YAS News - Week 7, Term 3 2022
A note from our Pastoral Care Worker
To all our school families, Father's Day (and Mother's Day for that matter) can often mean some very mixed emotions for many of our families. I was going to write something deep and meaningful, but I think I will let these two little articles do the talking..
I am sending you my best wishes for the day. I hope you can enjoy some valuable time with your loved ones.
Wendy Lindsay, Pastoral Care Worker/SSO- Yankalilla Area School
2022 STEM Aboriginal Learner Congress
On Thursday 18th August Jade and I along with Charlotte, Naturelle, Bu Taylor, Phil and Mrs Bell, went into the city for the 2022 STEM Aboriginal Learner Congress.
We had to get up at 5am to be in the city by 8:30am. Even though we tried to be early we did arrive a little bit late, but that was ok because we didn’t miss anything.
The Congress was at the Adelaide Convention Centre. Our first impressions were the building looked enormous and it was really modern. Inside the Convention Centre we saw lots of kids all wearing the same t-shirts as us. That was because every kid attending the Congress was given a t-shirt that was specially designed for the occasion.
The Congress began with a Welcome to Country by the Indigenous group ‘Kanya Kudnuitya,’ which is a dance group that performs all over Adelaide. Over the 2 days we listened to a number of guest speakers who talked about their jobs and passions. Their main messages were about finding your passion and purpose, that it’s ok to make mistakes, never be afraid to try new things and never give up.
One of our workshops was at the Botanical Gardens. Trent the presenter showed us some of the oldest trees in the gardens, the baobab tree which if you make a hole in it you will get fresh water to drink and how people used different plants to trap birds and small animals. We went to another workshop called ‘I’m Kaurna start a fire,’ where we learnt about making fires. We tried to make a fire using bark and long sticks. We worked together and managed to get a spark and some heat from the rubbing but it was hard work and our hands were very red.
After a busy day, that night we stayed at the Adelaide Caravan Park, where we had pizza and spaghetti for dinner and played UNO. It was fun!
The following day we didn’t have to get up as early so we got to the Convention Centre on time. A highlight that day was seeing Naturelle and Charlotte presenting a workshop called ‘Return to Sender.’ This workshop was part of their SASSTA learning where they had to put together a presentation about boomerangs.
Every Monday Charlotte and Naturelle go into the City by train to the Adelaide University where they learn more about STEM. Part of their assessment for their semester was to present at the Congress. In their workshop we got to make our own boomerangs. We had to sand the boomerangs down along the leaning edge so they make an airfoil shape, which means they will curve in the wind. We had a go at flying the boomerangs outside, some of us were successful at throwing our boomerangs but then Phil showed us how its really done.
Aayliah - There were so many good things about the 2 days but my favourite part was learning more about the boomerangs.”
Jade – My favourite part was when we got to go to the Botanical Gardens as it was my first time there and the gardens were really beautiful. I was surprised how sticky the plant was when I touched it.
Naturelle - I can’t believe that last year I was a spectator at the Congress and this year I was a presenter. Whilst I was nervous, I got over my fears and did it. I think the STEM Congress is a great opportunity for people that are interested in the field of STEM and it has inspired me to maybe take a career path at university that involves STEM.
Written by Aayliah, Jade & Bu Taylor
STEM Aboriginal Learner Congress
PEER Reading
6-7 Rotation Dance
This rotation we explored Dances from around the world. Inspired by dancers like the Djuki Dancers, who take a traditional dance and put their own unique spin on it, we worked in small groups to create dances that showcased motifs of other dances, e.g. the Macarena, and added our own ideas. We worked collaboratively, sharing ideas and reflecting on videos of ourselves (the hardest part!) to create an (almost!) polished dance.
Well done!
World War 1 Memorabilia
This term, the 8/9B Class are learning about World War 1. On Wednesday the 24th of August, we were fortunate to have the humorous and enthusiastic mother of Emilie, Ms. Alarna Case, visit our classroom to show and talk about some valuable World War 1 memorabilia. She spent a lesson talking about her precious ‘The Returned Soldier’ Almanac calendar from 1921 that she found in the bin and had framed for $900 to protect it. It was amazing to see Archduke Franz Ferdinand’s name included on this! The students could not believe that she found such a unique item in the bin, or that it cost $900 to frame it!
The students were so engaged during her discussion about World War 1. We all found it extremely informative!
Alarna, thank you so much again for visiting our class and showing us your precious and unique primary source! It was lovely to share the stage with someone as passionate about history as I am.
Jade Barry - (8/9B HASS Teacher)
Uncle Eddy Visit
Mayors' Short Story Challenge
The Mayors' Short Story Challenge is a wonderful collaboration between the City of Victor Harbor, Alexandrina Council and the District Council of Yankalilla and their public libraries to celebrate 'creative' writing. The "Challenge" is held during term two of each year for the participation of school aged children, from reception to year 10. Each year the Mayors' Short Story Challenge gets bigger and better with all councils receiving a significant number of entries this year.
Thank you to all the Principals, Teacher-Librarians, Teachers, Student Services Officers and parents who encouraged their students to enter. This year 208 entries were received from across our district.
Thank you to the District Council of Yankalilla Mayor, Simon Rothwell, the judges and the children for their efforts in "having a go". They have delighted us with their creative and imaginative writing. Without their participation the Mayors' Short Story Challenge would not have been the success it has been.
District Council of Yankalilla Section Winners - Mayor's Encouragement Awards
- Spot's Walk Gone Wrong - Sage Vessey-Thomas
- AN ENCOUNTER AT MIDDLETON - Ezra Fowler
Reception to Year 2 Section
- SCORPION - Beau Roberts
Years 3- 4 Section
The Knight In The Dress - Ella Conroy
Years 5 - 7 Section Parrot's Painful Day - Patrick O'Brien
Years 8 - 10 Section
Bequeese Jeramiah Jacobson - Alissa Rahaley
Overall Winner
The Knight in the Dress - Ella Conroy
RUOK?
Whilst any day can be RUOK? Day, the formal day when it is highlighted is 8 September 2022.
Before asking a colleague “RUOK?” ask yourself:
- Are you in a good headspace?
- Are you willing to genuinely listen?
- Can you give as much time as needed?
- Are you the best person to have the conversation? It can be difficult for some people to reveal to their line manager that they are struggling. If you are not the right person for them to feel comfortable with, is there someone else in their support network that you can encourage to reach out to them?
Be Prepared
Realise you won’t have all of the answers, that’s okay. Listening is one of the most important things that you can do. It is important to understand that talking about personal challenges can be difficult. Some people become emotional, defensive, embarrassed or upset.
Research what appropriate supports may be available to support people if they need additional support within your school, system or wider community.
Pick Your Moment
Timing and location should be carefully considered. Choose somewhere private and informal so that they feel safe. Make sure you both have enough time. If they can’t talk then and there, suggest another time. They may feel more comfortable if you sit or walk side-by-side rather than directly facing each other.
