7 April 2020

Newsletter Articles

PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE

Dear Parents, Teachers and Students,

I would like to welcome you all to the 2nd issue of the Pinnacle College newsletter this year.

We had different expectations from 2020 with new plans and ideas, however, things have developed differently and we are all going through these anxious times due to the COVID-19 pandemic around the world. I believe that it’s very important to retain the strong sense of community at this time therefore, I would like to let you know we are here and ready to commit ourselves in the best way possible as the Pinnacle College team in order to overcome these difficult days together.

I would like to start by clarifying that our online teaching program is not homeschooling at this stage. We are professionally committed to delivering the education for our students and all of our staff, teaching and non-teaching are researching the best possible ways to deliver the curriculum online so that our students will not be disadvantaged in the upcoming weeks. We will keep you updated frequently but in the meantime you are more than welcome to contact the subject or class teacher for any issues that need more clarification.

For online learning, our main platform for primary students will be Seesaw. The students' work and communication will be done via this platform. It will also be supported by other online platforms, including interactive online learning platforms. Secondary students will be using Google Classroom as the main communication channel with their teachers and interactive classes will be conducted to support the online learning.

As an independent school, we are following the recommendations of the Association of Independent Schools of South Australia ( AISSA). They are in close contact with the two other sectors, Government and Catholic Education System, in order to work together and provide the best possible outcome for all students and parents. We will be informing our community as we receive updates from AISSA and the government. At this stage, we do not know whether schools will be on campus or online for the Term 2. You will receive information as the days come closer to school commencement day which is Wednesday, 29th of April.

As I mentioned at the beginning of my message, we are all going through difficult times not only psychologically but for some it could be financially as well. Pinnacle College, with the approval of the school board, have made some decisions that you will be informed about soon. We would like to work together and minimise the impact of this pandemic for our community and you will receive this communication from the finance department soon.

Finally, I wish everyone a relaxing and safe term holiday. Stay home, stay safe.

Kind Regards,
Atilla Shinik
Campus Principal

COVID19 AND BEST PRACTICES

Everyone must practise good hygiene to protect against infection and prevent the virus spreading, in general at home/work or in public. You can protect yourself and help prevent spreading the virus to others if you:

Best Practices

• Wash your hands often with soap and water, including before and after eating and after going to the toilet
• Cover your coughs and sneezes with your elbow or a tissue
• Stay home and self-isolate from others in the household if you feel unwell
• Avoid close contact (1,5 meter) with people who are unwell
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
• Use hand sanitisers at all times
• Increase the amount of fresh air available by opening windows or adjusting air conditioning at home
• Disinfect frequently used objects such as mobile phones, keys and wallets

At work

Steps for social distancing in the workplace include:

• Consider cancelling non-essential meetings. If needed, hold meetings via video conferencing or phone call
• Stop shaking hands to greet others
• Open windows or adjust air conditioning for more ventilation
• Put off large meetings to a later date
• Limit food handling and sharing of food in the workplace
• Eat lunch at your desk or outside rather than in the lunchroom
• Regularly clean and disinfect surfaces that people touch
• Avoid non-essential travel

In public

Social distancing in public means people:

• Stay at home and only go out if it is absolutely essential
• Use tap and go instead of cash
• Avoid physical greetings such as handshaking and hugs
• Avoid public gatherings and at risk groups like older people
• Travel at quiet times and avoid crowds at all times

We are all in this together

CURRICULUM COORDINATOR

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

These are very challenging times we find ourselves in and as we move into an alternative delivery of the curriculum at Pinnacle College, we are all learning what it looks like to work in a different way. Our teachers and our students have been testing the different models and we are ready to start online lessons from Term 2, if schools are closed then. We will be delivering online lessons mainly through the Seesaw platform which is familiar to both staff and students. This allows our students to stay connected with their teachers and to their learning. The learning environment will include tasks which students can work on uninterrupted and at their own pace. Having said that, there will be tasks that need to be completed by the end of the day and uploaded on the app. I appreciate your support in this.

I assure you we are doing everything here at Pinnacle in these challenging times to prioritise your child’s well-being and learning. There are lots of benefits to working through this environment and I am sure students will thrive in it. I really encourage you to partner with us in this initiative. We are in this together and I am confident we will get over these trying times if we work together.

Keep safe and have a restful holiday.

Kind Regards,
Shalini Thilkan

SCHOOL COUNSELLOR

Dear Parents,

I hope everyone is safe, healthy and well during this unprecedented time. As you are aware this has been a tricky time for everyone due to the Coronavirus which is impacting us all in various ways. Below are ways you can assist and support your child's mental wellbeing and academic performance.

• Talk to your children: Children naturally have questions and worries about what is happening. You can help by:
• Providing factual information that is age-appropriate
• Listening
• Reassuring them
• Helping them to only focus on what they can control.
• Keep a routine and a structure: it is important you set an alarm to wake up at the same time each day, shower and have breakfast, have a set space to do school work, have consistent breaks, include exercise and go to bed at the same time. This will allow your child to understand that this is not a holiday and that they still have structured learning time.
• Limit media coverage: current media coverage can cause and increase anxiety.
• Include physical activity: go for a walk, do at home workout videos, set measurable goals to provide motivation etc.
• Get creative: practice and develop new skills in painting, drawing, colouring, cooking, gardening, writing, playing music etc
• Eat well: keep mealtimes structured and eat healthy.
• Stay connected: use social media to communicate, call family and friends etc.
• Contribute: check in with people, help others, send others messages of encouragement.
• Focus on positives: practice gratitude
• Practice relaxation or mindfulness: these can be helpful for reducing anxiety and stress. Below are great Apps you can use:
• Smiling mind
• Calm
• Headspace: Meditation & sleep

If you have any concerns please contact me via email: zina.almufti@pinnacle.sa.edu.au

Kindest Regards,
Zina Al Mufti

PASTORAL CARE

Kindest Regards,
Mrs Aslan

FOUNDATION – GOLDEN GROVE

Dear Parents,

What a busy and productive term our class has had! The children have worked so hard in all subject areas and I am extremely proud of all my students and their achievements throughout the term. Children have settled with the classroom routines and expectations and many have formed strong friendships.

Harmony Day was such a great success. We had students wearing beautiful and bright costumes representing the countries they come from. Our students were exposed to many cultures and learnt that many new things about different countries.

In the English curriculum we have very busy learning sounds through the InitiaLit program. Our new program allows children to be taught phonics using a synthetic approach alongside a rich literature and vocabulary component. Children have met characters, Sammy Seal, Andy Ant, Iggy Insect, Poppy Princess, Fifi Flamingo, Tommy Tiger, Rosie Rabbit and Maggie Mouse and are already beginning to read and write simple words. Children are enjoying our genre component and are loving writing and drawing about their weekend news.

In the Mathematics curriculum we have been learning about length. The children have been busy using concrete materials to copy, repeat and create their own patterns. Children also have a strong foundation in numbers and continue to reinforce the formation of each number. The children loved learning about 2D shapes. We also learnt that all shapes have sides and corners and all children were able to identify the attributes of each shaped studied.

Online Learning

It is a strange and difficult time for us all, but I would like to thank all my parents who have continued to support their child’s learning from home. It is amazing to see that all parents are adapting to the new way of learning online. As most of you are aware, students will be assigned different activities according to subject areas. It is imperative that Seesaw is used on a daily basis in order for your child to be up to date with their learning.

Have a happy and safe break.

Kindest Regards,
Mrs Vokolos

YEAR 1 – GOLDEN GROVE

Dear Parents/Caregivers,

I can’t believe we have reached the end of term 1!

One of the many highlights this term was seeing the students dressed up in their beautiful traditional outfits for Harmony Day. Students enjoyed learning about the importance of belonging by embracing everyone’s cultural differences. Students loved singing and dancing along to the Harmony Day song ‘Everyone Belongs’ as it inspired them to be kind to everyone regardless of their cultural background.

In Literacy, we have been focussing on writing a basic Information Report based on students’ chosen mini-beast. We have learnt the structure of an information report including the classification, diet, habitat, appearance and conclusion. Students have been practising how to make their sentences more detailed by including adjectives to help describe how their minibeast moves, what it looks like and where it lives. We have also been making sure we proofread our writing to check we have beautiful handwriting, full stops, capital letters and finger spaces.

In Mathematics, we have been studying how to order numbers from 0-100 using number lines and charts, how to continue, copy and create different types of patterns such as rhythms, shapes, colours, letters and numbers and how to identify the mass of various objects. Please ensure your child continues to practice writing numbers and number names from 0-100 as this is crucial for all topics in Mathematics.

With families and teachers facing difficult times at the moment, I appreciate your support with how quickly you have all adopted and accepted our new online learning environment. The Seesaw app will be students’ new learning platform for the remainder of Term 1 and possibly continue in Term 2. It will also be my main source of communication with all students and parents. As you have noticed, students will be assigned various daily activities which need to be completed either by the end of the week or by the end of the day so it is crucial you check Seesaw on a daily basis. During these challenging times, please ensure you are fostering a positive sense of well-being for your child and prioritising their happiness and love first and foremost.

Student’s holiday homework is available to collect from the front office before the holidays commence. Students should complete Reading Eggs and Math Seeds activities online during the school break to ensure their brains keep active!

I hope all families and children have a resstful, healthy and safe break.

Kindest Regards,
Miss Di Cola

YEAR 2 – GOLDEN GROVE

In PE this term, we have been learning how to play cricket. The students have been developing skills with batting, bowling, throwing and catching. We have also learnt a variety of team games throughout the term.

Kindest Regards,
Miss Ryan & Mrs Mungall

YEAR 6 – GOLDEN GROVE

Dear Parents/Caregivers,

Year 6,

This Term the Year 6 students have enjoyed designing their very own Seniors T-shirt. Congratulations to Maha who came up with the winning design. The design has been developed by professional graphic designers and is now approved. The Shirts will be created over the holidays and should be ready early next term. In Art, the Year 6’s have enjoyed creating contemporary aboriginal inspired Artworks. They have enjoyed learning to use watercolours, pastels and have also developed skills in printmaking

Kind Regards,
Mrs Mungall
Year 6 Teachers

YEAR 7– GOLDEN GROVE

The Year 7 and 8 Students were able to attend the ‘Yabarra’ a Media Arts exhibition at the Adelaide Fringe this term. Students were able to experience the dreaming through cutting edge light technologies and state of the art illuminations. ‘Yabarra’ was a unique cultural experience for all generations and all communities.

Pinnacle College also celebrated Harmony Day this term. We came together to celebrate our cultural differences. It was great to see so many of the High School students in their traditional clothing and some students were wearing orange to support cultural diversity.

Kind regards,
Mrs Mungall

YEAR 8 – GOLDEN GROVE

The Year 8 and 9 Drama students were able to attend the Adelaide Fringe performance, Chasing Smoke. Chasing Smoke is an evocative and triumphant performance by Australia's only Indigenous contemporary circus ensemble. Both playful and brave, Chasing Smoke is the spark that ignites the question 'Who am I?', when you have 65,000 years of history to sift through in search of an answer.

Review of Chasing Smoke

Chasing Smoke is an All-indigenous performance tackling the history and culture of the Indigenous Australians. The show uses circus, a variety of storytelling and comedy to explore the history and culture. Five modern Indigenous Australians tell us what it is like to be an Aboriginal Australian finding identity. The performance used stunning acrobatics to present the themes of racism, cultural identity, the stolen generation and loss of land. Chasing Smoke is a very unique show. You never know what’s coming at you. One moment you are laughing, the next you’re weeping. The performance was a cacophony of storytelling. One of the performers tells us about her great- grandmother. A story of a woman being arrested for being in a relationship with a white man. Each of the performers tells their story about finding their identities through stunning physical performances. They explain their stories through unique acrobatics and unforgettable strength. They express their struggle and how it has affected the past and future. Chasing smoke skillfully combines comedy, storytelling and talent to show the history and culture of Aboriginal Australians.

By Fatima Zohra

Students in year 8 have been exploring the Ottoman Empire in depth for Humanities, gaining new skills in history concepts as well as valuable research skills in order to support their major research assignment.

Year 8 Humanities Student Reflection

For the last few weeks we have been enthusiastically learning about the Ottoman Empire in Humanities. It is an adventure to go back in time to the wonderful time of the sultans. We have learnt in detail about the empire’s history and its many principles. We are now researching a topic relating to the Ottoman Empire and writing a report. From our research we have seen the many ways the sultans have shaped history through their lives, decisions and the events that took place in their reign.

By Abeera Bashir

Kind regards,
Year 8 Teachers

YEAR 9 – GOLDEN GROVE

SCIENCE

“This term, the year 9 girls visited the Elizabeth campus and conducted an experiment known as the flame test,their aim was to see how some metal salts reacted to fire. We also conducted an experiment known as the Red cabbage PH indicator, we mixed cabbage juice with different types of chemicals and observed color change”.

Ainoor Alhusainawi

“In science this term, Year 9 students have been exploring various topics related to Chemistry. Students took their time to research the history of the atomic model, and discovered various scientists who contributed to the atomic theory. They learnt about the importance of Alpha Particles, Beta Particles and Gamma Rays. Later in the term, students shifted their focus to chemical reactions. They observed how “The law of conservation of energy” is implemented into our daily lives. They conducted an experiment in which they observed whether a substance was an acid or a base. They used the indicator red cabbage; a household vegetable, to determine the pH of various substances. Their efforts resulted in the discovery that vinegar is acidic and laundry powder is basic. Revolutionary, isn't it?”

Ume Hani

Kind regards,
Year 9 Teachers

FOUNDATION – GILLES PLAINS

Dear Parents, Caregivers and students,

What a way to end Term 1. This term we’ve had a great start to the year. Students have definitely settled into our class routines and have been working hard in all areas including with their specialist teachers.

In Literacy, students have been learning about their very first groups of letter sounds. We have been sorting pictures to match the sounds, using craft as a way to make the letters that make the sounds and completing handwriting activities to confirm the shape that the letter makes that matches the sounds. We have also been listening to fun stories.

In Math, our Foundation students were very engaged in their pattern making. Students worked on coping given patterns, finishing given patterns and creating their very own patterns in a variety of ways. We explored this topic not only through colouring but also through students using various math materials to share their ideas.

Due to the changes that we are currently experiencing, I would like to thank you for your support so far. As I am sure you are aware, we are fully using Seesaw as a platform for all communication, learning activities, video recordings, feedback and photos of your child's work. It is important that you regularly use Seesaw and check your child’s account and parent notifications. Next term, at least for the start of the term, students will not be attending school. All learning materials and activities will be provided through Seeasaw. I will do my best to keep the activities easy to follow but your support in assisting your child to complete all activities, would be much appreciated. Please be in touch if you need assistance.

I have missed all the happy little faces and entertaining daily conversations. Please keep safe during these holidays and have your children share what they get up to through Seesaw.

Kind Regards
Miss Victoria Makowiak

YEAR 2 – GILLES PLAINS

Dear Parents,

I ‘doughnut’ believe it is the end of Term 1, already. Term 1 was an exciting time for the Year 2 students with the addition of new students and some transferring from the Golden Grove Campus. The students were extremely welcoming to our new families and it is pleasing to watch our school community grow.

In Literacy, we spent the final weeks exploring Procedure writing. The students enjoyed following, sequencing and writing procedures across the curriculum. Highlights include making pancakes,designing our own group games for P.E. and teaching the class how to make our favourite dish for Show and Tell. In Literacy, we continued to work on writing detailed and coherent sentences. Whilst we have made excellent progress, it is important that students are ‘stepping up’ their writing by adding adjectives before each noun and ensuring sentences are complete units of meaning. Regular writing practice will be provided over the school break to reinforce this skill ready for Term 2.

In Numeracy, we have been learning new strategies and consolidating skills learned in Year 1, including addition on a number line, the friendly fix and doubles. The students enjoyed getting hands-on when we explored measurement in metres and centimetres and they are working on measuring everyday items at home as part of their remote learning journey.

In HASS, the students finished looking at the globe, lines of latitude and countries and continents. The students have a great understanding of the seven continents of the world, and an even better understanding of the continent, Australia, which we call home. The students are developing their researching skills by engaging with the Australian States and Territories Project remotely. To conclude the topic, students made their own ‘Australia Puzzle’ with labelled states and territories and capital cities.

The school break is usually a time to relax and reflect on the term that has just passed. This term break I will be upgrading my digital technology skills and preparing a remote learning program to support, engage and challenge the Year 2 students.

Lastly, to stay involved, up to date, and engaged in remote learning it is important to access the Seesaw Family and Seesaw Class app. Have a safe and happy term break.

Warm regards
Miss Bianca Villani

LOTE - Turkish

Dear Parents/Caregivers:

We are going through hard times recently. Although we have to quarantine ourselves with extra care,I believe we will get over it altogether as the Pinnacle College Community.

For this term we have aimed to learn new grammer rules and words while having fun.We used different activities in and out of the classroom.Such as online language tasks, origami games, ball passing to expand the vocabulary, step games to revise the known words and so on.

I hope to see my students fully healthy and motivated in the next term.

Warm regards
Esma Altinsoy

MUSIC

Music can be a powerful tool to help us through these uncertain and challenging times. If you need a pick-me-up, put on your favourite song and turn up the volume! If you need to calm your mind, look up calming music on YouTube and take some time to meditate and centre your thoughts. If you’re looking for something creative to do, look for a music app or website that enables you to use your creativity. This applies to both adults and students.

As we come to an extended holiday period, you might like to plan into your days some of the following:

• GoNoodle have a wonderful list of songs with dance moves that you can use to energise your day
• Watch a Disney movie and notice the music that is used for setting the tone of a scene. What are the instruments? How are they being played? What mood is being created? Notice the opening song and ending song – why were they chosen? How do they relate to the theme(s) of the movie? What do you notice about the other songs used throughout the movie? Who composed them?
• Learn to sing a song off-by-heart – all the (correct) words!
• Make up a dance to a piece of music
• If you play an instrument, learn a new piece of music to really get your brain working
• Do a virtual your of an orchestra and learn more about a particular instrument of your choice
• Look up a genre of music you don’t know much about, such as world music, classical music, opera, blues. What are the main characteristics of this genre? Where did it originate? Who are the artists who made this genre popular? Name some examples of music in this genre.
• If you’re using an Apple device, use GarageBand to create a piece of music. Maybe write your own lyrics. Another app I like is Launchpad. Or try something else and share what you enjoyed doing.

“Music gives a soul to the universe,
wings to the mind,
flight to the imagination
and life to everything.”
Plato

Tracy Schache
Music Teacher

Gallery Title: Music - Gilles Plains

Choose how to add this event to your calendar:

Apple Calendar iPhone, iPad, Mac - Download .ics file

Outlook Desktop Outlook - Download .ics file

Android Calendar Android devices - Download .ics file

Other Calendar Google Calendar, Yahoo, etc. - Download .ics file

Download Event