Pinnacle College eNewsletter

7 July 2023

Newsletter Articles

OUR MISSION, VISION & 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, Friends and Students,

I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude for your incredible support and involvement in our school community. Your partnership has been instrumental in creating a nurturing and enriching environment for our students, and I am truly thankful for your tireless dedication.

I also want to thank our amazing teaching and non-teaching staff who have supported you throughout this term. They have worked tirelessly to provide you with a productive learning environment. Take some time to reflect on what you've learned and accomplished.

Last but not least for our students; congratulations on completing another term! I want to express my appreciation for your hard work and dedication throughout these past few months. You should be proud of your achievements.

Now, enjoy your well-deserved break. Relax, spend time with loved ones, and take care of yourself. I'm looking forward to seeing you in the next term, ready to take on new learning challenges.

Kind Regards,
Mr Atilla Sinik

DEPUTY PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE

Dear Parents,

Congratulations on the near-completion of a successful Semester Two, students and families! This term has been action-packed with events such as Swimming, Club programs, a Behaviour Excursion, the Book Fair and our Qurban festival. Thank you to the parents who attended the Festival amongst their busy schedule. It was great to share food and conversation.

In Term Three we will be presenting a series of activities to students as set dates are dedicated to topics such as Book Week, Numeracy Week and Science Week.

As the term concludes, families will receive their child’s report and once reviewed, I invite you to speak with your class teacher to see areas for targeted improvement for Semester Two. Often we receive questions regarding awards for behaviour, academics, school values and the like. By focusing on these topics early, students can be given clear and defined goals to work towards in order to reach their potential.

In Semester Two, I will be informing families in more detail of our desire to attend the Tea Tree Gully Library. With their support, we would like each class to have the opportunity to visit their facilities, take part in some activities and be able to borrow from their catalogue. Our aim is for two visits before the end of the year and from next year, we would like to further increase this opportunity so our students have access to many resources.

Kind Regards,
Mr Myles Mclean

PRIMARY COORDINATOR

Dear Parents,

Today, we are just a few days away from the end of Semester 1, which has been jam-packed with activities and events for our students.

This term, we had Swimming Week, which was very beneficial for our students to learn about water safety. The feedback I received was very positive, and I encourage parents to provide me with any feedback that can help us improve for future years. We also had Sport Day, which all students enjoyed, the Behaviour Excursion for our top behaviour point students, the book fair, and the Eid Festival, which was enjoyable for students and families who attended these events. I would like to thank you for your participation and support in all of these events.

There will be many activities and events planned for the coming term, including Science Week, Book Week, and Numeracy Week. It will also be the Dental for Schools Clinic, which we will assist with dental checks for our students. There will also be a mini festival in Belair National Park for all students to become involved in nature play learning, and I encourage our parents to attend and help with this event. I will notify the parents with more details closer to the event.

Finally, I want to thank our school community for their efforts and support in achieving great results for our students, school, and community. I wish you a happy holiday and EID MUBARAK to all families who are celebrating.

Kind Regards,
Mrs Ola Abdelmonem

JUNIOR PRIMARY CURRICULUM COORDINATOR

Dear Parents,

A rainy and wet end to Term 2 has not stopped the children from some fantastic learning experiences. I was able to visit all three campuses and listen to some of Junior Primary students read one on one. I was amazed by our little Foundation students and their amazing abilities to comprehend at high levels and read fluently. Reading each night is so important and I can’t wait to see the progress they make throughout the next few years in JP.

You will notice that the end of semester report style is changing this semester. We have split English and Maths and given you some more in-depth information about how your child is progressing. We have also added some subject descriptions for all students so you can read about what your child has learnt throughout the semester.

Have a restful holiday and we will see you soon ready for another busy and exciting term! Get your costumes ready for Book Week!

Kind Regards,
Mrs Chloe Rees

UPPER PRIMARY CURRICULUM COORDINATOR

Dear Parents,

Can you believe we are already halfway through the year? My colleagues and I are immensely proud of all the achievements our students have made so far, and cannot wait to see what they will accomplish in Semester Two!

Your child will receive their Semester One report electronically at the end of this term. The reports will include students’ grades across all learning areas as well as a comment from their teacher. Please take the time to read these comments, as they will provide more information about how your child is progressing in English, Mathematics and the general classroom. Our school utilises an A to E grading system for Upper Primary, and students should be working at a C standard to achieve the requirements for their year level.

The holidays are a fantastic opportunity to revise previous concepts and prepare for the upcoming term. I strongly advise parents to ensure their children engage in some form of learning throughout the break. This may involve completing their holiday homework or using online resources, such as Mathletics, Typing Tournament and Literacy Planet. Keeping our brains active will promote a more productive start to next term.

Wishing you all an enjoyable break!

Kind Regards,
Miss Mubarak Ashimajy

INCLUSIVE EDUCATION COORDINATOR

Dear Parents,

I want to thank those of you who met with your child's teacher this term to discuss their learning goals as a part of their Individual Learning Plan (ILP.) Many of you expressed that it is challenging when navigating the world of learning difficulties and disabilities. Here are some tips to help you support your child's learning:

Understand your child's needs: Learning difficulties and disabilities can vary greatly. Work with your child's teacher to understand their specific needs and how you can best support them at home. Research your child's diagnosis if they have one and speak with your paediatrician or GP to see if they qualify for NDIS supports.
Create a consistent routine: Children with learning difficulties often benefit from routine and structure. Establishing a consistent routine can help them feel more secure and confident.
Celebrate small victories: Learning can be challenging for children with learning difficulties. Celebrate their small victories and progress to help build their confidence and motivation.
Encourage your child's interests: Encouraging your child's interests can help them develop a passion for learning. Use their interests to make learning more engaging and enjoyable.
Advocate for your child: Be an advocate for your child's needs at school. Work with your child's teacher and meet to discuss their Individual Learning Plan (ILP).

Remember, every child is unique and may require different types of support. With patience, understanding and advocacy, we can work together to help your child succeed and thrive. If you have any further questions, please feel free to get in touch with me Kerry.sangermano@pinnacle.sa.edu.au

Kind Regards,
Mrs Kerry Sangermano

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Dear Parents,

It's time for another exciting edition of our school newsletter. In this issue, we are delighted to share the highlights of the events that have taken place recently: the unforgettable Sydney trip with our dedicated P&F members, our regular engaging P&F meetings and ladies reading circle, the heart-warming Mother-Daughter Camp and the joyous Eid Celebration at Lollipop Playland.

Sydney Trip: Exploring, Bonding, and Inspiring

Our dynamic Parent and Friends (P&F) Association recently embarked on a thrilling journey to the vibrant city of Sydney. This trip provided our P&F members with an exceptional opportunity to immerse themselves in new experiences, connect with fellow parents, and gather fresh inspiration for our sister school, Amity College, as well as our partner organisations, ARO and ISRA. We explored the beautiful Blue Mountains and visited the Sea Cliff Bridge in the Illawarra region.

Regular P&F Meetings: Collaboration for a Better Future

Back at our beloved school, the P&F Association continues to play a vital role in creating an engaging and inclusive environment for our students. The regular P&F meetings serve as a platform for parents, teachers, and administrators to come together and collaborate on various initiatives that enhance our school community.

We are excited to announce the launch of a reading circle group for our parents. We encourage you to set aside some time to read together and uplift yourselves spiritually. By joining us, we can achieve this together.

Mother-Daughter Camp: Cherishing Precious Bonds

In celebration of the special bond between mothers and daughters, our school organised a heart-warming Mother-Daughter Camp with the Pastoral Care team for our high school girls. This event provided an unforgettable experience where mothers and daughters could strengthen their connection through shared activities, conversations, and joyful moments.

Eid Celebration at Lollipop Playland: Embracing Diversity and Joy

We extend our heartfelt appreciation to everyone who contributed to the success of the Eid Celebration at Lollipop Playland. Your dedication to fostering inclusivity and celebrating diversity has enriched our school community and strengthened the bonds that unite us.

Join the Journey!

Are you inspired by these incredible events and eager to get involved in our P&F or upcoming activities? We welcome all parents and friends who are interested in making a positive impact on our school community.

Kind Regards,
Mrs Serap Sinik
Community Engagement Coordinator

LIBRARY

Dear Parents,

What a wonderful term this has been in the library. We looked at lots of fun history items for History Month. National Simultaneous Storytime was enjoyed by the Reception, Year 1 and 2 students. Book Fair was a great success. The library acquired about $400 worth of new books. Thank you for all of your support. This break is a great time for students to read books. It may be cold and wet. Please visit the local libraries, they have lots of great activities, books and other resources.

We are looking forward to next term, when Book Week is Week 5, Aug 19-25th. The theme this year is “Read, Grow, Inspire”. The Book Week parade will be Friday the 25th August. I would like to encourage students to dress up as someone or thing that inspires them.

A reminder that students need to return books on time for them to borrow from the library. I had a full box of books that had to be repaired or retired due to major damage. Please look after our books. If you have any recommendations for books/other resources please let me know. I am always improving the library.

Keep Reading,
Mrs Lisa Preston

PASTORAL CARE

Dear Parents,

This term, our Pastoral Care students had a lot of activities and fun, starting with a candle-making session that they enjoyed, fundraising for Qurban in which they learnt a lot of skills while having fun, and a Mother's Day event. It was great to have all mothers doing such a nice activity with their children. We are looking forward to doing more activities, learning new skills, and having more fun next term.

Kind Regards,
Pastoral Care Team

SRC

Dear Parents,

The SRC are committed to improving our campus at Gilles Plains and have recently planted a range of new plants along the fence line in the upper primary. They are also working extremely hard to design a new Nature Play Playground. We are incredibly excited for this and welcome any ideas from families to support us in this endeavour.

To celebrate all of the student’s hard work during Semester One, the SRC planned an excursion for the entire school to walk to our local park at Wandana Reserve. We look forward to many more fundraising events, fun days and implementing change through the Student Representative Council! We wish you all a safe and happy holiday break and look forward to seeing you all in Term 3!

Kind Regards,
Miss Kiya Norris and Miss Reem Musa
SRC Coordinators

MUSIC

Dear Parents,

It's been such a busy term in Music class - filled with lots of noise and instrument playing! Year 5 and 6 have worked so incredibly hard this term learning chair drumming and the piano. They have learnt to play songs like ‘Eye of the Tiger’ and ‘Ghostbusters’! Years 3 have learnt some incredible songs using the recorder, and they have improved so much since the start of the term. The Year 4s have learnt all about the Ukulele and know how to play the song 'Best Day of my life'. Last but not least, the Year 1s and 2s have mastered their skills in rhythmic notation and can identify music patterns that have crotchets, crotchet rests, minims and quavers. I am so proud of all their efforts this term!

Kind Regards,
Miss Natasha Parletta

FOUNDATION

Dear Parents,

I can’t believe we are already halfway through the year and have reached the end of Term 2! This term has been full of amazing learning experiences and I am so proud of your children for all that they have achieved so far this year! Students enjoyed taking part in the National Simultaneous Story time, swimming lessons and a fun filled day celebrating the EID Festival at the Golden Grove campus. I wish all families a restful holiday break and I look forward to many more exciting learning experiences in Term 3!

Kind Regards,
Miss Kiya Norris

YEAR 1

Dear Parents,

We have had the busiest term. Students enjoyed their time at the Uleybury School Museum, learning all about schools in the past! They were able to experience what schools were like and we discussed the differences between schools then and now. Students have also enjoyed swimming week. They have been practising water safety and loving every second of it. I can’t wait to see what we get up to next term.

Kind Regards,
Mrs Carolina Hoyos

YEAR 2

Dear Parents,

This term has flown by for our Year 2 students at Gilles Plains. We have been learning about the life cycle and needs of living things and the important role National Parks play in the conservation of animal and plant life. We have bundled this knowledge together to design our own rare and amazing animals which we wrote about for our first writing assessment for Term 2. The students have also enjoyed events such as Sports Day, Swimming and National Simultaneous Storytime.

Kind Regards,
Ms Bianca Villani

YEAR 3

Dear Parents,

In our Year 3 classroom, we have been very busy in Term 2. We’ve made our 3D castles, which were absolutely amazing! We have also been learning about reflection, symmetry and angles as a part of Mathematics. Students have completed their animal fact files in English and have been working very hard on their superhero videos. We are all looking forward to recording these very soon. For many of our students, we have completed an exhausting but fun filled and rewarding week of swimming, which has given them the skills to stay safe when around water and to help others in emergency situations.

Kind Regards,
Mr Peter Sowerbutts

YEAR 4

Dear Parents,

The year thus far has been a busy and exciting one for our Year 4 class. They have had some exciting projects including writing biographies about people who inspire them and our Egg Drop Challenge. The students have focused on understanding and developing their Math concepts including area, written multiplication, and probability. In our English lessons, we have looked at procedure writing skills, completing our class novel, Charlotte's Web, and continued to develop our comprehension skills. We'd also like to congratulate Mrs Watkins on her beautiful baby girl, Penny. I'd like to thank the students, staff, and parents for the warm welcome I've received this term. I look forward to all the adventures to come in Term 3.

Kind Regards,
Mrs Meagan Abraham

YEAR 5

Dear Parents,

The Year 5s have successfully wrapped up another busy term. Although there were many exciting events, including Swimming Week and the Eid Festival, we were able to finish everything as planned. Our Maths unit on 3D Objects was an educational highlight for many students, as they were able to represent their learning through hands-on experiences, such as creating objects with Blu tack and matchsticks. We hope to implement more practical activities next semester. Until then, I wish you all a restful break!

Kind Regards,
Miss Mubarak Ashimajy

YEAR 6

Dear Parents,

It is hard to believe we are halfway through the year already! The Year 6s have had a very busy term with so many events, such as Swimming, Qurban Festival, the whole school Park Excursion and more. The Year 6s have particularly enjoyed learning about Indigenous Culture and History, and learnt a lot when researching an influential Aboriginal person for their biography assessment. We have also had a lot of fun in Science, looking at different living conditions of organisms and growing mould. Overall, a very successful term! We look forward to the next half of the year!

Kind Regards,
Miss Reem Musa and Mr Myles Mclean

RELIGION & VALUES

السلام عليكم و رحمة الله و بركاته

Alhamdulillah! We had a fruitful term again. Students have learned about the five pillars of Islam. We had the opportunity to look into the benefits of worshipping Allah, Daily prayers, Ramadan and fasting, Zakat and Hajj. Majority of the students added new surahs to their memory. They refreshed their memory about previously known ones. I wish all my students and their families a restful term break and hope to see you next term ready and steady.

Kind Regards,
Mr Huseyin Toker

ARABIC

السلام عليكم و رحمة الله و بركاته

We are nearing the end of Semester One, and throughout this term in Arabic, we have run various activities aimed at reviewing and developing our children's reading fluency, comprehension, listening, speaking, and writing Arabic skills. Year 3, 4, 5, and 6 learnt about how we celebrate Eid and what the traditional and religious practices are. Year 1 and 2 students learn to combine double vowels and long vowels in their reading and apply some basic grammar, such as Tanween and Shadda. We appreciate parents' efforts and cooperation in assisting us in building and strengthening our children's connection with Arabic. At the end I wish you all a great holiday.

Warm Regards,
Mrs Ola Abdelmonem and Miss Liping Ma

TURKISH

Dear Parents,

This term, our junior primary students studied the days of the week, asking yes/no questions and numbers. We had a bunch of word search puzzles and colouring activities in our booklets to make it fun. With the upper primary, we looked into the house and family, daily routines and time. We also practiced a Turkish song called "Bütün Dünya Buna İnansa", which means "What if the whole world would believe this". I wish you a great holiday and look forward to seeing you next term. Hoşçakalın (take care)!