Eastern Fleurieu School R-12 Newsletter Week 3 Term 3 2025

R-12

Principal’s Report

Embracing Educational Excellence at EFS

As a Principal, it was pleasing to listen to a recent podcast by Professor Martin Westwell, CE, Department for Education SA. He shared valuable insights on the future of education, which align with our goals at Eastern Fleurieu School.

Some learners and learning styles are under threat due to early experiences impacting cognition. The engagement and gap in math and science achievement is often linked to school experiences rather than age. Different pedagogical strategies can address issues like math anxiety and student self-belief. We can support all students in overcoming barriers to success through contemporary teaching and learning approaches.

AI is transforming the educational landscape, and we must focus on developing skills like creativity and emotional intelligence. These human skills are vital as AI changes the way we work and learn. Assessment needs to evolve in the age of AI. Traditional tests often focus on memorisation, but assessments should evaluate students' ability to apply knowledge in new contexts and solve real-world problems.

Trust and professional agency in schools empower educators to make informed choices and adapt strategies to meet students' needs. This fosters a culture of collaboration and innovation. Education should be purpose-driven, not data-driven. While data is important, our focus is on developing learners who can thrive and prosper, rather than just achieving test scores.

Equity must connect individuals to their preferred futures. Education should support diverse pathways and personal meaning, ensuring all students have the opportunity to achieve their goals. Adaptable skills are necessary for future success. Skills like collaboration, communication, and problem-solving prepare students for the diverse challenges they will face.

Developing dispositions such as self-efficacy, resilience, and creativity is crucial. These traits are not just add-ons but essential for students to thrive in a rapidly changing world. Learning should be an act of self-transformation, helping students develop their identity and connect knowledge to their personal goals. This fosters personal growth and self-discovery.

We must help each other to think and make good choices. Collaboration and support in education foster critical thinking and informed decision-making, ensuring that education is a shared journey.

It is very reassuring to note that at EFS we are on track with this journey, aligning with these forward-thinking educational strategies.

Jack, a Year 8 student, was asked by Martin Westwell to be on a Merit Selection Panel to select and appoint the new Commissioner for Children and Young People. Jack represented every public-school student (approx. 193,000) in South Australia. The other student representative came from the private sector. The panel of five comprised three highly qualified adults as well. 

This is further testimony to the great work we are doing at EFS in student agency and leadership. Jack, like many other students at EFS, are not only great ambassadors for our school, but true champions of their age group who quite often are unfairly criticised in the media and wider community.

Jack thoroughly enjoyed the experience and was grateful to get an opportunity like this to further develop his skills and experience as a young leader.

We are super proud of you Jack!

Ian Kent
Principal
Eastern Fleurieu R-12 School

Term Dates 2025

Eastern Fleurieu School R-12 Important dates

Future calendar dates to note

Term 3

Friday 29/08      Student Free Day / Staff Training Day
Monday 01/09   School Closure Day

Term 4

Friday 14/11       Student Free Day / Staff Training Day

Indonesian Delegation Visits Eastern Fleurieu R-12 School

On Wednesday, 18 June, Eastern Fleurieu R-12 School proudly welcomed a delegation of Indonesian educators for a halfday visit, highlighting the school’s vibrant learning environment and commitment to student voice across its R–6 and 7–12 campuses in Strathalbyn.

The visit began with an Acknowledgement of Country at the Performing Arts Centre, followed by an informative presentation from the school’s leadership team. Delegates were given a comprehensive overview of Eastern Fleurieu’s approach to inclusive, future-focused education.

Split into two groups, the visitors experienced both the Strathalbyn R-6 Campus and the 7-12 Campus through presentations and classroom visits. A key highlight was the student-led session on the Learner Action Cards—an innovative initiative empowering students to take ownership of their learning. The students spoke with clarity, confidence, and pride, offering an authentic glimpse into the school’s culture. 

Throughout the day, students showcased their school with energy and pride, whether presenting, guiding visitors, or simply engaging in classroom activities. Their excitement to share their learning journeys was clear and left a lasting impression on the delegation.

Morning tea, which included Halal options, was served at both campuses, before the groups continued on to observe a range of learning programs—from primary classrooms to hands-on secondary subjects like maths, VET automotive, agriculture, and health pathways.

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The visit concluded with a Q&A session, allowing for valuable reflection and dialogue between staff, students, and guests.

Eastern Fleurieu R-12 School was honoured to host the international visitors and immensely proud of the students who represented their school with such warmth, knowledge, and pride.

Portfolio Day at 7-12 Campus

On Thursday, 19^th June Eastern Fleurieu hosted Portfolio day at 7-12 Campus. The Portfolio Day is an opportunity for Fleurieu and Sea & Vines Principals and school leaders to network and engage in professional learning align with the DfE Education Strategy. 

Our Stage 1 Food and Hospitality classes planned, prepared, and presented a morning tea for our guests. 

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The menu created by students celebrated the use of Native Australian ingredients. The event was titled Ya:Yan Yuntulun, a Ngarrindjeri phrase meaning "coming together through food." This special occasion highlighted the students’ culinary skills, cultural understanding, and teamwork, while honouring the rich traditions and flavours of First Nations communities. We were extremely proud of our student’s professionalism in putting this together.

GO Foundation Culture Connect Excursion

In Week 9, 18 students from both the R–6 and 7–12 campuses had the incredible opportunity to attend the GO Foundation Culture Connect Excursion.

The day began with a powerful and inspiring welcome from GO Foundation Co-Founders, Adam Goodes (Non-Executive Director) and Michael O’Loughlin (Deputy Chair), who shared their personal stories of growing up and navigating school as proud Aboriginal men. Their reflections on identity, resilience, and community offered students a deep insight into the importance of cultural pride and connection.

Following this, students were grouped into primary, middle, and secondary cohorts, where they engaged in a range of hands-on cultural learning experiences. These sessions provided opportunities for students to immerse themselves in culture, deepen their understanding, and strengthen their connection to identity, land, and community.

It was a meaningful day that fostered a strong sense of belonging and cultural empowerment. We are grateful to the GO Foundation for creating such a valuable experience for our students.

NAIDOC Week Celebrations

In Week 10 of Term 2, our school celebrated NAIDOC Week with a joyful and meaningful series of events across all campuses. The Kondoli Storytelling Space travelled through our primary sites, bringing stories and songs to life. R-6 students joined a Smoking Ceremony with Ngarrindjeri Cultural Leader Uncle Cedric, opened by Year 12 Ivan Rigney. Milang, Ashbourne and Langhorne Creek welcomed proud Kaurna, Nurrunga and Ngarrindjeri Cultural Leader Jade Brooks to their sites to celebrate culture, connection, and community. 

Highlights included a disco, face painting, beading, arts and crafts, and two exciting basketball matches cheered on by a lively crowd. Casual Clothes Day saw students and staff proudly wear First Nations colours and tees.

At the 7–12 Campus, students played Gubi Gubi, joined art activities, and took part in a Smoking Ceremony and Cultural Awareness session led by David and Kyle Booth. The week ended with a festive lunch, music, and games.

Thank you to everyone who helped make NAIDOC Week a wonderful celebration of First Nations culture!

Community News

ASHBOURNE CAMPUS

14 Ashbourne Road, Ashbourne SA 5157 Ph: 8536 2455

Head of Campus Report

I hope this message finds you well and rejuvenated after a restful break. As we step into Term 3, I am thrilled to welcome you back to what promises to be an exciting and enriching period of learning and growth. This term, we have a jam-packed schedule filled with engaging activities and events designed to inspire and educate our students.  The students will have new and exciting learning opportunities, our dedicated educators have planned innovative lessons and projects that will challenge and engage students across all year levels.

Here are some highlights to look forward to:

• Science Week: A fantastic opportunity for students to explore the wonders of science through interactive experiments and presentations. It's a chance to ignite curiosity and foster a love for scientific discovery.
• Book Week: Celebrating the joy of reading, students will immerse themselves in the world of literature. With themed activities and a parade, this year’s theme is “Book and Adventure”.
• R U OK? Day: This important day will focus on mental health awareness and support. We encourage open conversations and provide resources to ensure the well-being of our students and staff.
• Bush Day is an exciting initiative that immerses students in a natural learning environment, fostering curiosity and exploration. This term's theme, "Weird and Unusual Creatures," encourages students to discover the fascinating diversity of wildlife that often goes unnoticed. As they venture into the bush, students are guided to observe and learn about unique animals and plants, enhancing their understanding of ecosystems and biodiversity.
• As part of our commitment to providing high-quality education, we will be conducting Progressive Achievement Tests (PAT) this term. These assessments are designed to measure students' progress in key areas such as literacy and numeracy, helping us tailor our teaching strategies to meet individual learning needs. The data collected from PAT testing will enable us to identify strengths and areas for improvement, ensuring that each student receives the support they need to succeed. We appreciate your cooperation and support in this important process. (Years 3-7, weeks 7-10)

We are committed to providing a supportive and dynamic learning environment where every student can thrive. Your involvement and support are invaluable, and we look forward to working together to make this term a success.

We sadly farewell Luke, a valued member of our School Services Officer (SSO) team. Luke has been an integral part of the Ashbourne campus, contributing greatly to our community with his dedication, kindness, and professionalism. Luke's commitment to supporting our students and staff has been truly commendable. His positive attitude and willingness to go above and beyond have made a lasting impact on everyone he has worked with. While we are sad to see him leave, we are excited for his new opportunity to work full-time at the 7-12 campus.

I am pleased to announce that Michael Simmons will be joining us as a teacher in the Acacia class, covering Wednesday to Friday while Robyn is on leave. We are delighted to have Michael on board and are confident that his expertise and enthusiasm will greatly benefit our students. Michael brings a wealth of experience and a passion for teaching that aligns perfectly with our school's values. We are excited to see the positive impact he will have in the classroom and look forward to the fresh perspectives and ideas he will bring to our team. Please join me in extending a warm welcome to Michael as he becomes part of our school community. We are grateful for his support during this period and are excited for the learning opportunities ahead.

Regards,
Rebekah Fahey
Head of Campus

Bush School Visiting Class

We were thrilled to welcome a visiting class from the Strathalbyn R-6 campus to our Bush School. Andrea Thomas’s Year 3 class. The day began with a warm welcome circle and an Acknowledgement of Country, setting a respectful tone for the activities ahead. Students participated in a variety of engaging activities, including campfire damper cooking, scrub play and cubby building, and clay making where they crafted jar toppers for propagating plants, nature critters and water colour painting. A silent sit spot allowed students to listen to and embrace the sounds of nature, fostering mindfulness and appreciation for the environment. The day concluded with a whole school game of "Web of Life," reinforcing the interconnectedness of all living things and highlighting the importance of community and collaboration.

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Student Creation Market at Langhorne Creek Campus

The Langhorne Creek campus recently hosted a vibrant Student Creation Market, showcasing the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit of our students. This event was a wonderful opportunity for students to engage with the 6 global competencies: Character, Citizenship, Collaboration, Communication, Creativity, and Critical Thinking. Students participated in various activities that honed these skills before setting up their stalls to sell their amazing craft items. The market was a bustling hub of innovation, with students proudly displaying their handmade creations. In addition to selling their crafts, students explored the market, purchasing products from their peers and enjoying handmade games. This interactive experience not only fostered a sense of community but also encouraged students to appreciate the hard work and creativity of their classmates. A key focus of the event was sustainability. Students used recyclable materials in their projects, supporting the principles of reduce, reuse, and recycle. This emphasis on environmental responsibility was evident throughout the market. Families joined in the festivities, adding to the lively atmosphere and supporting the students' efforts. The Student Creation Market was a testament to the dedication and talent of our students, reflecting their hard work in designing and making their unique products.

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Rocky Creek Bush School Excursion

What a glorious day, our entire campus embarked on an exciting excursion to Rocky Creek in Kuitpo Forest. The day was filled with adventure, learning, and fun for everyone involved. Our students enjoyed a variety of activities, including a hike through the beautiful forest trails. The games of camouflage and deer and cougar were a hit, encouraging teamwork and strategic thinking. Our book club gathered in the peaceful setting, sharing stories and fostering a love for reading surrounded by the calls of the birds. A highlight of the day was gathering around the fire to enjoy damper and tea, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. It was a wonderful opportunity to welcome families and our playgroup, strengthening our community bonds. This excursion not only provided new learning experiences but also created special memories that will be cherished by all. The beauty of the forest and the joy of shared experiences made it a day to remember.

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NAIDOC Week

During NAIDOC Week, our campus came alive with vibrant celebrations honouring the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. One of the highlights was the visit from Kondoli the whale, a captivating experience that engaged students with stories and cultural significance. This interactive event provided a deeper understanding of the rich traditions of our First Nations. Students also participated in hands-on craft activities with Jade, creating beautiful artworks that reflected the themes of NAIDOC Week. These sessions encouraged creativity and appreciation for Indigenous art and storytelling. The whole campus embraced a casual day, proudly wearing the colours and patterns of our First Nations. This visual celebration fostered a sense of unity and respect, highlighting the importance of cultural diversity within our community. NAIDOC Week was a meaningful and enriching experience for all, reinforcing our commitment to recognising and celebrating the contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

LANGHORNE CREEK CAMPUS

Bridge Road, Langhorne Creek SA 5255    Ph: 8536 2455

Head of Campus Report

Welcome back to another exciting term at Eastern Fleurieu R-12 school. We hope you had a restful break and are ready for the adventures ahead.

Last term was filled with vibrant activities and memorable experiences. Our Small Campus Student Creation Market was a resounding success, with students and staff from Milang, Ashbourne and Langhorne Creek coming together for a day of student led activities. These activities were linked to our Deep Learning Global Competencies, showcasing a variety of student-made items for purchase at the stalls.

Week 10 was particularly eventful, featuring a range of extracurricular experiences. Our Year 4-6 students participated in Bike Ed over two days, while the R-2 class enjoyed an educational visit to the Whale Centre at Victor Harbor.

NAIDOC Week was celebrated with activities led by Jade Brook focusing on Vision, Love, and Legacy and our dedicated teaching staff. This was complimented by Alexandrina Council, bringing Kondoli, the inflatable whale tent. The term concluded with a fantastic R-6 JAM BAND performance at Strathalbyn R-6 campus. Our end of term assembly gave students the opportunity to share their learning.

Kicking off Term 3; we celebrated the first day of school for Isla and Millie on Monday, marking the beginning of Term 3. On Tuesday, students embraced the creativity by dressing up as characters form 100 years into the future, for our 100+1 days of schools. Some of the imaginative costumes included horse riders, dentists, police officers and teachers along with many others.

Our Community Hour has recommenced, with student placed into groups to attend activities focused on community engagement, in small groups for a fortnight. These activities focus on community engagement, such as garden-to-table, cooking recipes from using produce from our school garden, yard upgrades, painting areas suitable for student involvement.

Nature play has become a hit with many of our students and we are seeing many opportunities for creative play with natural materials outdoors. Our Campus Advisory Committee (CAC) have been diligently working on our playground upgrade, with Stage 1 involving installation of swings.  Additionally, we are organising a Working Bee for later this term to continue developing our school grounds. Keep an eye out for time and dates via text message.

We are eagerly looking forward to the learning and experiences that Term 3 will bring. Thank you for your continued support and involvement in our school community.

Regards,
Les Cameron
Head of Campus

Student Creation Market

Langhorne Creek hosted the annual Student Creation Market this year. We spent time designing and making our things to sell. It was so good to be able to do everything we did.

I loved making the fishing game for student creation market. I was proud of myself - Ivy 

I like buying all the stuff and playing games.   - Charlotte

I liked visiting all the stalls and buying things.   - Rylan 

I liked doing the fishing game.   - Amelia 

I made a basketball game and we charged 1 ticket for 3 shots. We think people loved our game.    -  Isaac and Hudson

We made jelly fish and other ocean animals related to our Ocean theme. We sold them for 50 cents and they all sold.   -  Mila and Indie

I loved making the clay animals.   -  Piper

I liked helping with the selling.   -  Dean

I liked seeing people from the other campuses.   -  Maddi

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NAIDOC Week

During NAIDOC week we did lots of fun activities including going in Kondoli the whale for a learning experience.

I loved going in the big whale and doing the colourings.   - Amelia

I liked going in Kondoli and watching the Dreaming of Kondoli.   - Mattias 

It was cool to listen to the story and go inside Kondoli.   - Evelyn

It was really cool in there.   -  Ada

I loved the artwork.   -  Indie

It was very special and fun.   -  CJ

It was good listening to the whale sounds and the story.   -  Archie

It was really nice and relaxing.   -  Frankie

We are very lucky that we could go in and have a great experience.   -  Piper

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100(+1) Days of School

We celebrated our 100 days of school at Langhorne Creek Campus with a dress up day and some activities. Students came dress as 100 years in the future. We then collaboratively built a future invention that we hoped to see.

We made a TV with legs so it could follow us around.   - Mila and Isla

We made a mining machine that could dig very deep.   - Kyle and Indie

I made a TV that lets you watch alien TV.   - Mattias 

Our group made a zoo where you can talk to the animals.   - Ada 

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Kind Koalas

Goolwa/Victor Harbor Excursion

At the end of Term 2 the koala class went on an excursion to Goolwa Playground, Victor Harbor Whale Centre and Victor Harbor Playground. We had a lot of fun playing on different playgrounds and learning all about whales and the oceans at the Whale Centre. We had cheese toasties and chocolate milk before heading back to school. It was a great day!

My favourite part was the cheese toasties and chocolate milk.   - Dean 

I liked whale watching.   - Casey 

I liked the fossils area in the Whale Centre.   - Chance 

It was fun to play on the playground, especially the ship.   - Stella

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Term 3 Start 

We started Term 3 welcoming our two mid year receptions to the koala classroom. We have revised what it means to follow our 3 expectations - being kind to others, being kind to ourselves and being kind to the environment. We created a kindness garden display in our classroom and looked at our ready to learn plans. 

I am kind by helping Miss Anna.   - Kyle

I am kind by hugging people.   - Millie

I am kind by taking care of the animals.   - Mattias

Positive Possums

Bike Ed

At the end of last term we had Bike Education. It was so much fun and we learnt lots of road safety, road rules, bike safety and we also got our bikes and helmets specially checked. We all learnt so much and the instructors were so helpful and kind. We got to learn new skills in the school grounds and then got to ride out in the community. 

I felt so happy doing bike ed and riding around the town.    -  Archie

IT was fun learning and relaxing and it was good to learn more about the road rules.    -  Connor

They games we did were heaps cool and fun. It was the first time I had done Bike Ed and it was great.    -  Piper

It was lots of fun and the instructors were very kind.    -  Seth

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Sloth Art

In Art we have been learning about the seasons. We drew these sloths to resemble winter in Langhorne Creek.    -  Esther

Assembly

Congratulations to our Week 10, Term 2 Assembly Award receivers.

Playgroup

Please join us at Playgroup at Langhorne Creek Campus on Friday mornings, 9:00am to 11:30am.

Ruby Keen
Playgroup Co-ordinator

MILANG CAMPUS

Cnr Cox and Rivers Street, Milang SA 5256     Ph: 8536 2455

Head of Campus Report

We are pleased to welcome our students back to the Milang Campus for another exciting term. A special welcome goes out to our new mid-year Reception student, Violet. We are delighted to have you join our school community and look forward to seeing you thrive and make new friends.

The end of last term was lively with a variety of enriching activities. Our students participated in Bike Ed, honing their cycling skills and road safety awareness. The Student Creation Market was a resounding success, showcasing the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit of our young learners. We were also fortunate to have a visit from a freshwater ecologist, providing students with hands-on learning about local ecosystems to tie in with our learning about Lake Alexandrina. JAM Band was great fun, and our NAIDOC Week activities in Week 10 celebrated the rich culture and history of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Looking ahead, this term promises further exciting opportunities. We are planning an excursion to Adelaide, where students will visit the SA Parliament and the Botanical Gardens. We are also eagerly anticipating our upcoming camp at Arbury Park, where students will engage in outdoor learning and team-building activities. Our annual Spring Concert will be held at the end of the term, providing a wonderful platform for students to showcase their performance art and visual art skills. We are eager to embark on this journey and continue providing our students with diverse and engaging learning experiences.

Regards,
Merran Jolley
Head of Campus

Playgroup

Junior Primary Learning

The Junior Primary students were kept very busy in Term 2 with planning and preparing for our Student Creation Market stall. This year we had two attractions. The first was our racetracks – this was a free experience and gave everyone the chance to test their racing skills! The aim of our second attraction – Fishing for Rings – was to hook a numbered ring and then the prize was revealed. All the children did an outstanding job of managing our stall and by the end of the market, we were completely sold out!

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For Term 2, our Science and HASS learning was all about wetlands and the birds that are attracted to our local waterways. Towards the end of the term, we set off with our binoculars and bird watching bag and walked down to the foreshore.  We had practiced being ‘Twitchers’ at school, so we used our skills to see if we could spot any familiar birds. Although the wetlands were still quite dry, we observed a number of different bird species along the edge of the lake.

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Upper Primary Learning

Our Upper Primary students have been learning about Lake Alexandrina, exploring its diverse habitats and the fascinating fish that call the lake home. We were fortunate to have Tara, a freshwater ecologist from Landscapes SA, visit our school to deliver a talk about the lake. 

Our Student Creation Market was a raging success. We sold EVERYTHING we made! Our stalls included Space Collector Cards, and a Fishing Game where you could win awesome Mystery Bags hand made by our amazing students!

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Bonnie

Happenings at Milang

We are fortunate in Milang to have had a cycling day as part of the Sporting Schools funding, encouraging students to participate in a sport or physical activity, learn some new skills and build confidence in their abilities to ride a bike.

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Students at Milang enjoyed a visit from Kondoli the Whale as part of their NAIDOC celebrations.  They enjoyed listening to a story and learnt a new song all about Kondoli.

Jade Brooks spent time with our students in an Aboriginal workshop, including immersive connection to country and a yarning circle.

My New Gallery

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We welcomed Violet to our school as a mid term intake.  She has settled in nicely to her class.

The students enjoyed a trip to Strathalbyn and lunch at the park in the last week of term.  The Junior Primary students did some more bird watching and the Upper Primary did some water testing.

We then went on to the R-6 campus for the JAM band concert.

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Assembly

Well done to all our award winners and our VIP for Term 2 went to Safi.  Well done Safi.

We have said goodbye to Safi as she has moved to another school.  We will miss you Safi and loved having you and your family as a part of our Milang Campus community.

Reminders from Donna

Book Club

Orders due back Monday, 11^th August.

Note Folders

Please remember to send in your child’s note folders to the class every day.  If you cannot find your child’s from last year please let me know and I will send home a new one.

Attendance 

Please always contact the school if your child is late, call or come in and sign a yellow slip.  Also if your child is away or someone else is picking them up.  If we don’t hear from you your child’s absence is marked as unexplained.  A message from another student is not enough, we need to hear from a parent. If you are picking your child up early please come into the office and complete a green slip. 

Please continue to follow the guidelines for keeping us all safe.  If you need to come on site, please ensure you are sanitising when entering any buildings. Keep your visits brief and social distance at all times. 

STRATHALBYN R-6 CAMPUS

34 East Terrace, Strathalbyn SA 5255     Ph: 8536 2455

Heads of Campus Report

After a fun-filled final week of last term, it’s been a fantastic start to Term 3. Visiting classrooms on Monday, it was wonderful to see students quickly settling back into learning, re-engaging with their teachers and classmates, and showing high levels of focus from the very first siren. The smooth return to our consistent routines is a credit to both our staff and students.

We were excited to welcome 20 mid-year intake Reception students in Room 22, supported by Ms Reid and Mrs Keller, both returning from maternity leave. The students are settling in beautifully, showing great eagerness to learn and begin their educational journey.

It was lovely to speak with many parents who shared how enthusiastic their children are about attending our campus. This excitement and positive feedback reinforce our commitment to providing a supportive and stimulating learning environment.

Looking Ahead to 2026

As we begin planning for the 2026 school year, it is important that we gather accurate information regarding your child’s enrolment. This helps us plan class sizes, staffing, and budget allocations effectively, as funding is based on enrolment numbers.

To support our planning, we ask families to inform us if their child will not be attending in 2026. An email will be sent to all families next week. Your timely response is greatly appreciated and will help us continue to provide the best educational experience for all students.

School Uniforms

We appreciate your continued support in ensuring students wear their school uniforms each day. Uniforms promote a sense of belonging and pride in our school community. 

Our school colours are:

• Navy and white (tops and bottoms)
• Grey (shorts/pants only)
  Please note: Black, denim, hoodies, and visible brand names or patterns are not part of our school uniform.

Please note: if students participate in SAPSASA events they are permitted to wear purchased items for 2 weeks after the event.

Our Parent Club has second-hand uniforms available, and the school is happy to assist with any uniform needs. Please contact the front office if you require support.

Save the Date – More Info to Come

• Book Week Parade – Friday, 22^nd August, Theme: “Book an Adventure” – Families welcome to attend the parade and Community Morning.
• Wear it Purple Day – Thursday, 28th August, Students encouraged to wear a splash of purple.
• Sports Day – Friday, 19^th September
  
  

Regards,
Jo Garwood, Sophie Frost and Mel Pitt
Heads of Campus

What Have Room 14 Been Up To?

‘GO Foundation Culture Connect’

Saber and Max attended the GO Foundation Culture Connect day at the Living Kaurna Cultural Centre.

GO Foundation co-founders- Adam Goodes and Michael O’Loughlin.

On Culture Connect Days, GO students explore Indigenous culture, connect with each other, and access learning opportunities and career options. Students connect with culture, identity and community, building confidence and resilience. Our GO Foundation students always enjoy returning to class and sharing their experiences and what they learned. Their joy for learning about culture inspires their classmates to learn more about the important histories of First Nation stories and practices.  

‘Teamwork- Buddy Class Nature Art’

In Room 14, we always enjoy connecting, leading and learning with our Room 21 buddies! In Tungaree, we partnered up with our junior primary buddies and together we made some amazing nature artworks using natural resources around us.

Using collaboration and creativity, students worked in groups, listened to others’ ideas and shared their own to achieve a common goal. Well done on your efforts demonstrating excellence in teamwork and kindness and for supporting our junior buddies.

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‘Bullying No Way- National Week of Action!’

August 11-15 is the National Week of Action against bullying. The 2025 Bullying No Way week theme is: Be Bold. Be Kind. Speak Up. This theme supports schools to spread the word that everyone has a role in preventing bullying. In school communities, speaking up against bullying is a powerful action against bullying.

Room 14 students will revisit bullying and its complex social issues. Bullying is an ongoing and deliberate misuse of power in relationships through repeated verbal, physical and/or social behaviour that intends to cause physical, social and/or psychological harm. Bullying can happen in person or online, via various digital platforms and devices and it can be obvious (overt) or hidden (covert). Bullying behaviour is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over. Bullying of any form or for any reason can have immediate, medium and long-term effects on those involved, including bystanders. Single incidents and conflict or fights between equals, whether in person or online, are not defined as bullying.

Speak up even if your voice shakes.

Regards,
Cathy Hunt

Room 25 Update

In Room 25, we have been exploring multiplication for the first time! As a class, we discussed how numbers can be arranged into equal groups. We have been exploring the range of different ways we can group the same number evenly using maths resources such a counters. We noticed by adding these groups together and finding the total collection is multiplication. We have started looking at different strategies to help us build our fluency of our 2 times tables. Strategies we have enjoyed using are arrays, repeated addition, groups of and skip counting.

We are also learning about Earth and Space in Science this term. We began looking at what things we might see in the during the day and the night. Recently, we have been exploring the relationship between the Sun, Moon, and Earth. We were amazed to find out that if we could shrink them all so we could hold them, the Sun would be 1m wide, the Earth would only be 9mm, and the Moon 2.5mm! This led our class to a very in-depth class discussion about why they both appear the same size in our sky. We came to the conclusion that it is because the Sun is actually further away from us by using a basketball to represent the Sun and a tennis ball as the Moon. Next weeks, we have our incursion with SciWorld, where we will learn more about the wonders of space, we cannot wait! 

Regards,
Jordyn Lee

Poems with Room 7

Room 7 used a special form of poetry to reflect on the school holidays. Diamonte poems use a pattern of words that includes the number of words on each line and the type of words used on each line. We uses nouns, verbs and adjectives. Here is a small sample of what was an amazing group of poems!

Regards,
Lyndall Codlin and Josh Mitchell

Estia Visits with Room 9

In Term 3 and 4 Room 9 are participating in an Intergenerational program with the Estia Aged Care facility, here in Strathalbyn.
Each Tuesday afternoon we walk to Estia and participate in a range of activities with the residents that live there.

In Week 1 we shared “About Me” posters with the residents, so that they could learn new things about us. The residents also made posters, and we learnt lots about them too!

Meeting older people is really fun and we learn things from them. We like how they teach us a lot of things, but we also like teaching them new things too! Estia is a really fun place where students can gather around older people and talk about what they want to do when they are older, and learn something new.

We do fun activities with them like colouring in, gardening, and knitting. We can help plan some of the activities that we do and are going to take some games to teach the residents!

Estia is a safe and great place. It has been so much fun. It is amazing! I have had so much fun and that is all that matters. - Ryder

At Estia we have had so much fun learning different things and teaching the residents things. All that matters is to be kind, respectful and to make the residents at Estia really happy. - Huxley

It’s really fun to walk to Estia because we can think about what activities we can do with the residents. We can tell them about us and learn things about them. - Amaya

Regards,
Nikita Jaensch and Josh Mitchell

School Sports Australia Games

During Week 2 of Term 3, I was lucky enough to travel to Brisbane Queensland with the South Australian State U/15 School Boys Team to take part in the National Championships.

The opening ceremony consisted of several thousand people from all states and territories across 8 different sports. It was a terrific spectacle, despite the rain (and the 6am flight out of Adelaide).

The week started off well defeating the reigning champions Western Australia by 10 points in wet and windy match. 

We beat the hosts Queensland by 43 points on day two in a tough and physical match up, made even more difficult with gale force winds.

Game 3 we took on ACT and won comfortably by 70 points. This result saw SA secure top spot in our pool and we crossed over against the second placed Tasmania in our semi final.

SA proved far too strong for Tasmania pulling off a huge 89 point victory. This saw us qualify for the gold medal match against Victoria.

In the grand final the boys faced a strong Victorian side and despite having their chances came up 16 points short. 

All in all it was a fantastic week away, as teachers we attend a professional development evening and were spoken to by special guest Nat Cook. Nat was a 5 x Olympic beach volleyballer who won a bronze medal in Atlanta in 1996 and a gold in Sydney in 2000. She spoke to us about being a pioneer for beach volley ball and the hardships facing many non-traditional sports at grassroots level all the way through to Olympic level. 

It was also great to catch up with Layla who is a Year 12 student at EFS. Layla was competing for Team SA in the U/18 Girls Soccer team. I enjoyed seeing her and her family representing our school and State with such passion and skill.

I would like to that School Sports South Australia for the opportunity to coach in such an amazing carnival and to the EFS leadership team for allowing me to pursue such an amazing experience. 

Regards,
Darcy Springhall

Room 2 Newsletter Update – Deep Learning in Health

Last semester, Room 2 took a deep dive into a Health unit focused on healthy eating and nutrition, as part of our Deep Learning focus. Throughout the unit, students developed their understanding of the components of food—specifically macro and micronutrients—and the important roles they play in supporting our bodies. We explored the impact of processed foods and the benefits of choosing whole foods, helping students become more mindful of their food choices. With an emphasis on collaboration and critical thinking, students analysed the nutritional density of various meals and discussed how these could be improved to better support health and wellbeing.

Our final assessment was a highlight of the term: students selected a meal they personally enjoyed and worked to revamp it by investigating its nutritional content and finding suitable ingredient swaps to enhance its value. Not only did this task give students a chance to apply their knowledge in a practical and engaging way, but it also allowed them to grow their collaborative skills. Groups divided research tasks evenly, shared findings respectfully, listened to one another’s perspectives when selecting meals and ingredients, and took turns preparing components of their improved dishes. It was fantastic to see students confidently applying what they had learned while working together so effectively—and having a lot of fun along the way

Regards,
Ben Smith and Jasmine Clatworthy

STRATHALBYN 7-12 CAMPUS

11 Callington Road, Strathalbyn SA 5255    Ph: 8536 2455

Head of Campus Report

This week’s newsletter provides another opportunity to celebrate student achievement both on and off the campus.

Sporting Highlights

Congratulations to Year 10 student Marley for her outstanding achievement as a premiership player for South Adelaide in the SANFLW Grand Final. Her determination and maturity are truly inspiring, and we are excited for her future prospects. Year 12 student, Layla, made us proud by competing in Brisbane at the School Sport Games in the U18 Girls Soccer Comp. Our volleyball teams are preparing for the Australian Volleyball Schools Cup on the Gold Coast in December. Look out for their fundraising events as they would really appreciate your support!

Student Leadership and Initiatives

EFS students are actively shaping the future of education!  Isabelle and Kayla accompanied teachers to the recent SACE symposium, exploring the implementation of the SACE Learner Profile Pilot in the new Exploring Identities and Futures (EIF) subject. EIF replaced PLP and allows students to reflect on their identities and aspirations. Additionally, students will participate in the Active Citizen Convention later this month and Year 12 student, Sharli, has been selected in the role of youth facilitator. The inaugural convention announced by the Premier, aims to strengthen students’ understanding of democracy by focusing on the theme ‘Our voice. Our impact.’

Our student leaders are also driving change within the school. They recently presented ideas to staff about improving assembly routines and are collaborating with Executive Leaders and the Governing Council on the school uniform review.

Innovative Teaching and Learning

Our middle years teaching teams continue to enhance learning conditions for our younger learners with the introduction of ‘Ready to learn’ spaces in all Year 7 and 8 classrooms. We hope these spaces will help students improve emotional regulation and learning stamina.

Principal’s Day

Last week we celebrated Principal’s Day by honouring Ian Kent’s exceptional leadership. His dedication to our school and the education system has earned him several prestigious awards, bringing recognition to Eastern Fleurieu School. We’re fortunate to have his guidance and support.

And finally..

It’s almost SHOW TIME! Our senior Creative Arts students are preparing for their performances of Clue On Stage High School Edition. Tickets go on sale this week – don’t miss out!

The Royal Adelaide Show is also fast approaching, and our farm is buzzing with preparations. Our Show Teams—goats, sheep, steers, and poultry—are honing their skills for the big event. A special thanks to Lisa Halling for her commitment to this project.

We are so proud of the individual and collective achievements of our students and staff, and their fantastic representation of our school community.

Regards
Vanessa Coker
Director of Secondary Education

A Magical Day at the Theatre

On Tuesday, 11^th June students from Years 9 to 12 Creative Arts classes attended a spectacular performance of Beauty and the Beast at the Festival Centre. The show was a magnificent display of large-scale production, offering students a valuable insight into the world of professional theatre. After the performance, students had the exciting opportunity to participate in a Q&A session with key cast members, asking thoughtful questions about performance techniques, careers in the arts, and the intricacies of set design. It was an inspiring and memorable experience that deepened students’ appreciation for the performing arts, sparked curiosity about future creative pathways, and left them buzzing with excitement and ideas.

Regards
India Carnell
Teacher

Year 7/8 Knockout Netball

On Wednesday, 18^th June, our Year 7/8 netball team represented Eastern Fleurieu School in the knockout competition, taking on Unity College, Murray Bridge High School, and Reynella East College. The girls played three close and competitive games, showing great skill and determination throughout the day.

EFS narrowly lost to Unity College 30–27 in a thrilling match, secured a hard-fought 29–24 win over Reynella East, and edged out Murray Bridge 19–17 in a tight contest.

A big thank you to Lauren and Mia for umpiring, and to Ruby for helping with scoring and coaching on the day. Well done to all players on your fantastic effort.

Regards
Kelly Bahr
Teacher

Merino Wether Show Team

The Merino Wether Show Team were fortunate to have local Romney Marsh breeder, Leslie Brewer, share her expertise in sheep handling, wool properties, and conformation. Leslie has generously offered to continue working with our team in the lead-up to the Royal Adelaide Show. Our Year 12 team member, Jacob, showcased his excellent handling skills by confidently holding four Merinos at once!

Regards
Lisa Halling
Agriculture/Science Teacher

Pawz A While Program

The students involved with this amazing program, have worked well in Semester 1. Improving their skills in communication, with not only the wonderful Labrador dogs but each other as a group. The well trained dogs respond to the students when their cues are correct and well timed. This strengthens the students self-awareness and resilience as they direct the dogs through several exercises. These include, heal, sit and drop along with leave it, stays, wait, recall and weaving each dog between the others. This requires concentration and preparation.

Photos of Semester 2 students Oliver, Annie, Joey and Hayden all displayed excellent skills and were even able to control and work the dogs off lead, doing a wonderful job.

Regards
Julie Hillman
SSO

Year 11 Material Solutions

Our Year 11 Material Solutions students have been hard at work this semester, designing and creating some truly unique and impressive projects!

Each student followed the design process, identifying a need, developing ideas, refining their concepts, and evaluating their outcomes, to bring their unique visions to life. The results are a diverse and impressive collection of work including a horseshoe boot rack, starfish-inspired jewellery box, custom dartboard case, 4WD water storage and shower system, car spring chair, wall-mounted desk with drawer, handcrafted spurs, 44-gallon drum chair, guernsey display frame, timber stool, and wall art just to name a few.

Every piece reflects thoughtful design, problem-solving, and hands-on craftsmanship. A fantastic effort from all involved!

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Regards
Tom Neville
Senior Leader: Middle Years

YEAR 10 OUTDOOR EDUCATION – 3 DAY BUSHWALK IN KUITPO FOREST

During Weeks 5 and 6, our Year 10 Outdoor Education classes embarked on an exhilarating three-day bushwalk at Kuitpo. For many students, this was their first experience carrying all their gear and food in a single backpack.

Day 1 began with a small orienteering activity around Kuitpo Headquarters, helping students get accustomed to map reading and navigating the terrain. After completing this task, they set off on a 2km journey to their campsite, fully equipped with their heavy backpacks.

On Day 2, the students' backpacks were significantly lighter, containing only essentials such as food, water, clothing, and trangias. This day featured a more extensive walk, offering breathtaking views of the forest and hills. One class covered 14km, while the other traversed 17km due to some path closures, making the return to camp an intriguing adventure.

On Day 3, students embarked on the final leg of their journey, returning to Kuitpo Headquarters. With most of their food consumed, their packs were noticeably lighter. The distance covered ranged from 3 to 6 kilometres, depending on the class and any injuries sustained. Towards the end of the walk, both classes participated in a solo walk, allowing them to connect with nature.

This outdoor adventure provided our students with invaluable skills and unforgettable memories.

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Regards
Kristen Rothwell
Health & Physical Education Teacher

ADOBE EXPRESS WORKSHOP.

During Block 1 Tuesday, 24^th June 7D and 7E participated in a workshop with Dr Tim Kitchen from Adobe Education Services.

Dr Tim led an interactive workshop where Digital Technology students learnt new skills in Adobe Express, which they will further develop this semester.

By the end of the session, students had created the 1^st parts of an Animated Movie, which they were able to complete during class time.

Thank you to Mr Thornton for coming to support the session and to Dr Tim for facilitating.

Regards,
David Fawcett
Teacher

Student Leader Sausage Sizzle

Student leaders showed remarkable determination and teamwork to ensure the hungry hordes were fed on the day the Canteen was closed.  

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Regards,
Naomi Clark
Teacher (Chemistry, Nutrition, Science)

Science and Engineering Challenge

Twenty eight of our highly motivated, creative and determined Year 9 and 10 students competed in the annual Science and Engineering challenge hosted at Flinders University. Groups of students demonstrated excellent teamwork, respect and determination as they worked together to solve problems, generate creative approaches and competed to find the best outcome to a range of challenges including; Wind Turbine, Ecohouse, Job Juggle, Fish Trap, Confounding Communications, Electracity and the ultimate challenge of The Bridge. Congratulations to the team for coming fifth overall. Great job!

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Kind regards
Naomi Clark
Teacher (Chemistry, Nutrition, Science)

Year 10 Mathematics

Year 10 mathematics students recently launched their learning—literally—by building laser-cut trebuchets to explore quadratic equations. Working in teams, they filmed projectile motion, modelled parabolic curves using digital graphing software, and calculated equations in both standard and factored form. The hands-on investigation sparked deep curiosity, collaboration, and algebraic fluency, aligning strongly with the South Australian Curriculum’s Effective Learners framework. Students proudly shared their thinking with the Department for Education’s Education Director and visiting Indonesian officials—demonstrating how EFS empowers learners through world-class teaching and real-world challenge.

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Regards
Michael Jamieson
Teacher (Maths and Architecture)

Year 10 Architecture

Four Year 10 students from Mr Jamieson’s Architecture class proudly represented our school at an interschool design showcase facilitated by Makers Empire and the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB).

They presented six projects in total—including work from two classmates who couldn’t attend—demonstrating impressive teamwork and peer support.

Projects featured 3D printed models and architectural solutions to modern housing challenges like intergenerational living and sustainable development.

A big thank you to Makers Empire and CITB for making the event possible, and congratulations to our students for showcasing creativity, confidence, and collaboration.

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Regards
Michael Jamieson
Teacher (Maths & Architecture)

YEAR 10-12 GIRLS KNOCKOUT FOOTBALL

On Wednesday, 18^th June our Year 10-12 girls' football team, predominantly composed of Year 8/9 students, showcased an outstanding performance at Unity College. Their remarkable effort nearly propelled them to the next round, demonstrating both skill and determination.

A special highlight was the participation of Emma our exchange student from France, who played football for the first time and impressed everyone with her performance. Alongside her, several other first-time players contributed significantly to the team's success.

In the first game against Unity College, our team secured a commanding victory with a score of 87-0. The goal kickers were Kayla with 3 goals, Poppy, Eva and Levi with 2 goals each, and Issy, Ruby, Zara, and Sienna each contributing 1 goal.

The second game, played immediately after, was against Cornerstone. Our team started strong, dominating the first half. However, fatigue set in during the second half, allowing Cornerstone to score a goal in the last two minutes, resulting in a narrow 4-point loss. Poppy scored 2 goals, and Eva added 1 goal to the tally.

Despite the challenges, all the girls did an amazing job, especially considering their age and experience. Their teamwork and spirit were truly commendable, and they have set a strong foundation for future success.

Regards
Kristen Rothwell
HPE & Outdoor Education Teacher

YEAR 11/12 ZONE VOLLEYBALL

Eastern Fleurieu 7-12 School recently participated in the Year 11/12 Zone Volleyball competition. Our teams, primarily composed of Year 10 and 11 students, with a few Year 9s, had a great day showcasing their skills and gaining valuable experience.

Facing strong competition from schools like Reynella and Hallett Cove, our students played with determination and enthusiasm. We fielded two girls' teams: one mostly Year 11s and another mostly Year 10s, with a couple of Year 9s joining in. Additionally, a Year 11 boys' team, with a couple of Year 10s, represented us.

While the results were challenging, the students displayed great teamwork and resilience, making the most of the opportunity to compete and learn from tough opponents.

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Regards
Kristen Rothwell
HPE & Outdoor Education Teacher

Year 11/12 State Wide Knockout Netball

Throughout Term 2 and 3 the Year 11 and 12 girls participated in a state wide knockout netball competition. The girls were highly successful against both St Peters and Tatachilla in their first round matches and then had to face up against Westminster which was played at the Strathalbyn Netball courts. Unfortunately, Westminster were too strong and won 67-26 in a tough match that was played in extremely good sportsmanship for four quarters. Thank you to this wonderful bunch of women and the volunteers for their hard work and dedication in representing the school community in sport.

Special mention to Boyd and Jasper for officiating all matches throughout the day.

Regards
Emily Rodgers
Teacher

Year 11/12 State Wide Knockout Basketball

On Thursday Week 1, EFS participated in the Year 11/12 Knockout Basketball competition. The games were played at the EFS gym with matches against Unity and St Peters. The EFS girls won both matches and worked extremely well together as a team to come away with a successful day. The team is awaiting the results from other schools to be notified of our next round opponent. We look forward to this next opportunity to show off our teamwork, hard-work and wonderful sporting community at EFS.

Regards
Emily Rodgers
Teacher

YEAR 7/8 KNOCKOUT FOOTBALL

The Year 7/8 boys' AFL team participated in a four-team round robin at Murray Bridge on Tuesday, 29th July. Our first game was against Unity College. After a somewhat sluggish start, the boys began to use the ball more effectively and finished their good team play with a series of goals. They continued this momentum in the second half to finish as convincing winners, 7.5 to 0.1. The standout players were Jordan, Ned, Archie, Davis, and Campbell. Campbell and Jack were our leading goal scorers with two each.

In the second game, we faced Tennison Woods College from Mt Gambier. Despite a determined effort in both halves, they were too strong and talented across most positions, and we went down 1.2 to 7.1. Hayden was our lone goal scorer. Our three key defenders, Archie, Jed, and Davis, battled hard, and without them, the gap would have been much wider. Rory and Jayden were other consistent performers.

In the last game, we took on local rivals St Francis. The coaches and the boys were keen to finish with a win against our local rivals, whom we often face. We dominated the game throughout, winning 8.3 to 1.0. It was pleasing to see some different players shine. Hayden and Edward had their best games and were among the best, along with Ned, Davis, and Jayden. Unfortunately, we won’t progress to the next round, but we were very impressed with how coachable the boys were and the effort and sportsmanship they demonstrated in all games.

Regards,
Jerry Blair
Teacher

A Night of Glamour, Giggles & Groove: Year 12 Formal 2025 at Lake Breeze

On Friday, May 9^th as the sun dipped below the rolling vines of Lake Breeze Winery, it painted the sky with soft pinks and golden light, the perfect backdrop for a truly unforgettable evening. The Class of 2025 stepped out in style, and from the moment the first car door opened, and high heels touched the grass, you could feel it, something special was about to unfold.

There was a buzz in the air, a blend of excitement, nervous energy, and joy. And yes, plenty of hairspray. Students arrived dressed in their finest, radiating confidence, elegance, and individuality. This wasn’t just a formal. It was a celebration of everything they’d become a moment suspended in time, where laughter drifted through the vines and memories were captured in camera flashes, shared stories, and spontaneous dance moves.

From the first photo on the grass to the final song on the dance floor, the evening sparkled with celebration and connection. The venue was dreamy, the food delicious, and the atmosphere electric, everyone knew they were part of one of those rare, magical nights that would be remembered for a lifetime.

The students looked incredible, with outfits as unique as their personalities. There were speeches that pulled at heartstrings, hugs that lingered a little longer, and a surprise Teachers’ Talent Show that brought the house down. From interpretive dance routines to musical tributes, staff took to the stage with passion, humour, and heartfelt memories that would last forever.

To the Class of 2025, the world is waiting for you. You’ve tackled the ups and downs of senior school with strength, spirit, and a whole lot of heart. Along the way, you’ve made friends, learned lessons, shared laughter, and created memories that will stay with you long after the music fades and the heels come off.

Whatever comes next, whether it’s university, apprenticeships, travel, work, or time to simply breathe and explore, know this, your school community is incredibly proud of who you are and who you’re becoming.

You leave with more than just grades. You leave with courage, kindness, creativity, and the confidence to shine wherever life takes you next.

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Regards
Jen Turpin
Senior Leader

8A / 8B / 8C English – Poetry – Mrs Aylen

Year 8s have started studying short texts, including poetry and, while we will be focused more on analysing poems, we have also tried creating some Snapshot poems.

Snapshot poems are meant to represent just a moment in time and we used the following form to create them:

Line 1: write three adjectives
Line 2: write an adjectival phrase
Line 3: add a simile
Line 4: write who or what the person or object being described is
Line 5: write what the person or object is doing
Line 6: add a metaphor
Line 7: write where the person or object is
Line 8: write when the event is taking place

Here is a sample of our work:

Small, Quiet and cute.
Sitting beautifully in the woods.
Like pretty little flowers.
The mum and her babies.
Reading a book.
In a field of quiet and calm.
In the middle of the forest.
On a Sunday afternoon.

By Mia & Ainsley (8B)

Quiet, Muffled, Shapeless
Fuelled purely by dread
Like a stone sinking through glassy water
A broken God
Finding his way home
A star diving beneath the water, to forget it ever burned
In the tide of his homeland
On a dark stormy night in Winter.

By Jordan (8B)

Celebration, cheering, winners
The biggest stage in footy
grand final day is a party
Geelong cats
The team posing for their photo
They are on top of the world
On the MCG
For the 2022 AFL Grand final match.

By Ned (8B)

Vibrant, Adventurous, Dynamic
gracefully poised
Like a kung fu master
Russel Coight with subtle movements
Discovering his inner peace
Laser beam focus
In the outback of Australia
On a hot summer's day

By Jack (8A)

Fun, colourful, free
pigment against the pavement,
like dust on a dirt road, 
she was just a regular teenage girl, 
dancing around in her less-than-white sneakers,
a ballerina, 
outside in the school courtyard,
as the sun sets.

By Tara (8A)

grey wet scary
floating through the blue sea
as chill as a rock in a flood
A shark
swimming through the beautiful sea
sunset in the afternoon
in the ocean
in the afternoon

By Oli (8C)

Agile, playful, fluffy
Cute and cuddly friend
As graceful as a ballerina
Cat
Jumping
A ball of fur
on a hay bail
During the day

By Leia (8C)

Regards,
Jade Aylen
English & Humanities Teacher 

Inclusion and Wellbeing

Respectful Relationships Excursion

On Wednesday, 25^th June 9 students had the valuable opportunity to attend the Student Forum on Respectful Relationships, held at the Adelaide Oval. They were accompanied by Mr Haylock (Wellbeing Leader) and Sophie Reynolds (Youth Worker), who supported students in engaging in thoughtful dialogue about the importance of healthy relationships within school communities.

Throughout the day, students met with several leaders from South Australian Government schools and shared perspectives on what respectful and healthy relationships look like in a school setting. The forum brought together students from a wide range of public schools across the state, allowing for rich conversations and collaboration between peers.

One of the most memorable aspects of the forum was the interactive nature of the activities. As described by students, Hayley and Savanna:

"We talked to a few heads of South Australia Government school leaders and communicated about healthy relationships within schools. There were many public schools who had attended, and we shared our ideas of how and what healthy relationships are and what they look like. We engaged in a few activities with other schools like rock-paper-scissors and lining up from the date of our birthdays. With these activities, we didn't get given any information and had to communicate with students we haven't met to successfully line up in birthday order, which shows our skills of teamwork and relationship building."

These team-building activities encouraged students to step out of their comfort zones and work collaboratively with peers they had just met—highlighting the importance of trust, communication, and mutual respect.

It was a meaningful day of learning, reflection, and connection, and our students returned with fresh ideas and a renewed commitment to fostering respectful relationships within our own school community.

Regards,

Year 9 Rite Journey Awards Assembly

The Year 9 Rite Journey Semester 1 Awards Assembly celebrated students who excelled in Semester 1. Each class presented two awards to students for their outstanding commitment and dedication to The Rite Journey so far this year. Congratulations to all the award winners! We look forward to a big Semester 2 with continued success.

Regards,

11/12 Boys Knockout Basketball

The 11/12 Boys Knockout Basketball team faced tough competition against Unity College, St John's Grammar, and Heathfield. Despite losing all three games, the boys demonstrated exceptional teamwork and persistence. They had some great moments throughout the day and should be proud of how they represented the school. 

Regards,

Keep Their Future Bright – Teenagers and Alcohol

As parents, we’re always learning and growing – especially when we come across new information about how to keep our kids healthy and safe.

Research now shows us that exposing teenagers to alcohol is harmful to the cells inside the developing brain. The effects can be anything from finding schoolwork harder to trouble processing emotions or performing at their chosen sport.

As parents and carers, the guidance we give plays an important role in helping our kids enjoy their teenage years. Talking to your children openly about alcohol’s harms, and refusing to supply it, will help keep them - and their developing brain - safe from harm.

Find out more on the Alcohol and Drug Foundation website.