From The Principal

Our first student free day for 2024 focused on Restorative Practices. The whole staff were involved working with two facilitators from the Centre for Restorative Practices. We learnt about the way individuals and groups can contribute to a restorative culture and understand the difference between punitive and restorative behaviour development. The underlying principle is that restorative practice support effective relationships. Staff also engaged in exploring scenarios to apply their knowledge and understanding of what we learnt. A Restorative Practices approach compliments the work we have been doing in relation to the Berry Street Education Model.

Changes to the smoke free and vape free laws.

From 1 March 2024 there are new regulations to protect people from passive exposure to tobacco smoke and e-cigarette aerosols. The new laws relating to smoke-free and vape-free apply to early childhood services premises, education and children's services facilities including schools and within 10 metres of their boundaries. This means tobacco and e-cigarettes are not to be used within 10 metres boundaries as well as within the education service boundaries. 

There are other aspects of this change which apply to other facilities. Further details can be found here:

Tobacco and E-Cigarette Products (Smoking Bans) AmendmentRegulations 2023 (legislation.sa.gov.au)

School Values

The school values of respect, care and compassion, and honesty set the context for interactions within our school.  It is important that students are not engaged in harassment or bullying as this has significant impact on the targeted students by this behaviour in the short and longer term.  Name calling, put down comments or other inappropriate comments either face to face or line should not occur. The adage of "if you can't say something nice, don't say nothing at all" provides a touch stone for everyone. Think before you speak or write or post.

We expect our students to interact in positive ways which includes: 

• Resolving conflicts and differences would add resorting to pushing, shoving or physical altercations.

As the principle I am responsible for ensuring the school environment is safe for everyone. This may mean, at times, students being suspended or excluded from school. Where there have been physical altercations the police are contacted.  Across the school CCTV has been installed which assists us in making more informed decisions following incidents between students. The footage is often providing different information to what students tell us as to what has happened or what is recalled. 

A reminder that students who arrive late to school need to sign in at Student Services. Additionally, students who need to leave early, parents/caregivers are required to give this information to Student Services. If a child needs to leave school early you can ring 8270 4455 and select #1. Our Student Support staff will relay the information to your child's subject teacher.

Students need to bring their devices to school fully charged. This will enable them to get through the day doing the required work. 

Our middle school students had a session recently from SAPOL. The session "Think U Know" is designed to reduce and prevent online child sexual exploitation. 

Parents and caregivers may be interested in assessing "Gaming Devices and what you need to know" on the link below:

Gaming, devices and what you need to know.pdf (thinkuknow.org.au)

Mid-Semester Reports

We have passed the middle of term one. Teachers have been assessing student progress with mid-semester reports for year 7 to 11 and term reports for year 12 being published on Daymap on 3 April. Parent teacher interviews will be held on 9 April. 

Further details about reports and interviews will be provided. The first reports provide an opportunity for students to reflect on their learning. A number of questions that are helpful include:

• What have I been successful doing?
• What have I struggled with?
• When I have difficulties where do I get help?
• Are there some things I need to get better at, such as being organised, getting work completed?

Everyone can learn, and we all learn at different rates and in different ways. Getting students to reflect on their learning is a helpful way for them to potentially identify solutions to assist them in their learning and achievements. This in particularly the case when they talk aloud and are listened to.

Governing Council

On 20 February the Annual General Meeting of the Aberfoyle Park High School Governing Council occurred.

In the meeting, new and continuing members were confirmed. Our constitution has provision for councillors including 16 elected parents/caregivers, three staff, two students and two community representatives. The principal is an Ex Offico on the Council.

The parent/caregiver representatives include:

• David Hunter                     Chair
• Kirsty Chapman                Deputy Chair
• Gabby Rutherford             Treasurer
• Deb Kelley
• Loid Thotekat
• Amanda Ardill
• Mufuja Akhtar
• Safiq Rahman
• Lorna Watton
• Leanne James

Staff representatives include:

• Lee Pope
• Cassie Dickeson
• Rachel Kuhl                        Minutes

Student representatives include:

• Aiswarya Rao
• Kris Dude
• Tia Hurrell

Community representatives includes:

• Erin Thompson Member of Parliament for Davenport

Vaping Update

Vaping poses a serious threat to the health and well-being of our students and young people. It is leading to nicotine dependence, negative academic impacts and discipline issues. One in seven 14 to 17 year olds and one in five 18 to 24 year olds vape regularly. 

This is putting their brain development and future health at risk. 

• Young vapers are three times more likely to take up tobacco smoking resulting in a cycle of addiction. 
• Classroom disruptions and discipline are issues related to vaping are placing an unsustainable burden on teachers and leaders. 

At Aberfoyle Park High School we have implemented electronic locks to the toilets to monitor student movement in toilet use for vaping including CCTV outside of the toilets. At recess and lunchtime, we have teachers on duty outside the toilet blocks monitoring the number of students going into the toilets at one time.

The State and Federal Governments are implementing a number of reforms including:

• Import bans of single use vapes and non-therapeutic vapes.
• Stricter regulation and enforcement with limited flavours.
• Reduced nicotine and pharmaceutical packaging marketed to young people will be banned. 
• Support for quitting including online hub and a mobile app. 

Students who need assistance and help with vaping can call Quitline, 13 78 48 or go to www.quit.org.au. Where there is suspected nicotine dependence. families can consult their GP who can prescribe age-appropriate cessation solutions.

At our school we will continue to promote teaching and learning and inform students about life choices which promote their health and wellbeing.