I have been considering a text for the Year 12 group to workshop for their external moderation performance. I wanted something that challenges them whilst incorporating in depth characters with backstories the students could really explore. I have always been a fan of the book and film Girl Interrupted which is a biographical story by Susanna Kayson. The story itself provides many raw moments that really encourage students to step out of their comfort zone and explore new character possibilities whilst being stripped of their usual comforts. The story also encourages students to not only challenge themselves but also explore the effects of mental health and stigma attached to institutions in the late 60s.

The performance from the students was an absolute success with great audience feedback including a number of tears brought on by the traumatic stories. This Year 12 class in particular have worked together for a number of years and audience members could see the hard work students have put in to their characters. To have such a strong and talented group of students continue Drama from Middle School to Year 12 makes me really proud of what they have achieved. It will be truly bittersweet to see them move on and finish High School.

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The cast take a bow

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Official Launch of Rawul-Inyeri by Doug Gray, Student/Staff liaison person

Wednesday 5th September saw the launch of Rawul-Inyeri (Belonging to time past) at the Rural City of Murray Bridge. This is an exciting initiative of the University of Adelaide and Murray Bridge High School, which aims to connect with the local Aboriginal community as they tell their stories of the impact of the Stolen Generation.

Some 40 people attended the launch, including key staff of Adelaide University and Murray Bridge High School as well as members of the Aboriginal community. Also in attendance were 6 SAASTA students, representatives of Aboriginal support agencies and the CEO of the Rural City of Murray Bridge.

Once the stories have been recorded the SAASTA students will create an interactive display for the community to engage with as well as resources which will be available for all students, both indigenous and non-indigenous.

The launch was expertly Emceed by Greg Carter, who also spoke passionately about the benefits of this project for all members of the community. Student Declan Smith delivered the Welcome to Country and other speakers were Ruth Mussger, Principal of MBHS, Cheryl Love and Dr Katie Barclay, historian from the University of Adelaide. Katie indicated that the stories and information gathered would also be used as the basis for academic papers which would have a readership far beyond the local community.

The event concluded with the sharing of a sumptuous morning tea provided by the Little Local Co. Tailem Bend.

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Murray Bridge High School Newsletter 10 September 2018

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Maths Craft by Ann Ruckert

How does a mathematician think about and solve problems? What does ‘doing maths’ look like?

I was invited to bring three Murray Bridge High School students to a Maths Craft morning at Walford Anglican School for Girls on 10 August. Students in 8G Maths were invited to apply, in writing, to be involved in the event, where students from schools all over Adelaide would be working together to share strategies and think about mathematical problems in the way that mathematicians do. Three students – Maddi Cain, Laiza Lazaro and Damon Schulz – were selected from all applicants, based on the merits of their applications.

Students were chauffeured to Walford from MBHS in my Jaguar as a special treat. On arrival, we walked through the beautiful Walford grounds, to Helen Reid Hall where we joined students from other schools and mathematicians from the University of Adelaide and UniSA.

During the morning we were given a number of very open Maths problems to puzzle over. On our table we were working with Dennis Liu, a PhD candidate from the University of Adelaide, who drew out the students’ noticing and wondering, helping them to think how to approach each problem. I saw some terrific and unusual problem-solving taking place with our three MBHS ambassadors.

When we reflected on the morning on the journey home, the students said that they had really enjoyed the experience being able to ponder the puzzles without restriction, although it was not what they were expecting at all.

We walked past a classroom which was labelled 8G on our way back to the car, about which we got quite excited – photo opportunity.

In a later Maths class with the rest of our students, Maddi, Laiza and Damon led the class through one of the problems we encountered involving three circles. The excursion was voted a great success by all involved.

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PEDAL PRIX Thank you to our sponsors

Adelaide Hills Tyre & 4WD Centre

Pedal Prix Update by Gilbert Tuazon

At Murray Bridge High School, Pedal Prix is quite different from your usual extracurricular sport. At Year 8 participation in the programme is not compulsory, students are given the opportunity to join the team to compete on their own accord. All students are welcome to tryout ranging in age from Years 8 to Year 12- cyclists, footy players, runners. We even cater for students who don’t usually participate in team sports, or those who don’t usually participate in sport at all!

Our lead team (GT Human Power- Nemesis) is not a select group of trained cyclists. It is in fact a combination of current and graduate students of MBHS. The students in this particular team are aged between 16-18 years and have been competing in Pedal Prix since Year 8. Their years of Pedal Prix experience have taught them the ins and outs of trike racing, giving them a determination and drive to achieve their best. Team Nemesis’ experience is utilised to mentor our younger participants in the development team (Cadence).

We compete in the two Adelaide City sprint races, as well as our local Murray Bridge 24hr event. The first few months are spent testing participants and undertaking team building exercises. The team oriented activities also double up as fitness development for the students and these continue throughout the entire season. Bringing our students together 2 nights a week (for 1.5 hours each) for training is a great way for them to develop relationships with students who they may, otherwise, never interact with during normal school days.

Our overarching aim is to be successful in our own right. The common goal amongst our high school Pedal Prix family is our drive to be the best that we possibly can, with the resources that are available to us. This, we do very well.

This season our team’s excellent preseason preparation has reflected in our phenomenal, and best, race results so far- 1st in category C5 (Adelaide race 1), 3rd in category C5 (Adelaide race 2).

Murray Bridge HS Pedal Prix and GT Human Power welcome all new high school students to come along and see what the program can offer.

Throughout this year we are generously supported by our major sponsors- Adelaide Hills Tyre & 4wd Centre, Murray City Lions, Murray Bridge Lions and AutoPro Murray Bridge. We also appreciate the contributions that the following local businesses provide - Coles Murray Bridge, IGA Swanport, Newell Composites, Murdoch Insurance Brokers and Trump Engineering-Trump Trikes.

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Parent Teacher meetings Term 3 by Paula Hahesy, Deputy Principal

To enable more face to face contact with parents/caregivers, we have allocated additional parent-teacher meetings this year, including upcoming Term 3 meetings. Parent Teacher meetings for Term 3 2018 will be held on:

Monday 17 September, 3.30 – 5.30pm and Wednesday 19 September, 3.00– 5.00pm

Meetings will be of 10 minutes duration, with a 5 minute gap between each meeting. Meetings will be held in the Library and Drama Workshop – please note the meeting location on your booking and refer to the meeting location list that will be posted outside the Library on arrival.

Booking a Meeting Meetings can now be booked using Daymap, as follows.

1. Daymap Connect Parent Portal user: Simply login to Daymap Connect https://daymap.mbhs.sa.edu.au/DaymapConnect and follow the Parent Meetings link on the front page. You can view and print your bookings from here.

2. Not a Daymap Connect user, but you have an email address registered with the school: Register as a New User for Daymap Connect via the Daymap link at www.murraybridgehs.sa.edu.au. Instructions for access are attached to this message.

3. Don’t have an email address registered with the school: Please call the school on 8531 9555 and we will help you get set up and make a booking.

We look forward to welcoming you to these meetings and working together to help your child move forward in their learning.

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The Greatest Showcase

The Murray Bridge High School Music Department is proud to present The Greatest Showcase with an array of performers and ensembles from Year 8 to 12. Cabaret style seating is available. For those that wish to book a table please purchase a table booking ticket. Food prepared by the Food and Hospitality students will be available at this event. Tickets available at Trybooking.com/XDYN or at the MBHS Student Services Office.

Cost: $10 or $7 concession, $30 for a family of 4 (Children 5 and under free)

Date: Wednesday 12th September

Time: 6:00pm – 9:30pm (Doors open 5:30) Contact Details: Venue: John Dohler Hall Sean Hickey Ph. 8531 9500

5 Marchand St, Murray Bridge SA 5253 sean.hickey716@schools.sa.edu.au

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Murray Bridge High School Newsletter 10 September 2018

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