It was a very special start to this week when we were able to welcome all of our students back to face to face learning. It had been relatively quiet in the yard for the last week and a half, especially as the year 7 and 8’s started to get the feel for high school. We certainly noticed the difference with so many students in the yard and a lot of chatter as students finally got the chance to catch up, in person, with each other.

Whilst we are pleased students are eager to get here, a reminder the school yard is not monitored until 8.30am, so students other than those whose bus arrives early should not be arriving earlier than 8.30am.

We have planned some activities and events on our calendar for the term, but are still awaiting confirmation these events will be possible. As soon as we receive an update we will let you now. At this stage we have planned for our Athletics Day on Friday 11^th March. Please put this date into your calendar and here’s hoping you will all be able to join us for this day.

The Governing Council AGM usually occurs in Week 4 but has been postponed. As soon as we can schedule a face to face meeting we will do so. In the meantime please consider joining the Governing Council. It involves only 2 meetings per term and is your chance to hear firsthand what is happening in the school and to have a say in the policies for the school.

Tyler Hogan - Principal 

This week we were excited to welcome back our Year 9 students. It was a bit hectic having a second first day of school but it’s definitely great to see everyone back in person!

Classes are getting in to the swing of things with lots of fun and interesting learning activities. In Maths, teachers are introducing problem solving activities from the “Thinking Maths” program. Students are working in the science labs and outside to conduct a range of experiments – Year 8s have made balloon rockets and parachutes. In Geography, Year 7s are learning about maps and working on both vocabulary and cartography skills!

Keep and eye out for Subject Overviews for each subject which will be sent home over the next week or two. These give you a summary of the topics and assessments for the semester, and are usually stuck in to the front of your child’s workbook. Please sign these to indicate that you have seen them.

Mobile Phones: Ideally these are locked in lockers during lesson time. This year we also have pockets in all classrooms to store mobile phones if they are brought to class. Students have been very cooperative about using these so far – well done to them!

We are also encouraging students to check their phones at break times, but then leave them in their lockers. This reduces the risk of breaking or losing them, and also allows them to spend time with their friends without the distraction. These days we want to make the most of in-person interactions and we will keep encouraging this!

Year 8 Camp: Notes were sent home this week. Please send them back as soon as possible and get in touch if you have any concerns about payment or questions about the camp. Fingers crossed for it to all go ahead!

Kate Seidel - Middle School Coordinator

Late last year, GHS along with our feeder primary schools, were lucky enough to win a grant for $33,550 from Schools Plus. This funding has been provided by the Pioneers in Philanthropy who are a group of high-profile business leaders and philanthropists who are supporting school communities through Schools Plus. The funding is going towards implementing the Growing With Gratitude wellbeing initiative throughout GHS, our feeder schools, preschools and the community.

Growing With Gratitude is a leading provider of mental wellbeing programs across Australia. The program teaches skills based on gratitude, kindness, empathy, positive reflection and serving others, resulting in greater resilience, ownership and adaptable thinking.

We aim to build and protect student's wellbeing through practising skills that lead to greater resilience, grit and happiness through program delivery by Growing With Gratitude. We aim to acquire new knowledge and up skill staff across all feeder schools to become confident and equipped to support students in every site as well as through transition to high school.

This is a very exciting time for GHS, feeder schools and the community as we focus our attention and efforts on improving the wellbeing of our students – for which we are very grateful!

Kate Cameron - Wellbeing Coordinator 

Governing Council AGM - Date to be Confirmed 

Are you:

• Keen to see how Gladstone High School works?
• Keen to know the principal, Teachers and other staff well?
• Eager to make a difference in your child’s life?
• Keen to make a difference at Gladstone High School?
• Keen to be a part of an exciting future at Gladstone high School?

Meetings are held twice a term. For more information please contact Gladstone High School on 86622171 or Kathryn Hansen (GC Chairperson 2021) on 0438363123.

We would love for you to be a part of our team!

Immunisation providers will be visiting Gladstone High School

on Tuesday March 29^th at 9am to administer the following vaccines:

Year 8 students

Diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough vaccine (Boostrix)

Dose 1 of human papillomavirus vaccine (Gardasil)

Year 10 students

Dose 1 Meningococcal B (Bexsero)

Any queries contact Dymph, Gladstone Health Centre ph: 86622158

or dymphna.catford@.sa.gov.au