Eastern Fleurieu School R-12 Newsletter Week 3 Term 7 2025

R-12

Principal’s Report

Celebrating Excellence in Teaching – Canberra 2025

This week I have had the privilege of travelling to Canberra and Parliament House for the 2025 Australian Schools Plus Excellence in Teaching Awards. Having been a recipient of this national award in 2024, it was an honour to be invited back this year to take part in the celebrations and professional learning opportunities.

The awards were presented by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in the Great Hall at Parliament House, a truly memorable occasion that highlighted the importance of teaching and the impact of educators across Australia. It was inspiring to witness the recognition of outstanding teachers and school leaders who are making a real difference in the lives of young people every day.

This year my involvement extended beyond attending the ceremony. I was fortunate to contribute through workshops, mentoring, and coaching sessions with the 2025 award recipients. Sharing my experience, while also learning from the fresh perspectives and innovative practices of this year’s educators, was a rewarding opportunity to grow both personally and professionally.

These events remind me that great teaching is not only about what happens in classrooms, but also about the collective effort of educators to support and inspire each other. I return to our school energised, with new ideas and strengthened connections that will benefit our students and community.

Congratulations to Lisa Halling and her team of students for their participation and success at the Royal Adelaide Show this week.

Ian Kent
Principal
Eastern Fleurieu R-12 School

Term Dates 2025

Eastern Fleurieu School R-12 Important dates

Future calendar dates to note

Term 4

Friday 14/11       Student Free Day / Staff Training Day

Community News

ASHBOURNE CAMPUS

14 Ashbourne Road, Ashbourne SA 5157 Ph: 8536 2455

Head of Campus Report

We are pleased to report a highly engaging and dynamic start to the term at Ashbourne Campus. Our students have shown remarkable dedication to their studies, resulting in impressive learning progress across both classrooms. Their enthusiasm and commitment to education are truly commendable. This term has been enriched with a variety of activities and events. Our celebration of Book Week was met with great enthusiasm, providing students with the opportunity to explore new literary worlds and foster a love for reading. The recent assembly was a resounding success, showcasing the talents and achievements of our students. Additionally, we hosted special visitors from Old Noarlunga Primary School at our Bush School, offering them a unique insights to how our Bush day runs and the importance of outdoor learning and connection to nature.

In the playground, students have demonstrated outstanding cooperation and communication skills. The game of four square has become a favourite, and it is delightful to witness the inclusive spirit, lively chatter, and joyful laughter that permeate the play breaks. Looking ahead, our students will be undertaking the PAT Maths and PAT Reading assessments over the next few weeks. These assessments are valuable tools in understanding and supporting each student's learning journey, helping us tailor our educational approaches to meet their individual needs.  We are excited to maintain this positive momentum throughout the term and extend our gratitude to our students, staff, and families for their unwavering support and active participation in our school community. Together, we continue to create a nurturing and inspiring environment for all.

Regards,
Rebekah Fahey
Head of Campus

Book Week

Book Week was a resounding success, marked by creativity, enthusiasm, and a shared love for literature. One of the standout events was the fabulous dress-up parade, where our students, along with some of their younger siblings, joyfully embraced the opportunity to dress as their favourite book characters. It was heartening to witness the vibrant display of costumes and the imaginative interpretations of beloved literary figures. The presence of so many families who came to watch the parade added to the festive and inclusive atmosphere, making it a truly community-centred event. In the classrooms, students participated in a range of engaging activities centred around the theme "Book and Adventure." These activities were designed to spark imagination, encourage creative thinking, and deepen students' appreciation for literature. The theme provided a rich context for exploration and learning, allowing students to connect with stories in meaningful ways. We were also privileged to join other schools online for interactive sessions with renowned author/illustrators Anna McGregor, Jess Racklyeft, and Andy Griffiths. This unique opportunity allowed our students to gain valuable insights into the world of storytelling and illustration, directly from the creators themselves. The students were captivated by the authors' presentations and inspired by their creative processes. Book Week was a wonderful celebration of literature and creativity, and we extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone involved for making it such a memorable and enriching event. The success of Book Week reflects the strong support and involvement of our school community, and we look forward to continuing to foster a love for reading and learning in our students.

Andy Joyner

We were thrilled to kick off Book Week with a special visit from the incredibly talented illustrator and author, Andrew Joyner!  Andrew captivated our students with his engaging storytelling and artistic skills, teaching them how to draw stunning horses and self-portraits. His patience and encouragement inspired our students to create some truly amazing artwork. We are so grateful to Andrew for sharing his time and talent with us. Thank you, Andrew, for making our Book Week launch unforgettable.

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Bush School and Tree Planting

Yesterday, the students of Ashbourne truly shone during Bush School Day! They demonstrated exceptional dedication and teamwork by planting over 60 native trees and shrubs, all propagated from seeds collected from our very own Ashbourne Campus scrub last year. Their hard work in spreading mulch, digging holes, crafting wire guards, and planting is a testament to their commitment to nurturing our environment. This initiative will significantly contribute to restoring and enhancing the natural vegetation in our beloved scrub area. A huge thank you to our students and staff for their inspiring efforts in preserving our natural scrub!

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Exploring Weird and Unusual Animals at Bush School

Our students have been deeply engaged in their exploration of weird and unusual animals during Bush School day, a topic that has sparked both passion and curiosity. Their enthusiasm for learning about these extraordinary creatures is truly inspiring and reflects their commitment to expanding their knowledge. This term, they have embarked on a fascinating journey, studying the unique wildlife of diverse regions such as Madagascar, Brazil, the deep ocean, and the Galapagos Islands. This week, students collaborated in groups to conduct in-depth research on a specific animal. They then presented their findings to the entire class and visiting staff from Old Noarlunga Primary School. This presentation was a special opportunity for our students to demonstrate their understanding and to share their insights, showcasing their deep connection to nature and their passion for the unique and enriching experience that Bush School day provides. The day was further enriched by a campfire session, where students enjoyed the traditional activity of cooking damper and roasting marshmallows. This added a delightful and communal aspect to their outdoor learning experience, reinforcing the bonds within our school community and enhancing the overall educational journey.

Acacia Class Poetry

LANGHORNE CREEK CAMPUS

Bridge Road, Langhorne Creek SA 5255    Ph: 8536 2455

Head of Campus Report

What a great term we have been having. Students and staff enjoying our learning programs along with excursions and for our students preparing for Arbury Park camp in Week 9.

Our Book Week Parade was a vibrant and engaging event. Students showcased their creativity by parading in the morning, dressed as their favourite book characters. Thank you to our families for supporting our students to look so amazing. Following the parade, we welcomed visitors who shared readings in our library, enriching the experience for everyone involved.

After recess, students participated in "Book Tastings," where they worked in small groups with staff to explore shortlisted books. This included engaging activities related to the books shared, fostering a deeper appreciation for literature.

The afternoon was dedicated to Assembly preparations, where students eagerly prepared to share the day's activities with the school community.

On Tuesday a group of students visited our local HUB. During the HUB Morning Tea, students proudly displayed their works of art showcasing Fire Rainbows. These were linked to our HASS learning about weather. It was a wonderful opportunity for students to express their understanding through creativity.

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Our Campus Advisory Committee (CAC) Paver Fundraiser is in full swing, with many orders coming in to support the enhancement of our campus grounds. Working alongside of Principal, Ian Kent, we are excited to announce that a set of swings will be installed early in Term 4, thanks to funds raised previously by our CAC members. A huge thankyou to our CAC members for their active involvement in fundraising for our campus. CAC are wonderful supporters of our Working Bee along with many of our school families. We appreciate your help and support in keeping our grounds a wonderful place for students to play, learn and be. Keep an eye out for our next Working Bee.

We celebrated ‘Wear it Purple Day’ on Thursday, a day dedicated to celebrating diversity across Eastern Fleurieu School sites. It's an important occasion to promote inclusivity and acceptance within our community.

As we continue through Term 3, we remain committed to ongoing learning and growth with our students. Thank you for your continued support and involvement in our school activities.

Regards,
Les Cameron
Head of Campus

BOOK WEEK

Book Week with the Koala Class

We had a great time last week celebrating book week. We looked at how to move a zoo and compared zoos then versus now. We had our dress up parade on Thursday and we all had a great time dressing up as our favourite book characters. We had a lot of fun with our group activities where we made crocodile pegs, drew adventure postcards, decorated jelly cups (and had jelly), had a sensory zoo and made elephant cards, as well as worked together to create an adventure map of Creeklandia. 

It was fun dressing up. - Isla

I liked the activities, mainly crocodiles. - Will

Seeing everyone's costume was cool. - Spencer 

I liked the Minecraft costumes. - Chance 

I loved making our Creeklandia map. I drew a crystal cave on the map. -  Mattias 

I loved the costumes. I dressed up as a butterfly. - Casey

I loved all the book week stuff and I liked dressing up as a lion. - Millie 

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VISUAL ARTS

In Visual Arts the R-2 students have been recreating the Catatumbo Lightning, nicknamed the "Everlasting Storm".  Fun fact: This storm produces about 1.2 million lightning bolts annually, up to 260 storms a year. Students used craypas and have blended their colours to create stunning visuals. This complements our learning in HASS about weather events across the world. 

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KIND KOALAS

Inquiry learning 

We have been learning all about Egypt this term for our inquiry unit. We have learnt about pyramids, the Nile and hieroglyphics. 

I like learning about the pyramids. - Kyle 

I loved learning about the River Nile. Crocodiles and Hippos live in the Nile. – Stella

I liked learning about the Pharaohs. They are the kings or queens of Ancient Egypt. - Ivy  

POSITIVE POSSUMS

Murray Bridge Excursion - Civics and Citizenship

We went on an excursion to Murray Bridge to have a session on Civics and Citizenship. It was fantastic learning about governments and how our Councils work.  We had a mock election, we learnt about the levels of government. We did some learning about the structure and functions of the Parliament of South Australia and did a role play of how to make/change laws. We also got to dress up in the fancy clothes. It was so much fun but also great learning.   -  Esther

Bushrangers

We have been doing information reports in English about Australian Bushrangers. We also did our own wanted posters. We had to think of fun and creative reasons why we were 'wanted'.  -  Hudson

Here are some of them of our ‘wanted’ posters.

ASSEMBLY

Congratulations to our Week 6, Term 2 Assembly Award receivers.

LANGHORNE CREEK CAC PAVER FUNDRAISER

Our CAC (Campus Advisory Committee) are holding a Paver Fundraiser to raise valuable funds to further develop our wonderful campus grounds. The pavers will be permanently installed alongside our campus entrance walk / driveway. This is a wonderful opportunity for past, present and future students, families and staff to be part of our school community history.

If you are interested in purchasing a paver please make contact with the campus.

MILANG CAMPUS

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

Head of Campus Report

I am delighted to share some highlights from our recent activities at the Milang Campus. We continue to offer our students a wide variety of experiences across the learning curriculum both at school and in other locations. 

We recently celebrated Book Week with great enthusiasm. Our students participated in a variety of book-related activities and it was wonderful to see the creativity and excitement from both students and staff.

Our Year 6 students have successfully completed their library returns box art project in collaboration with local artist Gaynor Hartvigsen. The project has not only enhanced the entrance to the Milang Old School House Community Centre but also provided the students with a valuable artistic experience.

In Week 6 our Upper Primary students visited the South Australian Parliament to participate in their education program with our local state member David Basham. 

Looking ahead, we are excited about our upcoming camp to Arbury Park, which promises to be an enriching experience for our students. Additionally, we are preparing for our Spring Concert and Art Show, where our students will showcase their talents in music, drama and art.

Finally I would like to acknowledge SSO Week which was an opportunity for us to give a heartfelt thank you to our School Services Officers (SSOs) who play a vital role in supporting our students to achieve their best. Their dedication and hard work are truly appreciated by everyone at the Milang Campus.

Thank you for your continued support and involvement in our school community. We look forward to sharing more exciting updates with you soon.

Regards,
Merran Jolley
Head of Campus

Playgroup

Junior Primary Learning

Due to wet and windy conditions in the city, the Junior Primary students were unable to attend a planned excursion to the Adelaide Botanic Gardens. Determined to make the best of things, we decided to have a picnic in a local park. We walked down to the park, spread picnic rugs under the rotunda and enjoyed our lunch in the beautiful surroundings of Anzac Park. After lunch, we spent the next hour happily hunting for interesting things to add to our ‘bug pots’.

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Civics in the City

We were fortunate to receive a Civics in the City grant which allowed our Upper Primary students to visit the South Australian Parliament and undertake a range of learning activities with our local member David Basham. Highlights were the voting experience and the mock debate. Civics in the City is an excellent program to support student learning about the South Australian Government and democracy.

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Upper Primary Learning

In Upper Primary maths we are looking at measurement. We like to make our maths lessons hands on to help enhance our learning, and we have recently measured areas all over the school (did you know our oval is 90m long!?) as well as measuring ourselves for a classroom display!

Bonnie

It was lovely to spend our first coffee morning chatting all things parenting! If you are available on Friday mornings fortnightly, you're invited to come along and share in the conversations. 

Book Week

Our Book Week celebration was filled with a range of exciting activities. Highlights included a vibrant dress-up parade and a fun-filled search for "Where’s Wally" at the Milang Campus. The staff entertained everyone with a reading of "Where is the Green Sheep," and students participated in activities inspired by some of our favourite books. Students tried their hand at weaving, embarked on a musical bear hunt, and recreated Edward the Emu. It was a week of creativity and enjoyment for students and staff!

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Year 6 Art Project

The Year 6 students have been collaborating with local artist Gaynor Hartvigsen on an art project to cover the Alexandrina Council library returns box, located at the front entrance of the Milang Old School House Community Centre. This project provided a wonderful opportunity for the students to learn various art techniques and make a meaningful contribution to their community. The box now features a Murray cod, pelican, Latham's snipe, and long-necked turtle—all animals found around Lake Alexandrina. The students should be proud of their finished work.

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Toastie Day

The Year 6’s prepared toasties and chocolate milks for the students as part of their fundraising for their end of year activity.

They raised $110.00.

Assembly

Well done to all our award winners so far for Term 3.

Spring Concert Save The Date

Thursday, 25^th September at 4:00pm.

Reminders from Donna

Camp

Only 2 weeks to go until camp.  Please come and see me with camp payment as soon as possible, or give me a call to pay over the phone.

Please remember if your child needs me to administer medication while on camp I need a camp medication form completed.

Book Club

Orders due back Monday, 8^th September.

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

Over the past fortnight, our campus has been buzzing with opportunities for students to connect, create, and celebrate who they are as learners and as people.

Book Week

Book Week brought stories to life across our classrooms, hallways, and our amazing assembly. From costumes and parades to shared reading sessions with parents and buddies, students engaged in the joy of storytelling and imagination. Book Week reminded us of the power of reading to transport us to other worlds, build empathy, and strengthen student’s love of literacy. 

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Camp

Our recent camp experiences highlighted our school values in action. Students challenged themselves physically and socially, developing resilience, teamwork, and leadership. Many stepped out of their comfort zones, discovering strengths they didn’t know they had. The sense of camaraderie and support was evident in the way students encouraged one another, built trust, and celebrated each other’s achievements.

Wear It Purple Day

Alongside this, we marked Wear It Purple Day, standing together in support of inclusion, respect, and belonging. The day provided an important opportunity for students and staff to affirm our school values and to create a visible reminder that every student is valued for who they are.

Whether through the imaginative play of Book Week, the resilience-building experiences of camp, or the inclusive celebration of Wear It Purple, students are being supported to grow academically, socially, and emotionally.

Together, these events highlight the vibrant, caring culture of our campus – a place where every child is known, valued, and supported to thrive.

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

Measurement in Room 31

In Room 31 this term we have been experimenting with measurement, so far we have worked on length and mass. We have been using language such as tall/short, long/small, wide/narrow, and heavy/light. While we have been learning about these forms of measurement we have been comparing objects to see which is longer/smaller or heavier/lighter, as well as using informal units to record measurements. We have been having a lot of fun doing our learning with hands on materials and time to explore through play!

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Regards,
Danni Campagnaro

Exploring Earth and Space in Room 28

This term in Room 28, we've been diving into the fascinating world of Earth and Space during our science lessons. As part of Science Week, we were lucky to have an exciting incursion with SciWorld!

The highlight was stepping inside a giant inflatable dome—like a huge bubble—that gave us an immersive journey through space. Inside, we travelled around the Earth and learned that when it's nighttime in Australia, it's daytime on the other side of the planet. We discovered this happens because the Earth rotates while orbiting the Sun, and we experience night when our part of the planet is facing away from the Sun.

We even took a virtual trip to Mars and found out something incredible—Mars is the only planet that is completely inhabited by robots!

In addition to our space journey, we also had the opportunity to watch some amazing science experiments and learn about different chemicals and metals. Before the experiments began, we took part in an important safety talk to help us understand the importance of staying safe when working with scientific materials and equipment.

One of our favourite experiments was called "the fire bubbles." We watched in awe as the scientist used a special liquid to create bubbles filled with gas, placed them in her hands, and then carefully lit them on fire. When the bubbles popped from the heat of the flame, the gas escaped and caused the fire to grow—an exciting way to see chemistry in action!

It was a fun, fascinating, and unforgettable experience that brought our learning to life!

Adventures with Room 6

On Thursday, 21^st August students from Room 6 and Room 2 embarked on an excursion to the city, marking the beginning of their Space units with a visit to the Adelaide Space Discovery Centre. We lucked out with perfect weather, the students were fully engaged and thoroughly enjoyed the day's activities.

The day began with morning tea in the Adelaide Botanic Garden. A brief walk through the gardens led us towards the zoo, where we were delighted to spot hundreds of fruit bats hanging from the trees. As we ventured further into the city, we explored the Festival Plaza and admired several historical landmarks, including the War Memorial and Government House.

A special highlight was the unexpected visit to Adelaide Oval. We were very lucky to be let in and have the opportunity to take photos at the goals and explore the Donald Bradman Museum, an experience many had not enjoyed before. 

To conclude the day, students presented Sally, one of our dedicated SSOs, with a sweet treat in appreciation of her support and the amazing work she does. The visit to the Adelaide Space Discovery Centre followed, where students engaged in hands-on activities and attended an informative presentation.

By the end of the day, all students were happily exhausted after walking over 11 thousand steps! We extend our gratitude to the wonderful parents who supported this successful excursion.

Regards,
Donna Clark

AFL Max

Room 12

What an action packed term this is! The Middle Primary classes recently had their camp at AFL Max in Adelaide. The children were very active and developed their physical skills as well as collaborative skills. They also learned about healthy lifestyles. Some favourite activities on camp were the ‘Ninja Warrior’ course and climbing wall as well as the inflatable equipment. Thanks again to all of the parents who came to help us. A special mention and thanks also to Café Ruffino. They opened especially for us on the Friday afternoon to make pizza for our lunch. This was much appreciated.

During Week 5, there were lots of great Book Week activities we participated in. We listened to readings of the short listed books, enjoyed a special visit from Donna with her funny story about a dog, and participated in two Zoom workshops with well-known illustrators and authors such as Andy Griffiths.

We are all looking forward to Sports Day and have begun practicing for the events.

Regards,
Andrea Thomas

Room 13

Room 13 recently returned from an unforgettable adventure at AFL Max Camp, where we focused on the theme of healthy minds, healthy bodies, healthy teams, and healthy foods.

For many students, this was their second time visiting AFL Max, but the new activities made it feel fresh and exciting. A standout was the Leap of Faith which involved a trust-fall from a high platform. Some students overcame their fears and took the plunge, while others listened to their body’s warning signs and chose not to. Both choices showed courage and reminded us that looking after your mind is just as important as being brave (healthy minds).

Learning about ‘grow’, ‘go’, and ‘glow’ foods helped us understand how to fuel our bodies for sport, school and so on (healthy foods). Of course, there were plenty of fun physical challenges that left us exhausted (healthy bodies)… but given the small amount of sleep, maybe the camp should add “healthy night’s rest” to the theme!

Regards,
Brittany Shelton

Sports Day T-Shirts

An Update On All Things Performing Arts

Performing Arts Group

We are only 3 short weeks away from our PAG Performance and the excitement is bubbling!

On Wednesday, 24^th September approximately 55 of our Performing Arts Group students will head over to the 7-12 Performing Arts Centre for a full day of rehearsals, onto a performance that night. Our choir, band and dance troupes are all working hard to finish and perfect their items. 

We cannot wait to see what the students create and are so thrilled to see all of their hard work pay off!

Drama with Mrs Nicholas

This term, Drama is the key focus area in Performing Arts across all year levels. In Junior Primary classes, students are developing their foundational drama skills through guided activities that encourage them to take on and sustain simple roles inspired by familiar fairy tales. These sessions support creativity, imagination, and confidence in performance. In the Middle Years, students are extending their skills through structured improvisation. They are exploring the elements of drama—voice, movement, and character—to develop believable scenes and narrative sequences, building their ability to collaborate and respond in the moment. Upper Primary students are learning how to write and perform a dramatic monologue. They are developing their drama skills by combining elements of drama and creating their own characters and situations, shaping sustained dramatic action through improvisation, devised and scripted drama.

JAM Band

On Thursday, 3^rd July we were lucky enough to participate in and experience the Jam Band performance. Primary students from; Strathalbyn, Milang, and Langhorne Creek, came together in the Eastern Fleurieu School Gymnasium for the performance. It was wonderful to see how positive and energetic each and every student was.

Jam Band is a 7-piece band using a variety of live instruments including keyboards, guitars, drums, percussion, ukulele, flute, saxophone and more. It is a fun, entertaining, interactive and educational 75-minute children’s show with an emphasis on music education and creative arts in primary schools.

Over 50 students across reception to year 6 had the opportunity to participate in the performance in various ways, through dressing up in costumes, such as: Minecraft, disco snails, possums, minions (just to name a few!), singing, dancing, or just having fun!

We had amazing feedback from the band on how beautifully our students listened and joined-in - they said that we were their biggest audience ever which made it even cooler to have everyone engaged! We also had numerous raving reviews on the performance from both staff and students.

It was something our school will not forget and a great way to end term 2!

Regards,
Caitlin Koutsikas and Helen Nicholas

STRATHALBYN 7-12 CAMPUS

11 Callington Road, Strathalbyn SA 5255    Ph: 8536 2455

Head of Campus Report

Teaching and Learning Highlights

Term 3 has been an exciting time for our students, especially with the Royal Show being the highlight of the term. Our students have been actively participating in various competitions, including steer, sheep, poultry, and goat events. The dedication and hard work of our teams in honing their skills have been truly commendable. Additionally, our Creative Arts production, "Clue – High School Edition", was a tremendous success, showcasing the incredible talent and creativity of our students. It was fantastic to see our families supporting the students by joining our audience.

Student Leadership and Initiatives

Year 9 students, Kate and Amy, have embarked on an ambitious mission this term to capture a whole Eastern Fleurieu R-12 School photo featuring staff and students from every campus! This idea was sparked when Amy and Kate discovered a whole school photo from 1925 in the school library. They have started preparations to bring everyone together in Week 9 for this mammoth task. We will be hoping to involve our community in this momentous event so look out for notices on our socials and in local publications. Another fantastic example of learner agency at EFS.

Student leaders have been making significant strides in their leadership roles. They recently participated in another Chief Executive Student Forum, where they engaged with peers from other schools. It is fantastic to see students leading the work, enacting the Department for Education Strategy for Public Education and actively contributing to discussions that impact their education and community.

Professional Learning

Last week, our staff participated in a student-free day dedicated to curriculum and pedagogical change. The day featured insightful presentations and workshops which included a focus on the impact of AI and its ethical use in education. Teachers and SSOs explored ways to enhance learning design to develop learner capabilities and dispositions, aligning with our EFS Education Strategy. A key focus is engaging with the local community and making meaningful connections to life beyond school.

Still to come…

Camps and excursions have been eventful in Term 3, with our outdoor education students braving the cold on their 3-day canoeing camps. Year 9 students will soon embrace solitude during their solo camp at the end of the term. We are also looking forward to our transition events, where we will welcome our incoming 2026 cohort and meet both existing and new EFS families. These events are a wonderful opportunity to build connections and prepare for the exciting year ahead.

As the warmer months approach, a reminder that a range of summer items are available at the uniform shop including navy/grey shorts, summer dresses and skirts. Thank you to the many students who continue to wear their school uniform with pride and represent EFS positively in our local community and beyond.

Regards
Vanessa Coker
Director of Secondary Education

Subject Selections 2026

We are excited to announce that the Subject Selection process for 2026 is beginning soon!

Students will begin discussing possible subject choices with teachers, and filling out their Preference Planners. The 2026 Curriculum Handbook is now available on the school website and will be an invaluable resource for families to help students choose appropriate subjects.

SUBJECT SELECTION APPOINTMENTS FOR THE 2026 SCHOOL YEAR

This year, Subject Selection appointments are only required for students entering Year 11 or Year 12 in 2026.

Students entering Year 9 or Year 10 will not require a Subject Selection appointment. 

For further information, please refer to our website

Year 10 Outdoor Ed Environmental Give Back Day

Our Year 10 Outdoor Ed class as part of their course, assisted Friends of Cox Scrub Conservation Park, with Environment Give Back Day.  The day consisted of having the Park Rangers speak to the group about the history of the park, the ongoing challenges the park faces and the sustainable management practices they are using to reduce these challenges. The Rangers also spoke about the requirements or pathways to becoming a Park Ranger. The students ended up planting over 350 native trees, aided by the Rangers already having dug the holes! Our day ended with a short bushwalk, learning some group management strategies in preparation for our 3-day bushwalk in Week 8.

Regards,
Tom Doody
Teacher – Outdoor Education and Middle Years Science

Active Citizenship Convention at Adelaide Oval

A group of our Year 10 Students participated in workshops, listened to guest speakers and interacted with panels to learn about how democratic governments work, and the role that individuals (including themselves) play in decision making processes in our society. They also learnt valuable leadership skills.

Also present on the day was one of our Year 12 students Sharli, who had been independently selected to be one of the Youth Facilitators at the event - a great opportunity brought about through her passionate leadership and advocacy work.

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

Year 7 Food and Lifestyles update

In our food classes, students have begun developing their kitchen skills, including safe knife handling and confidently using an oven. So far, they have created delicious cold rolls, banana and honey muffins, bruschetta, and scones with more to come.

Out in the garden, some students have started harvesting while continuing the big task of weeding and tidying up the space. Recent rainfall has been fantastic for our produce, helping everything thrive. In the coming weeks, students will be planning meals using ingredients they have grown themselves as part of a true paddock-to-plate experience.

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Regards,
Miss Nielsen and Miss Bahr
Year 7 Food and Lifestyles Teachers

Year 7 PE

This term, Year 7 students took part in a SEPEP basketball unit, working in set teams with roles like coach, captain, and umpire. While developing their basketball skills, the focus was also on teamwork, leadership, and sportsmanship.

The unit ended with a fun finals series in Week 5, followed by a cupcake celebration using treats made in cooking class. During group reflection, many students shared how much they noticed improvements in team spirit and sportsmanship across all teams.

Well done, Year 7s, an amazing effort both on and off the court!

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Regards,
Miss Nielsen and Miss Bahr
Year 7 PE teachers

Year 11/12 Boys and Girls Knockout Volleyball

The Year 11/12 boys’ and girls’ volleyball teams recently showcased their talent and determination in the knockout volleyball competition. Both teams demonstrated exceptional skills and sportsmanship throughout the tournament.

The girls’ team made an impressive run to the grand final, where they faced a strong opponent in Investigator College. Despite a valiant effort and some thrilling rallies, the girls narrowly missed out on victory, finishing as runners-up. Their performance was commendable, and they have set a high standard for future competitions.

Meanwhile, the boys’ team showed remarkable improvement with each game they played. Starting off with a few challenges, they quickly adapted and grew stronger as the tournament progressed. Their hard work and perseverance paid off, winning a few sets in the last couple of games.

Regards
Kristen Rothwell
HPE and Outdoor Education Teacher

Year 11 Outdoor Education – 3 Day Riverland Canoe Camp

Mrs Rothwell’s Year 11 Outdoor Education class recently embarked on an exciting three-day canoe camp in the picturesque Riverland. This adventure was not only a test of endurance but also a valuable lesson in teamwork and communication.

On Day 1, students paddled around 3km, getting accustomed to their double canoes and learning the basics of paddling and turning. Day 2 was more challenging, with a 13km journey that required students to work closely together, navigating through beautiful small creeks that everyone thoroughly enjoyed. The final day saw another 3km paddle, bringing the camp to a successful close.

A highlight of the camp was the opportunity for students to connect with each other without the distraction of technology. They engaged in deep and meaningful conversations, strengthening friendships and building a sense of community.

An important lesson learned was the necessity of securing personal belongings, particularly phones, to prevent them from being lost to the river. This experience was not only educational but also a memorable bonding experience for all involved.

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Regards,
Kristen Rothwell
HPE and Outdoor Education Teacher

Year 9 Zoo Excursion

The Year 9 cohort spent 2 lovely days out at the Adelaide Zoo completing fieldwork and collecting evidence for their Altering Biomes assessment. Students investigated an endangered animal and how human activities have altered its natural biome. The cohort represented EFS proudly demonstrating our values of respect, integrity, determination and teamwork throughout their work and interactions with each other and the public!

Regards,
Jason Vongkhamchanh
English, HASS and Research Project

Library News

Jigsaws

We have received many donated jigsaws this term. Thank you very much, they are greatly appreciated and are always popular.

Premier’s Reading Challenge

Well done to those students who participated this year. Reading is not only pleasurable and reduces stress but also broadens your vocabulary and empathy to others.

Regards,
Adrienne Carter
Teacher Librarian