Pinnacle College eNewsletter

8 July 2023

Newsletter Articles

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
Campus Principal

SECONDARY COORDINATOR

Dear Parents and Friends,

It is astounding that we have already come to the end of Semester 1, 2023!!

We have had a jam packed semester and our students have shown great progress throughout. We were lucky enough to have all of our classes involved in running a stall for the Eid Festival that was held on the 16/06/2023. The students worked together with their teachers to develop an activity that was safe and appropriate for all and that would encourage donations. There were some incredible ideas and the students showed great leadership and initiative to put this all together. I would like to congratulate their hard work and also congratulate all the teachers who assisted them during this event. Thanks to all the families for coming and sharing this experience with us!

The secondary students have also enjoyed a range of excursions and incursions that enhanced their learning and wellbeing. Thank you to the students for their great manners and enthusiasm and a huge thank you to the teachers who arranged these great experiences for them.

The Year 7s have begun sharing their giving moments on a Google Classroom blog to encourage empathy! I have read some heart-warming anecdotes and I look forward to reading more throughout the holidays. Please encourage your child to add some in on a weekly basis and browse through the existing posts.

The Year 10s have completed their first semester block of exams, well done to all of you! I know how stressful this was for you and I congratulate you for being determined and resilient learners. I am sure you have learnt throughout this experience and I hope that you have time during the holidays to celebrate your hard work.

I hope all of the students, teachers, staff and their families have an enjoyable holiday and I look forward to beginning Term 3 with you all. Remember to be grateful and empathetic during your holidays. I look forward to hearing all about it!!

Kindest Regards,
Mrs Renee Taylor

PRIMARY COORDINATOR

Dear Parents & Friends,

I hope you have been keeping well.

It was great to see many of you at our annual Eid Festival! I would like to thank Miss Amy Mackay for organising a fun filled event which students, parents and staff enjoyed! Eid Al-Adha Mubarak to members of our Pinnacle Community who celebrated this term! Furthermore, thank you to the new families who attended our School Tours this term.

I would also like to remind students who are participating in the Children's University Program to use the holidays as an opportunity to complete their hours. Here are some reasons why the program is highly beneficial:

Encourages a love for learning = Fosters a positive attitude towards education by making learning enjoyable and engaging.
Expands knowledge beyond the classroom = Offers opportunities for children to explore subjects beyond their regular curriculum. Enabling them to discover new interests and develop a well-rounded understanding of the world.
Promotes critical thinking skills = Encourages students to ask questions, problem solve, analyse information, and think creatively - fostering intellectual curiosity.
Enhances social and emotional development = Emphasises collaboration and teamwork, allowing children to interact with peers and educators in a supportive environment.
Provides hands-on and experiential learning = Incorporates practical and experiential learning opportunities, such as field trips, workshops, and hands-on projects.
Celebrates achievements and motivates children = Acknowledges and celebrates the achievements of young learners, providing them with a sense of accomplishment and motivation.
Widens access to education = Aims to make education accessible to all children, irrespective of their backgrounds or circumstances. By collaborating with schools, community organizations, and parents, the program ensures that every child can benefit from high-quality educational experiences.
Cultivates a lifelong learning mindset = By instilling a love for learning at an early age, the Children's University Program helps cultivate a lifelong learning mindset in children.

I look forward to our Children’s University Graduation which will take place in November.

Have a safe, blessed and fantastic holiday!

Kind Regards,
Miss Sawafta Natasha

JUNIOR PRIMARY CURRICULUM COORDINATOR

A rainy and wet end to Term 2 but it has not stopped the children from some fantastic learning experiences. I was able to visit all three campuses and listen to some of the 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 subjects 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 (PRIMARY)

Dear Parents and Carers,

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 support.
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

INCLUSIVE EDUCATION COORDINATOR (SECONDARY GOLDEN GROVE)

Dear Parents and Carers,

It was such a pleasure getting to know the secondary students and their families better through the Inclusive Education parent meetings this term. Thank you to parents and families for continuing to work with me in order to support secondary students with diverse learning needs to succeed.

As well as continuing to support secondary student’s learning next semester, I will also be working on increasing awareness and support for students experiencing mental health challenges. According to the Mission Australia Youth Survey report, more than half of Australian youth ages 15-19 have needed support with their mental health at some point in their life. It is important to listen to young people non-judgmentally when they are experiencing difficulty and to acknowledge their feelings. If talking it through doesn’t help, you can then refer them to other supports that can help them feel better, such as an appointment with their regular doctor, or a phone call or meeting with a psychologist or a phone counselling service such as Lifeline, 1800RESPECT, Headspace, or Beyond Blue.

I look forward to seeing all of the students and families next term and I wish you a happy and restful break!

Kind Regards,
Dr Liz Allan

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT DEPARTMENT

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 organizations 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 organized a heart-warming Mother-Daughter Camp with a 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.

Warm regards,

Regards,
Mrs Serap Sinik
Community Engagement Coordinator

SCHOOL COUNSELLOR

Hi Parents/caregivers,

I hope you are doing well. I can't believe we are on holiday already! It has been a great term full of learning and development. As part of wellbeing and healthy development it is important to raise awareness and bring your attention to important topics such as Body Image. As we are approaching the end of term, I have noticed many of our students are having increased negative body talk and low self-esteem. This could be due to social media, external influences as well as the way families and peers speak about dieting, appearances and health. I have shared body image tips for parents.

Kind Regards,
Miss Zina Almufti

LIBRARY

Hello Parents,

What a wonderful term this has been in the library. We looked at lots of fun history items for History month.

The 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 Thursday the 24th 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
Ms Tammy Skelton

PASTORAL CARE

Hello dear Parents and Caregivers,

We are almost there to finish term 2. Pastoral care programs will pause until next term week 2. The closing activity was quite extraordinary. We made hot burgers in the cold weather :) Thanks to Mr. Sukan Alkin for cooking those yummy burger patties.

The Term 3 Pastoral Care focus will be “Reading”. There will be a variety of reading competitions and rewards at the end.

We are looking forward to accompanying our students in the next term.

Have a great relaxing break.

Kind Regards,
Pastoral Care Team

PRIMARY CLASSES

FOUNDATION

Wowee this term has flown! In integrated studies we have explored the forces, Push and Pull! We created toys made from resources we had at home. We then bravely presented these in Show and Tell to our class mates giving descriptions of the type of materials used, the process of construction and the force used to make the toy move.

In PE we have been learning different ball skills. Miss Bridget, our PE coordinator, organised a Bowls Instructor to teach us for three sessions of Bowls. We practised the skill of rolling during these sessions and quickly realised that slow and steady rolls hit the target.

We are also very excited to celebrate our milestone of 100 days of Foundation on Wednesday week 10!

Warm Regards,
Mrs Smith

YEAR 1

Can you believe the term is already over?! Where did that time go?!

In year 1, we have had so much fun learning about procedures and how to write a good one! We made fruit skewers and fairy bread and used verbs and adverbs to test our skills at giving exact instructions! During our art lessons, we used our fingers to create a tree that represents the four different seasons of the year. We also designed and made our very own rain gauges to measure and catch the rain outside! The EID festival was a huge success and the year 1 students LOVED patting the animals, getting their face painted and eating fairy floss!

Wishing you all a happy, safe and relaxing holiday!

Kindest Regards,
Miss Amy

YEAR 2

I have been so proud of the student’s maturity and work ethic this term. Independently researching many different animals for English and Science, the students have worked tirelessly to create multiple Information Reports and life cycles on Story Book Creator.

In Maths, I introduced telling the time to the quarter-hour. A tricky concept, particularly with quarter to, but they all did so well and again, I am so proud of them!

The children’s HASS projects look amazing!! They created such wonderful national parks and have been so excited to share them with everyone. I appreciate all of the hard work that went into those at home, AND next term students will be making a push and pull arcade toy game! I can’t wait to see those!

Kindest Regards,
Mrs Rees

YEAR 3

Students in year 3 have been super busy this term! We created some wonderful 3D shaped castles using recycled materials, displaying their creativity. You can check them out in the display cabinet in the front office! Alongside this, they have been working hard on their informational reports during writing lessons in English.

I will be back teaching the year 3 students on Thursdays, commencing from next term. In the holidays, please focus on listening to your child read where possible.

Wishing you all a happy and safe holiday break!

Kindest Regards,
Mrs Sangermano

YEAR 4

In Year 4, we have had a busy end to the term with lots of hands-on learning and a variety of activities!

Highlights have included investigating the properties of different materials in Design Technologies and designing a container to protect a raw egg from breaking when dropped from a height. This included using our collaboration skills to work successfully as a group and coming up with a suitable design. Most of us had great success!

We also really enjoyed selecting an explorer we have learnt about in HASS and creating a storyboard of the key events of their life through images, narration and dialogue. We then made an animation using the Puppet Pals app containing a range of scenes, characters and background music that we narrated with great enthusiasm. They turned out so well!

In the holidays, I encourage everyone to keep up their reading and practise their times tables, as this will help with the Maths topics we have coming up next term.

Wishing you all a safe, restful and happy term break.

Kind Regards,
Ms Zeunert

YEAR 5

As we wrap up Term 2, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on all that we’ve accomplished this semester. From the first day of school to now, we’ve grown so much - both as individuals and as a class. This term in particular, has been a busy one with numerous events e.g. swimming week, EID, a small slither of COVID returning, etc. We’ve learned new things, faced new challenges and celebrated our successes while supporting each other through struggles.

But as we look back on all that we’ve accomplished, we can’t forget to look forward. There’s so much more to come - new challenges, new experiences, and new opportunities to learn and grow. So let’s take a deep breath, soak in all that we’ve learnt, and get ready for what’s next.

Warm Regards,
Mr Incoll

YEAR 6

Dear Parents & Friends,

I hope you have been keeping well.

In the blink of an eye – this term is already coming to an end?! Students had a blast at our Eid Festival and our Year 6 Excursion to the Living Kaurna Cultural Centre. Students had the opportunity to learn about the rich Indigenous Kaurna culture and heritage. They engaged in activities that taught them about traditional land management practices, the significance of native plants and animals, traditional art and storytelling, language preservation, and the deep connection between the Kaurna people and the land. Through these experiences, students gained a deeper understanding and appreciation for Indigenous culture, fostering respect, and promoting cross-cultural awareness.

I would like to remind students to read over the holidays and participate in the comprehension activities (provided in holiday homework booklet). These skills are essential as they empower students to expand their knowledge, stimulate their imagination, enhance critical thinking abilities, and effectively communicate and understand information in various aspects.

Have a safe, blessed and fantastic holiday!

Kind Regards,
Miss Sawafta Natasha

PRIMARY PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Primary Physical Education classes have had quite a few activities on this term. In our Junior Year levels, we had a bowls instructor come in and teach the students some techniques for Lawn Bowls. The students loved Brian and his friendly manner.

Our Grade 4, 5 and 6 students had the opportunity to represent Pinnacle College and compete in a Soccer competition! This program is called SAPSASA. The students were selected to be on the team and played with great enthusiasm and sportsmanship on the day. It was fantastic to see Pinnacle College being represented in a competition and for many students it was their first time playing an official soccer match. We have basketball coming up next term for SAPSASA and students are encouraged to practice at home in preparation for the competition. Please see the photos of the students in their soccer kits - don’t they look great!

Next term in Primary School we will be holding our very first cross country competition at school. This is long distance running. Students will receive a ribbon if they place 1st, 2nd or 3rd on the day.

Kind regards,
Miss Bridget Andrews

PRIMARY 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 also 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 4’s 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

SECONDARY CLASSES

YEAR 7

Students in HASS this term have been busy learning about the Ancient Egyptians! We learnt about their life and important aspects of their history. We were lucky enough to have an excursion to the SA Museum to explore their history along with exploring the SA Museum in general for extra learning. Check out our photos and photos of our posters made about Ancient Egypt!

As part of their Hitler's Daughter novel study in English, the year 7 students presented five objects to the class to represent characters from the novel. Students presented a range of creative and captivating objects, including an entire homemade car! What a fantastic effort by all!

Kind regards,
Year 7 Teachers

YEAR 8

In Physical Education lessons, the Year 8 classes had a soccer instructor come in and teach them for three lessons. The students loved having an instructor there and students were able to increase their participation levels and improve their skills. We conducted our lessons on the oval as an outdoor sport. A reminder to students that if they find their physical education lessons tiring, perhaps they could complete some physical activity at home. Ask your child how many minutes of physical activity they should be completing per day (according to the National Physical Activity Guidelines) - they should know as we learnt this in health!

Kind Regards,
Year 8 teachers

YEAR 9

In Science, the year 9 students have been learning about the different systems in our bodies and focusing on the nervous, endocrine and immunity system. They enjoyed visiting the MOD exhibition, which was based on knowledge covered in the class. Students were inspired by new innovations that relate to their curriculum. It was a great day.

Kind regards,
Year 9 teachers

YEAR 10

This term in History the year 10’s have been learning about civil rights and freedoms. They explored the progression of Australian First Nations People’s rights, the Stolen Generation, as well as civil rights movements in the United States of America. As part of their learning about rights and freedoms they visited the Adelaide Gaol Museum on a guided tour.

A huge congratulations to Year 10 Integrated Learning students Redeta Rahman and Jana Al-Ani, who were the joint winners of the Multicultural Cup Academic Award! This award is granted to students who excel academically in the MPC Program, and was presented at an awards function at the Adelaide Oval. Redeta and Jana were chosen out of 15 participating schools and 580 students, and we are very proud of their achievement.

Kind regards,
Year 10 Teachers

SECONDARY PHYSICAL EDUCATION

In Secondary Physical Education the students are reminded to please bring a drink bottle to school and take it with them to their PE lessons. Having their drink bottles in the gym avoids any disruptions and allows us to play more games as a class.

Some of our Secondary Students helped with coaching the Primary SAPASA Sport competition and gave up their lunchtime to help the students improve their skills. Thank you to Jihan, Nour, Roqaya, Nada, Rania and Namariq for helping out and supporting our primary students.

As a part of the Integrated Learning Program, the Year 10 girls competed in a Gala Day against 15 other multicultural schools. The students got to wear a guernsey designed by one of their classmates, Redeta Rahman, which showcased her culture. The girls played with great skills, fierce tackling and a competitive spirit on the day. Well done to our Team 2 who had the most wins on the day. Thank you to Coach Dr Allan who did the majority of the organising in her Integrated Learning class. On the Saturday following the Gala Day, the students got to attend the Port Power versus Hawthorn game. The students could march on the ground prior to the game starting, waving a country's flag to support multiculturalism.

Kind regards,
Miss Bridget Andrews

PINNACLE COLLEGE BOOK CLUB

The Secondary Book Club members have finished reading the novels shortlisted for the Children’s Book Council Prize. Next term, they will begin preparing creative responses to the books, as well as providing a vote for the winner as part of the 2023 Children’s Book Council Shadow Judging Program.

Kind regards,
Dr Allan

LANGUAGES AND RELIGION

RELIGION AND VALUES

Dear parents,

As you know our main topic for this term was pillars of Islam. Students learned that we practice certain things in Islam mainly for the sake of Allah, and there are some extra benefits for individuals and society as well. We also watched some videos explaining the miracle of Allah’s creation to strengthen our belief.

Warm Regards,
Mr Okumus

السلام عليكم و رحمة الله و بركاته

Dear parents,

We would like to update you on the exciting activities that took place during this term in the Year 9 and 10 Values classes. Our students were highly engaged and involved in various projects and lessons related to their curriculum. Here's a summary of what they have accomplished:

In the Year 9 class, students delved into the topic of Quranic scientific facts. They explored and studied the scientific phenomena mentioned in the Quran, recognizing the harmony between scientific discoveries and the verses of the Quran. To showcase their understanding, the students worked on designing informative posters that highlighted these scientific facts. They also had the opportunity to present their posters to the class, fostering a collaborative and interactive learning environment.

Meanwhile, the Year 10 students focused on a central theme: the existence of Allah (God) and the unity of message among the prophets. Throughout the term, they engaged in thought-provoking discussions and lessons about how different prophets delivered the same core message of worshipping one God. The students also explored various arguments and methods to establish the existence of Allah. As part of their learning journey, they undertook an engaging project where they researched and created posters dedicated to specific prophets. These posters aimed to elucidate the message of each prophet and how they substantiated the existence of Allah through their teachings.

We are immensely proud of our students' dedication, enthusiasm, and the effort they put into these projects. These activities have not only enhanced their knowledge but also fostered critical thinking, creativity, and effective communication skills.

Kind Regards,
Soheir Habib

ARABIC

السلام عليكم و رحمة الله و بركاته

Dear parents,

I’m happy to introduce myself as a new Arabic language teacher. My name is Shaimaa Omar and it’s my pleasure to teach your kids.

Students in year 5 and 6 have been super busy learning Arabic with different strategies. One of the student’s favourite learning strategies is “role playing,” which will bring to the student the ability to speak and understand the language. We played teacher and student role play to allow some students to take the role of the teacher and read some Arabic words and translate them to the rest of the class. It was fun and all the students were very excited to learn more.

Warm Regards,
Mrs Shaimaa Omar

TURKISH

Dear parents,

In weeks 7 and 8, primary students presented their Turkish projects to the class. Year 3 and 4 students prepared posters with their drawings or designs about occupations. Year 5 and 6 students prepared slideshows and amazing posters about their families and houses. Great job!

Kind Regards,
Mr Okumus
LOTE Turkish Teacher