8 December 2020

Newsletter Articles

PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

It has been another great year with everyone despite disruptions due to COVID. Every member of the Pinnacle College family either teaching or non-teaching staff and even students, demonstrated such great performance throughout the year. Although COVID has impacted our daily lives and routines, luckily, we haven’t been affected to an extent as the schools in the other parts of the world. We still enjoyed the activities and excursions where and when possible.

Firstly, I believe I should talk about 2021 with some details regarding the school's plans. Let me start with the renovation that is taking place at 48 Wandana Ave, Gilles plains; The new site will consist of 1 STEAM room, 3 classrooms as well as a uniform shop. As soon as the construction is complete, our current uniform shop which is located in the school at the moment will be relocated to the new site with a different entrance. So, customers will not have access to the school grounds since this arrangement is especially important to the safety of our students.

In regards to the Golden Grove secondary school construction, we have received the approval from the council and at this stage. Our architect is proceeding in a direction to start the construction by the end of term 1. We intend to commence the education in the new building with our secondary students by the beginning of 2022.

Junior primary school is abandoning the Initiallit program and going back to Jolly phonics. We have been trialing the Initiallit program for the last couple of years, however, our teaching team is a stronger believer that Jolly Phonics is a better suited program for our Junior primary students.

In 2021, both our Golden Grove and Gilles Plains campuses will have expansion. GG site will be accommodating Y10 girls and will reach its capacity in terms of year levels. Once the girls are in Y11 they will have to travel to the Elizabeth East campus for SACE education.

Current Y4 students at Gilles Plains campus will continue their education until the end of their primary schooling at the campus. Girls will move to the Golden Grove campus and boys will move to the Elizabeth campus once they finish primary schooling at the site.

Finally, I would like to thank our fantastic teaching and non-teaching staff for their great efforts throughout the year. They are the biggest reason for the success story of Pinnacle College with their collaboration and friendly mindset.

I also would like to wish everyone a very enjoyable and rejuvenating summer break.

See you all next year with the permission of God.

Kind Regards,
Atilla Sinik
Campus Principal

Curriculum Coordinator

The 2020 academic year has been an incredible one. Although the challenges of COVID-19 that came in the wake of the summer bushfires have shaped our year, I am proud of how much we, as a community, have been able to achieve.

In the last fortnight alone, we have seen students perform in Pinnacle’s Got Talent and at assemblies. The Year 3 and 4 students showcased what they had learned in the Dance unit. We have seen our Year 6 students graduate in the Elizabeth Campus Hall and acknowledged the effort and achievement of students at our Foundation to Year 5 Award Ceremony. It has been extremely disappointing to not have parents in the audience at these events. I am, however, grateful that the students have had an opportunity to perform, present and be celebrated through their participation in the many events.

Next year, we look forward to the new building at Gilles Plains and the extra facilities that we will be getting. We also look forward to offering more clubs and activities for our students. I would like to thank the SRC and Hisham Chama, our School Captain at Gilles Plains for his leadership this year.

I would like to thank all my colleagues at Pinnacle College, for the care and guidance they have shown to their students this year. I would also like to acknowledge the contribution of Ms Tracy Scache, our music teacher who will be leaving us at the end of this year. I wish all her all the best in her future endeavors.

I wish you all a safe and peaceful holiday and look forward to welcoming you back to Pinnacle College in the new year.

Kind Regards,
Shalini Moss

Library

What a fantastic year. Please keep reading over the break. Have your students read to siblings, pets or grandparents. All the primary students should have received a 'Summer Reading Challenge' card or use the below image in this newsletter. The public libraries are a great source of activities and books. Visit their websites for more information. We have an exciting new catalogue system. You can view this from anywhere. Have a look:

Kind Regards,
Lisa Preston
Librarian at Golden Grove and Gilles Plains

Art Club

In Art Club, we have been busy making tie-dye t-shirts and creating shrinkable plastic key chains. Thank you to all my crafty and creative students who have participated in the club this year. It has been a pleasure working with you all at lunchtimes. I am looking forward to running Art Club again next year and creating more amazing artworks and crafts.

Kind Regards,
Jocelyn Mungall

PASTORAL CARE

The end of the year is nearing and we are getting closer and closer to the 2020 Mylor end of year adventure camp with the Pastoral care group. The girls Mylor Adventure Camp will be held from the 17th of December to the 19th of December. Each day will be filled with various team building activities and games for all to enjoy. The activities include, activity trails, challenge courses, raft making and giant swings. We will be organising teacher led programs during the camp which includes, bouldering sheds and frisbee golf. We are looking forward to creating new relationships, building new skills and most importantly to have fun at the Mylor Adventure Camp.

This term, we celebrated year 9 students' birthdays, had a farewell party for Sunia, who is moving schools, and a thank you party for Sabira for mentoring pastoral care. We wish Sunia every success at her new school and know that her determination will help her achieve all her goals.

Throughout the year, year 9 Pastoral Care girls held a range of fundraising activities such as karaoke night, food stall and basketball competition between classes. We are happy to announce that we managed to raise enough money for 4 cataract operations and also donated some money towards the Cambodia Orphan Girl’s dormitory project.

This term the year 9 students initiated a peer support lunch program with year 4 students. We believe that our students enjoyed and benefited from this greatly. This program involved a range of different activities each week for the students to enjoy such as: making friendship bracelets, discussion, storytelling and making ice-cream fruit cups. The year 4 students got to interact with girls who they see as their role models and receive advice from them. We wish all our students a restful break and hope they take the time to re-energise themselves for next year.

Kind regards
Girls Pastoral Care Teachers

MUSIC

Gallery Title: Music - Gilles Plains

The students were asked to reflect on their learning in Music this year. Here is what some of them had to say:

“I have learnt about different instruments, beats and rhythms that I did not know before. I enjoy Music because it is a very peaceful lesson of the day.” Muskaan Yr 2

“I did not know how to play the ukulele and I did not know about Chrome Music Lab. Miss Schache made it so easy for me to learn. She’s so fun!” Daya Yr 3

“I have learnt that you can play lots of sounds on a single instrument and to play the ukulele.” Remzi Yr 3

“I did not know how to play the uke but I got better and better.” Anonymous Yr 3

“I like xylophones best and I hope there will be new instruments.” Aajan Yr 3

“I enjoy Music because there’s so much to do in class and I love how every term we do something new and it’s always fun.” Senay Yr 4

“This year I learnt the ukulele. At home we got a ukulele for our birthday but we never knew how to play. Now since I know I can play it to anyone.” Amal Yr 4

“I learned the ukulele that I never learned before and now I have my own ukulele. I enjoy Music because it improves my confidence.” Inisha Yr 4

“My enjoy Music because we get to enjoy playing together and express our feelings.” Hisham Yr 4

“I am most proud of myself for liking Music, because when I first attended it I thought I wouldn’t like it because I don’t like music. But when I went to it, I found it very fun to do.” Anonymous Yr 5

“I enjoy music because when I listen to music I feel relaxed, and I feel like some music really talks about me or my life. And I can jam to the melody.” Salma Yr 5

“My favourite part of Music lessons is experimenting with different musical instruments and learning more information about the different styles of music. I want to improve on my improvising skills and I am also willing to learn the guitar.” Anisah Yr 6

“The 12 Bar Blues was definitely something I didn’t know before. It was fun to go on GarageBand and use the 12 Bar Blues on the virtual instruments.” Anonymous Yr 6

“I am aiming to improve being able to write my own music with musical notes. This has always been something I’ve wanted to improve.” Mahliya Yr 6

I wish you all a restful and enjoyable holiday break, and all the very best for 2021.

Tracy Schache
Music Teacher

FOUNDATION – GOLDEN GROVE

Foundation children were lucky enough to experience the Life Education Van. Children were exposed to the topic of ‘My Body Matters’ and discussed many ways to support a safe and healthy lifestyle. The children loved meeting a friend called Harold and were engaged by many hands-on activities with the educators.

I would like to congratulate three students in Foundations who performed at our Pinnacles Got Talent Show. Umaymah, Zaynab and Hazal displayed courage and confidence in front of a large audience. A big CONGRATULATIONS to Hazal Sabrioglu for making the Grand Final!

Thank you to all of my beautiful parents for their ongoing support throughout the year, it has been a different learning journal for all however, we all made wonderful academic gains. I am extremely proud of all my students and wish them every success in Year 1 and always.

Kindest Regards,
Mrs Vokolos

YEAR 1 – GOLDEN GROVE

Just like that 2020 has come to an end!

In English this term, students enjoyed studying poetry and learning how to write acrostic and haiku poems. Students wrote poems based on various characters in Nick Bland’s story books as well as Australian seasons. Studying these poems allowed students to consolidate their understanding of syllables in words.

It has been an absolute pleasure teaching all students in Year 1 and thank you to all the parents who have made this year an unforgettable experience. I am extremely happy with their efforts and achievements throughout the year and I wish them all the very best for 2021 in Year 2!

Enjoy a well deserved summer holiday :)

Kindest Regards,
Miss Di Cola

YEAR 2 - GOLDEN GROVE

What a crazy year this has been. We have been fortunate enough to have been back at school through these COVID times and continue our learning. The students should be proud of themselves for showing resilience and strength throughout the year. Thankyou for all of your support, enjoy the well deserved break! I will miss the students next year and wish them the best time in Year 3.

Kindest Regards,
Mrs Rees

YEAR 3 – GOLDEN GROVE

Dance!

Dance has been great, thanks to the dance teacher but it was interrupted by COVID-19. It has been a fun way to get exercise in these times. Dance was very enjoyable, we got to learn some new moves. We also had a fun time learning hip-hop moves. It has been lots of fun and we look forward to doing dance again next year. A special thank you to the dance teacher and all those people who helped us get through these tough times.

Ahmed K. & Ali R.

A big thank you to all the amazing Year 3 students and parents for their hard work and perseverance throughout this crazy year. I will miss all of you very much next year and look forward to seeing you around the school and car park in 2021. Have a safe and restful holiday and enjoy each other's company during the holiday break.

Take care and a very happy new year to you all!.

Kindest Regards,
Kylie Burton

YEAR 4 – GOLDEN GROVE

Although 2020 has been an interesting year filled with many unexpected challenges, the Year 4s have continued to maintain a positive attitude and achieve countless learning goals. I commend my students for their persistence and dedication over the past. I have enjoyed every moment of being their teacher and will miss them terribly! I’d also like to express my gratitude to you, the parents. Thank you for your kindness and support. All the best for the future.

Lots of love,
Miss Mubarak

YEAR 6 – GOLDEN GROVE

Firstly, congratulations to our lovely Year 6 students for graduating! This year has been filled with many ups and downs; however, what a beautiful milestone achievement all of our hardworking and dedicated students have made!

I applaud all of you for your accomplishments in 2020! Thank you to all of our teachers who have worked incredibly hard through unprecedented times this year. But, most importantly thank you to the wonderful parents I have had the pleasure of working with this year; your contributions, support and effort towards your child’s success is greatly appreciated!

“Every new beginning comes from the end of an old chapter”

What is ahead will be exciting yet challenging. It will be beautiful yet stressful. It will be fun yet boring at times. It will go quick yet it will create the memories of a lifetime! Make sure you try your absolute best in high school and never be afraid of taking new chances and experiences!

I congratulate you all once again and wish you the very best for high school!

Goodluck on all your future endeavours!

Have a beautiful summer break. May it be blessed, may it be filled with great health, happiness, but most importantly F U N !!!!

I will miss you all dearly!

Kind Regards,
Ms Sawafta

YEAR 7– GOLDEN GROVE

This term the year 7 students have been exploring minimalism. Students have taken inspiration from artist Piet Mondrian. They were tasked with designing and creating their own unique artworks in a medium of their own choice. I would like to take this opportunity to share some of the amazing work the students have created and designed over the term. Have a safe and restful holiday.

Kind regards,
Mrs Mungall
Year 7 Teachers

YEAR 8 & 9 – GOLDEN GROVE

We have come to the end of another academic year. The past few weeks Year 9 science students have been relatively busy in our classroom working on Earth and space science.Students presented their group work where they chose to explain how earthquakes, volcanoes and mountains are formed due to movements of the tectonic plates. it was great to see students engaged and participated in the group presentations collaboratively. I hope you have a relaxing,safe and wonderful holiday.

In Drama, students’ have presented their theatrical performance ‘Into the Woods’ to both the Elizabeth and Golden Grove campuses. It was great to be able to perform on stage at Elizabeth. The students have worked hard all semester to create this wonderful performance. It was great to be able to share it with their peers and teachers. It has been a pleasure working with the Drama students this year both the production crew and the performers have exceeded expectations.

Kind regards,
Year 9 Teachers
Gallery Title: Year 8 & 9

FOUNDATION – GILLES PLAINS

Dear Parents,

The last day of school.…. the closing of one door and the opening to many more to come. I would like to thank each of my Foundation students for all their warmth, memories and the learning that we shared, this roller coaster of a year. We have grown together and you have achieved so much. Always strive to be the best that you can be and be proud as to how far you have come in your first year of school.

Thank you parents for all your support. Without your efforts, we would have not made it this far.

All the best for 2021 Foundation’s and please enjoy the well deserved break!

Kind Regards
Miss Victoria Makowiak

YEAR 2 – GILLES PLAINS

To conclude our HASS unit of work, the Year 2 students at Gilles Plains visited the Living Kaurna Cultural Centre and Wetlands to practice our skills in Indigenous artwork. At the Living Kaurna Centre, Tom, a resident Artist, told us about the most important indigenous symbols and the meanings of these as we toured the art gallery. Then we heard some dreamtime stories before having a go at painting our own piece of art. I think you’ll agree, the students did a fantastic job of painting their own ‘story’.

Have a safe and happy holidays

Warm regards
Miss Bianca Villani

YEAR 3 – GILLES PLAINS

Dear Parents,

Despite the impacts of COVID, there has been much to be grateful for this year. I am so proud of the continued persistence, dedication and efforts put forth by ALL students in Year 3, despite the uncertainties 2020 has thrown at us. I would also like to say a big thank you to you, the parents, for your ongoing support and kindness this year. Together, we have watched your children grow, helping them to achieve their learning goals every step of the way.

Wishing you all the best in 2021 and beyond!

Kind Regards,
Miss Kerry Apergis

YEAR 4 – GILLES PLAINS

What a year we have had. I am grateful for your support and care this year as we navigated Covid as a community. I have thoroughly enjoyed teaching this class and I look forward to many more successes next year.

Please make sure students are reading during the holidays and they have Mathletics and Reading Express still available to them.

Have a safe and relaxing holiday and I look forward to seeing you all next year.

Kind Regards,
Mrs Shalini Moss

LOTE - Arabic

Today we’re a few steps away from the conclusion of our journey through this school year. One that’s been busy and full of challenges for everyone at Pinnacle, Parents, our team at the Arabic department and our children whom our essence and our mission revolves around.

Year 3 students learnt about food and meals. They made their own restaurant menu as a project for this term, they learnt about names of foods, drinks, meals to enrich their vocabularies and develop their reading and writing skills.

We appreciate the efforts of the parents and their cooperation in helping us build and strengthen our children’s connection with the Arabic language.

Warm Regards,
Ola Abdelmonem
LOTE Teacher

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