5 July 2021

Newsletter Articles

OUR MISSION, VISION AND VALUES

Our Mission

Our mission is to foster academic and creative excellence in a respectful and nurturing educational environment. We strive to support student wellbeing and provide meaningful learning experiences that develop socially responsible and resilient life-long learners. Through collaboration and leadership, our students will engage in, and contribute to the community, both locally and globally.

Our Vision

At Pinnacle College, we celebrate diversity and uniqueness in an innovative and inclusive learning environment. Our vision is to equip students with the confidence and skills to reach their potential and meet the challenges of the future as global citizens, leaders and innovators.

PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE

Dear Parents and Friends,

Welcome to the last issue of the Term 2 newsletter. As you have probably already noticed, we now have less information and more multimedia to share with you about the exciting life at Pinnacle College Golden Grove and Gilles Plains campuses. However, you can get more frequent updates and information on our social media sites, especially on Instagram and Facebook.

We have received the extra computers to be used in our libraries. An additional 10 computers have been allocated in each of our libraries for student use. This will allow our students to do their research during lunch times, participate in online education games, and teachers to use the space as learning and investigation space as well.

Also, we will be adding more technology to our schools next year. We have plans to upgrade Gilles Plains library and buy laptop sets for our students. We are aware that the world is going in a direction where technology is becoming more and more prevalent, however, we are also working on protecting the balance of proper use of technology.

Golden Grove secondary building construction plans are going forward however, it’s slightly slower than expected. Covid plays a part in this slow progress as well, however, we are keen to start the construction of the building at latest, by the end of this year.

We have some staff members leaving us this term. Firstly, I would like to thank them for their efforts and contribution to Pinnacle Colleges. Ms Merridy Nicholls, Mr David Winkel, and Ms Ester Beltrame, will not be with us next semester. I wish them all the best in their future endeavors. I also would like to welcome Mr Peter Sowerbutts (PE and relief GP), Ms Bridget Andrews (science teacher GG) and Mr Ihsan Cabir (Groundsman for both GG and GP). I am sure they will also feel the friendly and welcoming atmosphere here at our campuses from day one.

Finally, I wish everyone a refreshing semester break.

Looking forward to seeing you all next term.

Kind Regards,
Atilla Sinik
Campus Principal

Community Engagement Events at Golden Grove Campus

We are happy to tell you all that our Community Hub family has continued to grow and become more lively. Our parents are enjoying our English classes and our young children are growing and learning through Playgroup at Elizabeth East, Community Hub. All parents from across three campuses are most welcome to join our Term 3 sessions. We look forward to seeing more new faces join us from Golden Grove and Gilles Plains campuses in term 3. One of our Playgroup sessions at Gilles Plains will be starting on Wednesday (1:30pm - 3pm) in Term 3. Enjoy your holidays!

Mrs Hannan Hassan (Community Hub Leader)

Community Engagement Events

Primary Coordinator (Golden Grove)

Dear families, recently the Year 6 cohort and some parents have begun asking about the end of the year and academics so I will take this time to provide you with some details and tips. For more specific information, please organise a parent teacher interview with myself.

As students will be graduating from Primary School and moving to the appropriate campus to begin high schooling, students will have their own ceremony. This graduation ceremony is scheduled to take place in the last week of school, Term 4. Golden Grove students will join their counterparts from Elizabeth East and together we will have a dinner to celebrate their efforts. Students will present a performance too! On the night we will also have our awards ceremony where we recognise student achievements across a variety of disciplines, as well as the coveted Dux award.

Another common request has been surrounding grades and how to maximise potential. For most students it will be around creating and/or maintaining a rhythm in regards to study, organisation and foreplaning. Where possible, 3 weeks prior to a test, compile a list of the content that will be assessed. 2 weeks out, note out the answers and problems to resolve. 1 week before the test, students should know all content, have practised solving questions in more ways than one and this time is about consolidation, and most importantly… REST!

In regards to frequency, it is different for everyone. The key is frequency, but how it is structured will depend on free time, commitments, and the like. First, note all the time you are busy, have commitments, or just want a rest day. With the leftover time, look at how to structure study into ‘chunks’. Some students may like to revise most nights but only for 10 minutes, others may wish to have nights off but will need to increase the study length.

If you would like specific advice for your child, please book an appointment.

Mr Myles McLean

Primary Coordinator (Gilles Plains)

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

Soon you will be receiving your child’s report. You will see that we have a new format for reports. We have included descriptions for English and Mathematics which aligns with the Australian Curriculum Achievement Standards. This will inform you of the areas of learning that have been covered for the semester. Please read the reports and help your child identify their achievements and speak to them about their progress. There is also a section in the report about lateness and absences. I would like to emphasise that getting to school on time is very important. Being late a few days a week will add up and that is not good.

The Qurban festival was a great success with students, teachers and parents holding various games and challenges, not to mention a number of savoury and dessert stalls. A special thank you to all parents and volunteers involved and those who went the extra mile putting a smile on children’s faces. We had a mystery parent roaming as a Sheep distributing lollies and a popular crazy hair stall by our talented parent hairdresser which students enjoyed! If you would like to volunteer your time and assist in school events, please contact Mrs Sinik from the parents and friends group.

Have a safe and relaxing holiday.

Kind Regards,
Shalini Moss

Library

Thank you for all the families that supported the Book Fairs. As always the staff at each campus put in lots of extra support for the Book Fairs to run smoothly. Thank you to all the staff who helped with the Book Fairs. If you have any feedback about the Book Fair, please come and see me.

Reading over the holidays is very important to everyone. Here are some quick tips of reading over the holidays:

1. Read for Fun. Let children read whatever they would like. Just make sure they have time to read.
2. The public libraries are a great place to find books. If you do not already have a public library card, the holidays are a good time to organize this. The public library has many more titles than the school library. Upon returning from holidays, your students could suggest their favourite titles to get for the school library.
3. Even if you travel, have children read. Along with reading books, children should be encouraged to read signs, maps, and other instructions on trips. Share your travel information with them.
4. Create tradition with reading, like reading before breakfast, with a hot chocolate, or at bedtime. Find somewhere warm and cozy and read as a family.

Next term is Book Week. 21-27 August. This is an exciting week where the children will be given an opportunity to dress up as their favourite character or an imaginary character. Your teachers will let you know the date of your campus dress-up day. The theme to Book Week this year is:

Old Worlds, New Worlds, Other Worlds.

Enjoy reading and enjoy the break.

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

2021 Book Week theme

SCHOOL COUNSELLOR

MUSIC

Term 2 feels like it has come and gone in a flash! Your children have achieved so much in Music this term. Some students have been learning about and playing different types of percussive instruments, some have learned how to play new and familiar chords on the ukuleles, and some have been learning to write and perform their own compositions to their classmates. I am extremely proud of all of my students and the way they have shown creativity and a willingness to try new things. Well done everyone, and enjoy your holidays!

Mrs Sarah Hateley
Music Teacher

ART CLUB

Art Club has been very busy over the last couple of weeks. We have experimented with watercolour and acrylic paint. Students have explored wash and blending techniques. Upper Primary and Senior Art club have also enjoyed exploring tie-dye and have created some funky t-shirts. We have also had fun making slime at the end of the term. Have a wonderful break, enjoy the time with our families and be ready for more craft and creativity in Semester 2.

Kindest Regards,
Mrs Mungall

Art Club - Golden Grove

FOUNDATION – GOLDEN GROVE

I can’t believe we have reached the end of semester one! Our excursion to Gorge Wildlife Park this term was a great experience for students to extend their knowledge of different Australian animals. They really enjoyed feeding the wallabies and seeing the monkey climb up the cage! I am so proud of all students' efforts and achievements and I look forward to many more learning opportunities next term. Wishing you all a safe and enjoyable break.

Kindest Regards,
Ms Daniella Di Cola

Foundation

YEAR 1 – GOLDEN GROVE

Hi parents!

Officially the end of the semester and my time with the children. A sad last week but the children worked really hard to get all their work done and have a great last day together! Sarah Watkins has now taken over and the children are enjoying getting to know her before the full transition into next semester. A big thank you again for all of your support. I can’t wait to hear the progress the students continue to make!

Kindest Regards,
Mrs Chloe Rees

My name is Sarah Watkins and I have taken over from Chloe Rees while she goes on maternity leave. Mrs Rees and I have had a chance to do a handover and discuss students’ personalities, learning needs and so on. I am returning from maternity leave myself and was located at Elizabeth campus before having my son. Prior to teaching Year 4 at Elizabeth, I taught at the Gilles Plains campus. My very first class at Pinnacle were Year 1 students, who are now in Year 6! I am really looking forward to getting back into the classroom. Please do not hesitate to pop in and introduce yourself. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns.

Kindest Regards,
MIss Sarah Watkins

Year 1

YEAR 2 - GOLDEN GROVE

The Year 2 Students celebrated their hard work and efforts in Term 2 with an excursion to AFL MAX. They enjoyed seeing the Year 2 students from Gilles Plains and Elizabeth as they participated in a range of fun activities, including rock climbing, inflatables and trampolines. I was impressed by the students' climbing abilities on the rock wall and how much their football skills have improved over the term as they kicked and handballed for points in the interactive game zone. Thank you for your continued support in Term 2. I wish all families a safe and happy term break.

Kindest Regards,
Ms Bianca Villani

Year 2

YEAR 3 – GOLDEN GROVE

What a fantastic term we have had! Year 3 students enjoyed our end of topic SciWorld incursion today with the Chemistry Capers workshop in the Gym at Golden Grove. We made lava lamps, oobleck, slime, elephant toothpaste and much more. Our visiting scientist Anna was very impressed with the great listening skills and beautiful manners shown by all students. Have an amazing break, stay safe and warm and get lots of rest and relaxation.

Warmest Regards,
Mrs Kylie Burton

YEAR 4 – GOLDEN GROVE

Hello families! I cannot believe it is the end of Term 2! This term in Science we have been learning about Forces. In Week 8, students were able to display their creativity and knowledge of forces to create their own games that displayed different forces such as push, pull, gravity, friction, and magnetism. Students showed great leadership at the Qurban Festival, as they took turns hosting our class activity, which also included handling money and advertising. Our class raised over $200 for Qurban fundraising, well done year 4 students! Looking forward to an excellent Term 3!

Kindest regards,
Miss Jessica Tripodi

YEAR 5 – GOLDEN GROVE

Dear Parents/Caregivers,

Term 2 has flown by so quickly! Students have enjoyed their science lessons as we finalised our unit on ‘Physical Sciences - Light’. Our little scientists did an Investigation Task on ‘Big Shadow/Little Shadow’, where they examined how shadow size changed based on how far the object was placed from the light source.. Students also displayed phenomenal behaviour & leadership skills during our excursion to the Adelaide Gaol & Annual Qurban Festival; I am very pleased with all of you.

Eid-Al-Adha Mubarak in advance! I hope you all have a wonderful, safe and blessed holiday. I look forward to many achievements coming our way in Semester 2.

Kindest Regards,
Miss Sawafta Natasha

Year 5

YEAR 6 – GOLDEN GROVE

Term 2’s English unit was based on narratives where we had to meet certain criteria in our writing. Essentially, there were some freedoms and some constraints. For example, Option 1 was about a mythical beast that had to be vanquished and we could make our beast anything… maybe not even a bad beast. With this option, we had to use certain vocabulary, include dialogue about the king and queen sending us, and something has to go wrong before we resolve the story. It was also important to not suddenly end our story! For option 2, we had to focus on a detailed setting and a detailed object that when we touch it, we go unconscious and wake up with a super power. The challenge was that we couldn’t just write that we became unconscious, we had to show, don’t tell, just like the 7 Steps to Writing Success encourages us to do. After writing our narratives, our next challenge was to create a graphic novel based on one of the options.

Kind Regards,
Mr Myles McLean

Year 6

YEAR 7– GOLDEN GROVE

Confucius Institute and SA Museum visit

During week 7, the year 7 girls went to the Confucius Institute and SA Museum to view the Ancient Egypt gallery and the Australian Aboriginal Cultures Gallery. This semester, the year 7’s have been learning about Confucius, Ancient China, Indigenous culture and Ancient Egypt, so it was great to see some artefacts that they have been discussing.

Open Rock-Climbing Competition

Several students also participated in the open rock climbing competition this term. This was an exciting challenge for the students and it was great to see everyone cheering each other on.

Miss Molly Affolter

Year 7

YEAR 8 – GOLDEN GROVE

Open Rock-Climbing Competition

Some year 8 students participated in the open rock climbing competition this term. This challenged some of the girls, but they enjoyed the opportunity and supported one another very well.

Miss Molly Affolter

In Art, the Year 8 students have been exploring Cubism and abstraction and have created sculptures inspired by the works of Pablo Picasso.

Abida Xiaowukaiti Artist Statement

I chose to create my artwork based on my emotions to allow me to express how I felt in a time where I was mentally drained. Creating this art work helped me take a step back and feel the whirlwind of emotions that were overcoming me. The work itself is inspired by Pablo Picasso's work and is made of clay, representing the way life can be so easily molded. I used colours to express different emotions. The theme on the more realistic side is nudes and “dull” while the other side of the artwork is more of a bright colour palette.

Kind regards,
Year 8 Teachers

Year 8

YEAR 9 – GOLDEN GROVE

Open Rock-Climbing Competition

A few of the year 9 students also participated in the open rock climbing competition. The girls supported and encouraged all the students that attended and it was great to see them workin with the year 7s and 8s. Farishta won 3rd place in the female competition, congratulations Farishta!

Miss Molly Affolter

Humanities excursion

The year 9 humanities class were given a personal tour by the Hon. Irene Pnevmatikos of South Australia’s Parliament House. They toured the State Assembly chambers and got to see where Ms.Pnevmatikos sits as a Legislative Council member in the Upper house. It was a very informative session with the girls walking away with a greater understanding of what our members of parliament do.

Miss Bronte Dahms
Year 9 Humanities

Year 9

YEAR 10 – GOLDEN GROVE

HPE Year 10 Volleyball

On the 2nd June, some of the year 9 and 10 students participated in the stateside volleyball competition. We beat Cornerstone in a 2 set to 1 thriller! The girls showed enthusiasm and improved rapidly throughout the day. A great day was had by all. Well done girls!

Kind regards,
Miss Molly Affolter
Year 10 Teacher

Year 10

FOUNDATION – GILLES PLAINS

Term 2 has come to an end but on a positive note. From an exciting excursion to Gorge Wildlife Park, to Sports Day and the Qurban Festival, we’ve had some great experiences. We have worked super hard in class this term, learning about Push and Pull, the states of Australia and exploring reading. Well done students and thank you parents for all your support!

Kind Regards
Ms Victoria Makowiak

Foundation - Gilles Plains

YEAR 1 – GILLES PLAINS

The end of Term 2 has arrived so quickly and students are now half way through their year of learning! Students had a lot of fun designing and then creating models of their very own constellation in Science. We also had a visit from Ammarah’s mum and baby brother to teach us how to make lava lamps! This was a very fun activity for everyone and such a wonderful way to end the term.

Warm regards
Mrs Sandra Holland

Year 1 - Gilles Plains

YEAR 2 – GILLES PLAINS

We have had so much fun this term learning about different things like AFL, toy making and how to write information reports. We went on an excursion to AFL max where we jumped, climbed and showed off our AFL skills. Everybody had a great time, including the teachers.

Warm regards
Mrs Eleni Rocca

Year 2 - Gilles Plains

YEAR 3 – GILLES PLAINS

Dear Parents,

To conclude our topic on the States of matter in Science, students in year 3 engaged in an exciting, hands-on Science workshop in week 9. We learned about how objects are made from observable properties, watched elephant toothpaste being made and we even created our very own slime. The awe in our faces says it all!

Wishing you a relaxing and happy holiday break.

Kind Regards,
Miss Kerry Apergis

Year 3 - Gilles Plains

YEAR 4 – GILLES PLAINS

Dear Parents,

The Year 4s have had an enjoyable end to Term 2, concluding our unit on ‘Procedural Texts’ by creating a delicious vegetable salad using the lettuce we harvested from our patch in the garden. Students have been given holiday homework to practise what they have learnt over the break. I wish you all a safe, restful holiday!

Kind Regards,
Ms Mubarak Ashimajy

Year 4 - Gilles Plains

YEAR 5 – GILLES PLAINS

We’ve had a wonderful time this term! The students have improved in their learning especially in their reading. I am very proud of the levels they have achieved. I am also very pleased with Hisham, Maria, Taqwa and Inisha. They have represented the school at the Debating SA competitions and have done very well. We have won against East Adelaide Primary, Mecedes College and St Joseph’s Memorial.

Next term, I look forward to your continued support and together we will work towards improving your child’s learning and achievements. Have a relaxing and safe holiday.

Kind Regards,
Mrs Shalini Moss

Year 5 - Gilles Plains

LOTE - Arabic

Dear parents,

We are at the end of another term! What a busy term it has been!

This term we have had some amazing new challenges, we explored:

Year 3/4 class Students continued with their topics from their assigned textbooks with a focus on reading and building sentences. Moreover, we focused on building vocabulary that will enable students to further their comprehension of the Arabic Language and its use. They are starting to build their own sentences. The students had an Arabic project about their family celebration on Eid. Well Done to all students.

Warm Regards,
Soheir Habib
LOTE Teacher

RV - Religious Values

Dear parents,

As of June 25, we have completed nine weeks of study and our students are starting a well-deserved break. This term’s main topic in primary RV classes was five pillars of Islam. We studied what these pillars are and why they are important for our individual or social life. Our students also learned a lot about the steps and rules of five daily prayers and wudu. During the holiday, they can practice these as well as memorizing short surahs in their free time. The next term will start after Eid ul Adha, may Allah accept all your prayers and donations. Eid mubarak.

Warm Regards,
Mr Akif Okumus
RV Teacher

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