Year 7 Food for the Future
Our Year 7 Food for the Future students have been busy developing essential knife skills, food safety, and hygiene practices in the kitchen. They’ve put their skills to the test by preparing a variety of delicious dishes, including cold rolls, banana, cinnamon and honey muffins, and bruschetta.
In addition to cooking, students have been expanding their food vocabulary by creating sensory analyses, learning to describe flavours, textures, and aromas like true food critics! It’s been fantastic to see their confidence grow as they explore new techniques and tastes.
Regards,
Kelly Bahr
Teacher
Integrated Health Pathways
Deadly Yarn during our Integrated Health classes during Week 6
During Week 6, the Integrated Health students took part in two Yarning Circles with the schools’ First Nations team and also members of the First Nations team from the Barossa Hills Fleurieu Health Network. Gordy, Montina and Courtney were particularly impressed and stated they ‘absolutely loved getting to know your students and would love to participate wherever needed! They couldn’t believe the insightful questions and ability to be agile with their questions!’
I would like to thank everyone who participated in this rich learning opportunity for our students.
Regards,
Emily Rodgers
Teacher
Caly Takes Charge of Change
Eastern Fleurieu School is celebrating an incredible achievement of Year 9 student, Caly, who has been selected for the Take Charge of Change program! Run by Children and Young People with Disability Australia (CYDA), this program empowers young people to become leaders and advocates in their communities.
Caly’s selection is a testament to her passion, dedication, and leadership potential. Through the program, Caly will have the opportunity to develop advocacy skills, connect with other young change makers, and contribute to discussions about inclusion and accessibility. This is an amazing chance for Caly to make a real difference—not just at school, but on a much larger scale!
When asked about the opportunity, Caly shared:
“I’m feeling a bit nervous, but excited and proud of myself. The first zoom meeting is on the 18th of February”
Congratulations, Caly.
Regards,
Gaby Taylor
Student Wellbeing and Inclusion Leader
Winemaking - Agriculture
Our Year 10 and 11 Ag students have had an incredible hands-on experience learning the art of winemaking from our very own Mr Langhans! Despite the Corellas wiping out our crop yet again, our amazing community came to the rescue. A huge thank you to Bleasdale Wines and CMV Farms for their generous grape donations, making this fantastic learning opportunity possible. And of course, a special shout out to Marty, and our passionate winemaker, Mr Langhans, for sharing his expertise!
Regards,
Lisa Halling
Agriculture/Science Teacher
Year 12 Food and Hospitality
The Year 12 Food and Hospitality students have successfully completed their first individual summative practical, where they showcased their ability to cater to a specific dietary requirement or preference through a pasta entrée or main dish. Their effort and culinary skills were truly impressive, and we look forward to seeing their continued growth and development in the kitchen throughout the program.
Regards
Tess Maple and Laura Brooksby
Year 12 Food and Hospitality Teachers
Year 12 Retreat: A Final Adventure at Mylor Camp
The Year 12 Retreat at Mylor Camp was a memorable experience filled with teamwork, challenges, and laughter, as students came together for their final school camp. This retreat provided an opportunity for students to strengthen connections with their peers and teachers while embracing adventure and friendly competition.
From thrilling raft building to army crawling through muddy terrain, the camp was packed with exhilarating activities. Students took on the slip-and-slide into the pond with enthusiasm, showing resilience and determination as they tackled the low ropes course and archery tag battles. The teamwork and friendship were on full display as students worked together to climb over timber walls, encouraging and supporting each other to complete the course ahead of them.
One of the most unforgettable moments of the retreat was the intense water fight battle between teachers and students. Armed with water items, hoses and wheelie bin, both sides planned their attacks, but in the end, the students outsmarted the teachers, gaining control of all the water items. Laughter and cheers filled the air as the victorious students celebrated their well-earned success over their teachers.
Beyond the physical challenges, the retreat fostered deeper connections and lifelong memories. Laughter echoed through the camp as students shared in the joy of the experience, strengthening friendships and celebrating the journey they have undertaken together.
The Year 12 Retreat was more than just a camp, it was a chance for students to reflect on their final year of school, cherish the bonds they have built, and create unforgettable moments. As they head into the last stretch of their school journey, the teamwork and determination displayed at Mylor Camp will surely serve as a lasting reminder of their strength and unity as cohort.
Regards
Jen Turpin
Senior Leader
A Message from the Great Southern Swimming Club – Training Sessions in Strathalbyn
The Great Southern Swimming Club is running 1-2 training sessions per week in Strathalbyn until April, weather permitting.
🕔 Thursdays at 5:15 pm (when the temperature is over 26°C)
🌅 Sundays at 7:15 am
We welcome new swimmers to join us for a three-week free "Come & Try" trial!
For more information, please contact Louise Hampel (President) at 0407 111 642 or via email: greatsouthernsc@hotmail.com
We’d love to see you at the pool!
Head of Campus Report
As we progress through Term 1, I am delighted to share some highlights and upcoming events at the 7-12 Campus.
Sports Day
Our recent Sports Day was a huge success, filled with enthusiasm and team spirit. There were some significant athletic achievements, a range of novelty events and, of course, the energetic house parade. The day was a wonderful showcase of house pride with some fantastic outfits, and camaraderie amongst students and staff. Congratulations (again) to Sturt House who emerged the winners!
Rite Journey - The Departure
We were honoured to have many families attend the Rite Journey Departure ceremony. Our Year 9 students demonstrated a profound understanding of the impact of expressing gratitude. It was a moving event that highlighted the importance of reflection and appreciation in their personal growth journey.
Student Free Day
Last week, we had a student-free day facilitated by Dr Tom Brunzell from Berry Street. The focus was on building stamina and engagement in learners, which is particularly challenging for adolescents. The professional development was invaluable for our staff, equipping them with strategies to support our students' learning and wellbeing.
NAPLAN
This week marks the beginning of NAPLAN testing for our Year 7 and Year 9 students. We wish them all the best and encourage them to approach the tests with confidence and calm. Your support in preparing them for this important assessment is greatly appreciated.
Energy Drinks
I would like to take this opportunity to draw your attention to some information we shared this week to address an important health concern regarding energy drinks. These beverages can pose significant risks to adolescents, including increased heart rate, high blood pressure, and anxiety. Due to these potential dangers, energy drinks are not permitted at school. We encourage students to choose healthier alternatives that support their well-being and concentration. Your cooperation in reinforcing this message at home is greatly appreciated, as it helps us maintain a safe and healthy environment for all students.
Finally, I would like to extend my gratitude to all families for their continued efforts in ensuring students maintain high standards of uniform compliance. This not only enhances a sense of pride in our learners but also fosters a positive school environment.
Thank you for your continued support and involvement in our school community. We look forward to sharing more successes and updates with you in the coming weeks.
Regards
Vanessa Coker
Director of Secondary Education
Community News
Great Southern Swimming Club
We are holding 1-2 training sessions a week in Strathalbyn (weather dependant) until April this year.
Thursdays 5:15pm (when hotter than 26 degrees) and 7:15am Sunday mornings.
Come and try - 3 weeks free!
Contact Louise 0407111642 or email greatsouthernsc@hotmail.com
Playgroup
Garage Sale
2024 DUX Awards
We recently held an assembly to award our two students their 2024 DUX Awards, congratulations to Andrew and Callum on your outstanding results.
Student Free Day – Staff Training Day
R-12 staff were highly engaged in our recent training day, we hope students and families had an enjoyable long weekend.
Berry Street Training Day Video
Eastern Fleurieu School R-12 Important dates
Wed 12/3 – Mon 24/3 | NAPLAN Years 3/5/7/9 | Mon 14/4 – Fri 25/4 | School Holidays |
Fri 21/3 | Harmony Day | Fri 18/4 | Good Friday |
Mon 31/3 | AGM of the Governing Council | Mon 21/4 | Easter Monday |
Sun 6/4 | Daylight Savings Ends | Fri 25/4 | ANZAC Day |
Fri 11/4 | Last Day Term 1 | Mon 28/4 | Term 2 begins |
Term Dates 2025
Term Dates | Term 1 | Term 2 | Term 3 | Term 4 |
2025 | 28 Jan – 11 Apr | 28 Apr – 4 Jul | 21 Jul – 26 Sep | 13 Oct – 12 Dec |
Principal’s Report
The Importance of School Attendance
Ensuring your child attends school every day is crucial for their academic success and overall wellbeing. School attendance is a key factor in student achievement and plays a vital role in shaping your child’s future. Aiming for 100% attendance, while challenging, sets a high standard that encourages consistency and discipline. This commitment fosters an environment where learning is prioritised, allowing students to engage fully with the curriculum and develop essential life skills such as responsibility and resilience.
Daily attendance offers numerous benefits beyond academics. It helps students build strong relationships with peers and teachers, enhancing their social skills and emotional intelligence. Regular attendance also prepares students for future workforce expectations, signalling to employers that they are dependable and committed.
Conversely, missing school can disrupt a child’s educational journey. Absences lead to missed learning opportunities, making it difficult for students to keep pace with their peers. This can affect their confidence and motivation, potentially impacting their academic aspirations and social development. Frequent absences can also disrupt classroom dynamics, affecting both the student and their classmates.
To achieve perfect attendance, parents and children should work together to establish a reliable daily routine. Preparing for school the night before, maintaining healthy habits, and scheduling appointments outside school hours can minimise absences. Open communication with your child is essential to address any reluctance or issues affecting their attendance.
Understanding and addressing attendance barriers is crucial. These can range from health issues to logistical challenges. Engaging with school resources, such as counsellors and support staff, can help overcome these obstacles. Parents play a pivotal role in fostering an environment that values education, reinforcing the importance of regular attendance through encouragement and involvement in their child’s academic life.
By prioritising school attendance, parents can support their child’s educational journey, ensuring they are well-prepared for future success.
Contact the relevant staff member at your campus today if you need support in getting your child/young person to school.
Take care and warm regards,
Ian Kent
Principal
Eastern Fleurieu R-12 School
Art Update
Still Life Drawing in the Art Room!
Upper primary students have been studying the art elements of shape, tone, line and texture, building their skills in preparation for larger scale paintings at the end of term—stay tuned to see our amazing work develop!
Regards,
Meg Russo
Settling into School with Room 31
In Room 31 we have now finished our first 6 weeks of school! There is so much to learn when we first start school, so we have been slowly working towards becoming confident and independent workers. We have started our InitiaLit Literacy program which will eventually teach us how to read and write. This week we learned our first letter ‘m’ and got introduced to the first character Maggie Mouse. We have been doing lots of craft activities to help us with our fine motor skills, cutting, colouring, and persistence. Here are some of our favourite parts about starting school so far:
Getting lunch orders. - Audrey
Making the mouse. - Banjo
Going on the swing. - Holly
I definitely love school and I definitely love the best school in the whole world. - Ledger
I like the tunnels. - Max
The dump trucks. - Dann
Playing at Tungaree. - Arlo
Regards,
Danni Campagnaro
Harmony Day
PACA with Room 20
In Room 20, we have a Play and Creative Activity session each day. This is also known by the children as PACA.
In this time the children can explore their ideas through learning in a play-based environment. They often can lead the learning by how they interact with their peers, alter and adapt the learning to suit their individual or group needs. As an educator, I provide the children with ‘provocations in play’. This means strategically listening to their ideas and providing this equipment to enhance their play experiences. On other occasions I set up play stations that have a specific purpose such as developing fine or gross motor skills, social and emotional or cognitive skill development.
The children absolutely love their PACA time and look forward to it each day! There are often some favourite activities that are requested frequently.
Regards,
Ally Mead
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