The last three weeks have been action packed and include experiences such as a group of senior HPE students visiting UniSA’s Magill campus, an Olympic guest speaker, two senior first aid courses, a visit by Flinders University, a Studio excursion to Adelaide Oval, Year 9/10 girls and boys basketball and the Year 8 Maths Trail excursion is on tomorrow so this week will finish strong!  We were also very pleased to welcome parents back on site for Student Led Conferences over the past two weeks.  A reminder to families that you don’t need to wait until a formal Conference night to contact your child’s teachers.  You can contact the school at any time to request a meeting or you can contact a teacher via DayMap or email.  All staff email addresses can be found on our website for you to contact a staff member directly.

Two other recent events saw our Show teams head to the Royal Adelaide Show last week and the Year 6 transition evening for future students and their families.  Our three Show teams had a great time showing our steers, merino sheep and boer goats while also experiencing all the Show has to offer.  Thanks to Miss Holly Crighton, Mrs Sally Cowan and Ms Anthea Ness for all of their work preparing our students and the animals for this amazing experience.  Please see Holly’s article later in the newsletter for more information about their many successes.

The Year 6 Transition Evening for students and their families was organised and very ably facilitated by Middle School Assistant Principal, Lucy Thiel, but the real stars of the show were the students, parents and teachers who made up the various panels and more than capably fielded questions from the audience.  Thank you to all involved but particularly Jacob Swift, Tahlia Zerk, Maya Shepherd, Erin Boobyer and Henry Marshman who gave the best insights into what it’s like to be a current Year 7 student at BHS and Ben Marshman and Elly Swift who gave us a parent point of view.

5 Steps to Study Success

We are approaching the time of year where our senior students are preparing for exams, or are currently doing practice exams, and it can be tricky to know how to most effectively study for an exam or test.  The following tips from Reachout.com are not only useful for senior students but also for younger students preparing for a test:

• Break your study up into manageable 20 or 30 minute chunks. No one can study for 6 hours straight and be effective.  Get some more info about setting small goals here.
• Talk about it or say it out loud. When you say something out loud, you'll find it much easier to remember it. Chatting with someone about what you're studying is even better
• Remove the distractions. Put your phone on silent and out of reach and turn off pop-up notifications on your computer. Research shows that it can take up to 20 minutes to refocus on what you're doing once you've been distracted
• Take breaks. If you plan your study chunks with breaks in between, having the time away can help you to come back refreshed
• Get some sleep! Getting a good night's rest helps your brain and body to rest and recharge. In fact, you'll do better at your exams and remember more of what you studied if you get a good night's sleep, rather than if you stayed up late studying.

Other things you can do include eating the right foods, perfecting your time management skills and knowing when to take a break from studying and getting some physical activity or social time in.

School Closure Day

A reminder that Governing Council has approved a School Closure Day on Wednesday 27^th September (Week 10) to support our young people to attend the Paskeville Field Days with their families.  Balaklava Primary School also has a closure day on this date and, as such, buses will not run that day.  The following Friday is the last day of term and, as always, school will be dismissed an hour early that day.  Term 4 will start on Monday 16^th October 2023 and we look forward to welcoming students back after a safe and relaxing holiday break.

As always, I invite parents to contact me at the school if you would like to discuss any aspect of your child’s learning.  I can be contacted via DayMap or email Sonia.Pringle235@schools.sa.edu.au or you can phone the school on 8862 0600 to speak to me directly or to make a time to come and see me.

Sonia Pringle

Principal

Hosted by Lachlan Rickard and Cassie Sanders

In this BHS Podcast episode Lachlan and Cassie unpack the following topics:

• What is happening in our Studios this semester? Guests: Mr Clark, Flynn Young, Molly Mcardle, Mrs Thiel, Ms Hoepner, Jorja Schutt, Matilda Williamson and Angus Lemon.
• Book Week! Guests: Tanya Niblett and Brooke Wheeldon.
• Library Closure - Guest: Tanya Niblett.
• Phone Policy - Mrs Thiel

Royal Adelaide Show

Over the week of the Royal Adelaide Show, Balaklava High School entered a variety of entries and exhibited livestock.  It was a very successful show with lots learnt. A big thank you to our Livestock and feed suppliers including Tom and Cassi Robinson, Ian and Jake Michael, Bianca Wood, Pete Evans, and transporters Callum March and Lachlan Young. 

Steers

Capellini the Speckle Park x Angus (Redwood Range, Auburn) 

• Hoof 2nd in class and Reserve Champion 
• Hook 2nd in class and Reserve Champion

Fettucine the South Devon x Speckle Park (Willeybee Pastoral, Wudinna)

• Hoof 6th in class

Linguine the Black Angus x Limousin x Speckle Park (Arabar Livestock, Balaklava)

• Hook 4th in class

Tortellini the Limousin (Montaflora Limousins, Salter Spring) 

• Hoof 6th in class
• Hook 7th in class 

Sheep

Merino Wether (Nyowee, Balaklava)

• 8th best presented pen of 3 
• 4th combined meat value 
• 3rd combined fleece value 

Fleece 

• 1st in Zone 2B Class 
• Champion fleece for Zone B

Goats

(Boer x Contender from Laura Hills Farm, Laura)

• Ravioli 5th 
• Lasagne 2nd 
• Farfalle 1st
• Orzo 4th 
• Spaghetti 4th
• Most Professional Team 5th 
• Bliss Bennett and Kalirose Simmie selected for handlers

Hay

School Cereal Mixed Hay - 1st

Poultry 

Waterfowl Variety

Mallard Ducks - 1st , 2nd, 3rd

Eggs

Plate of 6 White Eggs 1st and 2nd

Plate of 12 Brown Eggs 2nd

PORK FOR SALE

We have pork roasts, chops and ribs for sale for $10/kg.

Please email me on Holly.Crighton542@schools.sa.edu.au to order

Holly Crighton

Agricultural Teacher

Balaklava High School is staging our performance of ‘CATS; Young Actors Edition’. This will be held at the Balaklava Town Hall on Monday and Tuesday the 23rd and 24th of October at 7pm. Tickets are on sale via TryBooking (https://www.trybooking.com/CLBFK).

We hope you can come and support our hardworking students for their performance of CATS!

On Tuesday of Week 7 the Cricket Studio were treated to a behind the scenes tour of Adelaide Oval. The group met with strength and conditioning staff and had the opportunity to tour the gym and indoor training facilities whilst asking questions about training at the elite level.  

The group then moved outside to watch the men’s state team training. This experience provided a great insight into how elite athletes train, some students were lucky enough to listen in on a debrief to see how training programs are reviewed and improved. 

The group then ventured to the famous scoreboard for some photos and the announcement of our leadership group as voted by their peers. Congratulations to Adawynn and Sebastien Hughes for being named co-captains, Iggy Stodart is our vice captain and Jack Pike is our ‘spiritual leader’ in charge of boosting morale. 

To conclude the day, the team completed some individual reflection whilst taking in the sights of the beautiful Adelaide Oval.  

Thanks to SACA for hosting us and making us feel welcome.

Hudson Noack

Royal Adelaide Show Baking Success

Our Great Balaklava Bake Off Studio class entered Melting Moments, a Chocolate Cake, Sausage Rolls and Scones into the Junior Cookery Section at this year’s Royal Adelaide Show. BHS melting moments were top of their section awarded a prestigious First Prize ribbon. They are beautiful, petite and super tasty! Now to hone our skills for the Balaklava Show later this month.

WANTED….Japanese Host Families for 2024

In 1999 Balaklava High School, along with Clare and Kadina High Schools began hosting students from Meidai Nakano High School in Tokyo, Japan. This unique cultural exchange continued for almost 20 years until Covid19 stopped the program in 2020. 

Students and staff from Meidai are very enthusiastic about resuming this program and staff at Balaklava High School are excited about the shared cultural experiences that this exchange offers. 

The Japanese students usually arrive at the start of Term 3 and spend 14 days in Australia.  Each Japanese student is hosted by a student/family from within our school community.  They attend school each day and are involved in an educational program which includes English lessons, experiences in each of our teaching areas, excursions within the local area and a day trip to the Adelaide Hills with their host buddies.  During the evenings and weekends, these students spend time with their Australian families doing their normal activities – attending sport, walking the dog, family events etc. 

International Education Services Adelaide, coordinate this exchange and some financial support for hosting families is provided.  However, the success of this program is mainly due to the students and families that take on the challenge of hosting. Often, after they have returned home, the Japanese students have kept in contact with their Australian families which reflects how enjoyable and life changing this experience can be for everyone.

EXPRESSION OF INTEREST for 2024

Please contact the school if you are interested in hosting a student in 2024 or would like more information. The Japanese students are mainly in Year 10 and around 15 years old, however, BHS students from any year level are welcome to become involved.

Cherie Cmrlec in the front office on 08 88620600  / cherie.cmrlec173@schools.sa.edu.au or

Karyn Von-Zieden (Karyn.VonZieden37@schools.sa.edu.au ) or Suriya Umapathysivam (suri.umapathysivam286@schools.sa.edu.au)

Book Week

As our Library was shut during one of the biggest events of the year, the BHS Book Week had to look different and Teacher Librarian Tanya Niblett and Community Library Assistant Lucy Sutton, decided to host a Book Day on Thursday 24^th August instead.

The day started with Year 7s taking part in a variety of craft activities. At recess students were invited to the quadrangle for a book fair, free fruit and some inspirational quotes. A huge thank you to Balaklava Foodland, Lovin it Fresh and She’s Apples in Gawler for their generous donation of fruit. 

Lunchtime was the main event where students and staff strutted their stuff in a fashion parade on a red carpet generously donated by Mid North Party Hire. Students could dress bookish or to suit this year’s theme of ‘Read. Grow. Inspire.’ or they could come to school dressed as their own unique self for a gold coin donation. $219 was raised and will be donated to Canteen Australia who offer inspiration for children impacted by cancer. Congratulations go to Ashlee Gross and Eboney Kenyon as best dressed Senior School students; Caitlyn Cox and Maddison Bellerby the best dressed Middle School students and Adam Collins who was the best dressed staff member.

While the library was dearly missed, this year's book week was saved! We look forward to next year with the theme 'Reading is Magic' being recently announced.  

Author Visit

On Friday 8^th September 2023, Balaklava Community Library hosted an event 'In Conversation with Meredith Appleyard' in the Supper Room at the Town Hall. Meredith spoke about the inspiration for her new release 'Daisy and Kate' and attendees were able to get an insight into her writing and her next book, which she has just sent off to the editors.   

Book Review by Tanya Niblett of Meredith Appleyard's new book 'Daisy and Kate'

“Preloved books...meaning they'd been loved once and there was hope they might be loved again. A bit like me." 

The story of Daisy and Kate will pull on the heartstrings long after you finish the last page. Before I started, I wasn’t sure I could relate to a book about women in their 70s but I was so wrong. It had me feeling all the feels. 

At the very core this is a tale about friendship. "Life happens, people move on, friendships come and go..." but in a broader sense, it is a story about life. I felt so sad for both Daisy and Kate as they went on this journey of self-reflection. "Life was like a row of dominoes: you push one over and the rest follow suit; every action had a knock-on effect." 

A true reflection of how life is continually one big lesson and that we continue to grow and learn no matter our age. There were a lot of moments in this one to stop and reflect. In the words of Daisy, "In the middle of the night, everything is big. Worrying about it only keeps me awake. It doesn't solve anything, and I feel tired the next day."

Love, Wine and Crime @the Library

Get your FREE tickets to Balaklava Community Library’s upcoming author event, 'Love, Wine and Crime @ the Library' while they still last. Over half of the tickets have already been taken so get yours now! There will be not one but FIVE authors who will sit on a panel and be interviewed by Teacher Librarian Tanya Niblett before you have the opportunity to meet the authors while you enjoy a wine and some snacks. Books can be purchased on the night from Meg's Bookshop and by signed by the amazing authors. We thank Pike’s Winery for their generous sponsorship of the wine.

Tanya Niblett

Teacher Librarian & Special Options Teacher

On Wednesday of Week 6 the Year 9s welcomed Olympian Nick Timmings to Balaklava High School. Nick competed at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics in the Skeleton event. The students learned about resilience, goal setting and the personal sacrifices that are required to make it to the elite level. The Year 9s asked some great questions covering a range of topics including prize money, dietary requirements, injuries, equipment and sibling rivalry. Nick was extremely engaging and cleverly intertwined some important life lessons through a sporting lens.  

Here are some reflections from Angus Wilson: 

I discovered a new sport and how it is done. We were lucky to learn from one of the best, I found out the fundamentals of the sport and some of his achievements and failures. Nick also told us about some of his injuries and the most dangerous racing locations, it was great having him here. 

Photos courtesy of The Plains Producer

What a truly amazing and unique journey it was; completing close to 100km of hiking together as Tango 9. Each step we took not only brought us closer to the finish line but also forged an unbreakable bond that will forever tie us together.  

Throughout this challenging experience, I had the privilege of witnessing all students and teachers show their determination, resilience and growth. Everyone in Tango 9 accomplished, overcame or strengthened a personal trait during the journey. The way the students tackled each obstacle with unwavering enthusiasm and humour was truly inspiring. But what touched my heart the most was the depth of reflection I saw in each student - it was amazing to truly see the students for who they are. 

As Tango 9 navigated their way through the goat trails and mountains, we were able to take moments to pause and absorb the beauty around us and reflect on our own personal journeys. The campfire discussions and campfire news were a highlight of the trip for all, sharing thoughts, fears and triumphs which showcased a level of introspection that is truly remarkable for the students' ages.  

Now that Tango 9 returns to their everyday lives I hope we will all continue to carry this spirit of reflection with us. This experience can help to navigate paths ahead, make thoughtful decisions and continue to stretch ourselves out of our comfort zone with both our minds and hearts. 

Tango 9 were a shining example of what can be achieved through teamwork, self-discovery and a strong sense of camaraderie. I am very thankful that I was able to be a part of this unforgettable team and journey. I am immensely proud of each and every member of Tango 9!  

The bond and memories you create as a team are unimaginable until you complete the walk. It has been an experience that I will cherish forever and has definitely been a highlight in my teaching career. I can't wait to walk again in the future. I highly suggest any student who is interested to come and speak to someone from Tango 9. It is not an experience you will regret, but you may regret not giving it a go! 

Miss Leonello

When you are placed in the middle of nowhere with no mobile phone reception, a pack that weighs around 15-20kg, no running water, basic long-life food and instructed to walk over 100km over 8 days - most would ask themselves. Why am I doing this?

That is a question that every Operation Flinders participant asks at some point when they are trying to set up their hutchie in the rain, or, when  are trying to get out of bed when the sun has barely risen and it is near zero degrees. It is how you come to terms with these challenges that is at the core of what Operation Flinders is all about. To continually find that motivation to hoist your heavy pack onto sore shoulders and find that last bit of energy in your tired legs and increasingly blistered feet to climb that next mountain.

When I reflect on our group and how they continued to band together through a number of challenges it really fills me with an immense sense of pride and admiration for their achievements. It is the little moments of kindness that stand out to me like dropping back to hold branches out of the way or striking up a conversation with someone who is struggling. It is sitting with your mate when they are going through a tough time and giving them comfort and confidence that they can continue on. These are the little moments that kept us all climbing with high spirits despite the challenges that we faced.

One lesson Darren, our team leader, passed onto us is to remember to look up and appreciate what is around you and who is around you, instead of just focusing on your next step. This was important because as a participant you get to experience some truly amazing moments – like camping on the top of a hill with no hutchie so we could all watch the milky way cross the sky and disappear into the light of a sunrise, or, cracking jokes around a campfire and sharing thoughts about your day. No technology, no social media. Just taking the time to get to know one another and reflecting on your own strengths and capabilities in truly unique circumstances.

To the parents of students who went on the trip, you should be proud of what your child has achieved. It was an absolute privilege to walk alongside each of these students, watch them grow in confidence, be reflective and set new goals. They showed a remarkable level of perseverance and I encourage them to remember what they are capable of when they face new obstacles and opportunities in the future. Keep on pushing yourself out of that comfort zone one step at a time.

To other parents, if the opportunity arises for your child to attend Operation Flinders next year, I highly recommend for your child to sign-up. This is my second walk and both times I have seen students come back with a new found perspective, set of goals or at the very least a sense of confidence in themselves.

Operation Flinders is a truly worthwhile experience, it is run by a crew mostly of volunteers who are dedicated to helping students step outside of their comfort zone. The logistics behind this are immense and on behalf of our team I would like to thank Operation Flinders for continuing to support our students to undertake this trip, we truly appreciate the opportunity that you provide. In particular I would like to thank our Operation Team Leaders Darren and Amanda, as well as our peer group mentor Jess, we were truly lucky to have their leadership, guidance and unwavering positive attitude.

Finally, to Tango 9, our BHS crew, thank you for the opportunity to walk alongside you. I am truly proud of your achievements and I hope you are as well. We had our challenges but we also had a lot of laughs and memorable moments. You are an inspiring group of young people and I encourage you to keep reflecting on these memories as you chart your course and set your eyes on future mountains to climb.

Mr La Grutta

Student Reflections

“Operation Flinders was an opportunity I’m glad I didn’t pass up. When I first got off the bus a wave of regret washed over me and I was scared to start the trip. The first night was the hardest night of them all. The first day and night we learnt about using our utensils, cooking on the fire, cleaning and setting up our hutchies. These were our normal for the next 8 days. Part way through the trip Tango 9 was surprised with a high ropes course, where we all pushed ourselves out of our comfort zones and we were the only group in Exercise 3 to all get off the ground and give it a go. During Operation Flinders I was able to work on my mindset and the way I thought about upcoming challenges. This trip has helped me make some adjustments and improve my life.” – Abbey Fagan

“The start of Op Flinders was a bit of a struggle for me, but I learned to persevere and push through the hard moments while still cheering on my other group members. I had time to reflect upon myself when I was on top of Mount Rose, I realized I could finish Op Flinders. I am very happy that I got to do Op Flinders and I don’t regret one second of it. My favorite memory of Op Flinders was sitting around at the camp fire having a laugh with my friends at night times.” – Macauley Kerrigan

“On Operation Flinders I had a rollercoaster of a ride, there were a lot of ups and downs. Some of my ups included my efforts towards the climb of Mt Rose. I feel like I handled the climb very well as I reached the top. My favourite memory from this experience was when Mr La Grutta re-joined the hike and we all reunited on Mt Rose. The vibe had lifted and I feel like that moment had lifted us all to the next gear and that lead us to find the campsite with ease. Overall, I loved this experience and I would highly recommend this experience to younger year levels to become possible members of Operation Flinders.” – Jack Fagan

“I am very proud that I completed Operation Flinders because it was a really difficult hike. We ended up climbing 4 mountains in 8 days, this was huge because in Operation Flinders teams normally only do 2 or 3 mountains. My favourite part of this experience was being able to sit around the fire with my group of friends and have good conversations. I also liked the high ropes as it made me overcome my fear of heights, and I got to work with my friends. I think I learnt that not everyone has to be seen doing something but they are all helping somehow. I would advise if you are asked to attend Operation Flinders it will definitely help you as a person to develop.” – Jorja Schutt

“Op Flinders was a very fun experience. It involved 8 days of walking at Yankaninna station where we learned more about ourselves and the group around us. It also helped me make new friends as some of the people in my group I didn’t really socialise with both in and outside of school. My favourite part was climbing Mount Rose as it was the highest mountain climbable there, and getting to see the amazing view from it. Overall, it was a great experience and I recommend it for anyone that gets to go.” – Adawynn Hughes

“While doing Op Flinders I learnt that you have to appreciate the little things in life and strive to complete your goals. One of my favorite memories on Op Flinders were the social events we had around the fire every night. I enjoyed this because it was a good time to get to know everyone and make connections with fellow students. Being one of the two Year 9s that went on the trip it was a good time to socialise with the Year 10 students, as I probably wouldn’t have talked with many of these students in school. At the end of the trip when we were all presented our t-shirts and dog tags to represent our achievement, I was fortunate enough to receive the leadership and teamwork award that was an Aboriginal designed boomerang. I think Operation Flinders is a good experience to take if you have the opportunity as you will learn many skills and discover that you can accomplish anything you put your mind to.” - Matthew Pain

“This year’s Operation Flinders trip was great, there were many activities to do and everyone got along. One of the best things was just sitting around the fire at night and talking about the day. There are lots of lessons that I have taken out of the trip some being that I need to be more appreciative of the things that I have at home and the homemade food that I get each day. There are many achievements to be proud of but I am proud of climbing four mountains in the week with our packs on. This year’s group was a good group and I really enjoyed being around everyone.” – Lily Tiller

“What I took home from the Flinders is exhaustion and a good old smell for the family. But really what I took from my experience is all my new survival stuff that we learnt. One of them is that we were having so much fun even though we were dying from exhaustion, we kept saying we can do this and we did it in the end. When we got back home some of us wanted to do it again and the reason I would do it again is because you get to make new friends and then make more connections with other people you would've never met if you didn't do Op Flinders. I would definitely recommend it to other people because it's just an amazing experience. It's just amazing to see it for real. If you just saw it online you would not care because you didn't climb the mountains to see these amazing views over the top of these mountains. You don't appreciate the effort that has gone to extreme lengths to climb these mountains unless you experience it for yourself.” - Keaton Hudson

“My favourite part of the walk was making new friends and getting to know everyone. We also met people outside of our school group for example our team leaders Darren and Amanda, as well as our Peer Group Mentor Jess who was from another school and had previously finished the walk. The thing I took out of Operation Flinders was having accomplished the walk with the group and having fun. I am proud that I completed the walk like my sisters before me and that I made new friends.” – Jack Hegarty

Thanks to Calaby Real Estate, Clinpath and our school community for donations towards this amazing opportunity for our students.

Has your child participated, competed or strived in an activity outside of school? We would love to hear about it! This could be competing in a state sports team or performing on a national stage. If you think this applies to your child, please send through a short description of the activity and some photos to suri.umapathysivam286@schools.sa.edu.au

SEE THIS GREAT ARTICLE ABOUT SAFE SCREEN USE

https://parenting.sa.gov.au/pegs/PEG82-Safe-Screen-use-Parenting-SA.pdf

In the October school holidays, St Patrick’s Technical College are running two TRY-A-TRADE programs as follows;

Food, Hospitality and Industry Pathways

Wednesday 4 October 2023

9.30am – 3pm

Year 8 – 10 Students

Plumbing and Electrical

Thursday 5 October 2023

9am – 3pm

Year 7-10 Students

Students will be provided with an attendance certificate which can be used for VETRO evidence.

To register please visit  https://stpatstech.sa.edu.au/try-a-trade/

There is an opportunity available to host a Year 10 or 11 Brazilian student next year for either Semester 1 or Semester 2. The family hosting will receive $340 per week to cover expenses. There will 50 students coming from Brazill next year and the Education Department is looking for 20 families from regional schools to take up the offer. Please call me at school if you are at all interested.

Cherie Cmrlec