The Coracle - Term 3, Week 5

JUNIOR SCHOOL

During this term, Liturgies in Reception to Year 2 have extended to the Chapel for some classes. It is a different space for students to visit and helps to enhance their sense of something greater than themselves. The students enjoyed being in the space and many of them said it made them feel peaceful and calm.

In Weeks 2 and 3 we had our first Retreat for the Year 4 students. They engaged in prayer and activities to encourage them to think about their environment and the world around them. Part of the Retreat involved a walk around the lake, taking photographs of things they saw that they were really drawn to. These photographs were then used to create artwork. The students did an amazing job and enjoyed the chance to reflect and take time away from their normal routine.

During the next couple of weeks, Year 3 students will undertake their Retreat, focussing on the theme, “I notice, I wonder” again. We trust they will enjoy the opportunity to explore their spirituality in a different setting from their classroom.

Mrs Jane Bailey | Director of Spirituality R-5

MIDDLE SENIOR SCHOOL

Year 8 Reflection Day

As part of the ‘Connect Inspire Celebrate’ program that we have developed at the College, the Year 8s spent the day together exploring the theme of ‘Relate and Belong’. The students visited Riverside Salvation Army Church at Gawler and spent the day getting to know each other. They discussed what makes healthy relationships, had fun engaging in team building exercises and spending time in reflective prayer. Even with the intermittent rain, the students enjoyed the day.

Year 10 Surveys & Interviews

For the first assignment of the new Stage 2 Year 10 Religious Education Course the students are finding out what scripture and church documents say about relating to one another and what the everyday person thinks about love and relationships.  Students have been analysing data from surveys and conducting interviews that have given them many insights into what being in relationship with others means. 

Celebration of Confirmation

On Wednesday 7 September, ten of our Junior School students will be completing their initiation into the Catholic Church with the sacrament of Confirmation. They will then celebrate their First Holy Communion at St Thomas More Church during the following weekend. We wish them a special blessing and congratulations on the wonderful celebrations ahead.

Miss Eugenia Stopyra | Director of Spirituality 6-12

Term 3 has had an exciting start with a number of excursion and opportunities for students including:

• 100 Days of Learning for Reception students
• Year 3 Cubby Building Excursion - Belair National Park
• Junior School Academic Assembly
• Tri-Skills (Year 2)
• SEDA College Netball Clinics
• Toy Incursion (Year 2)
• Year 4 Retreat
• Year 4 Zoo Excursion
• Year 5 Barossa Goldfields Excursion
• Book Week Scholastic Book Fair 
• Book Week Parade (Week 5)
• SACPSSA - Basketball (Year 5/6)

Another highlight of the term has been the introduction of Ziggy our Wellbeing Dog. Ziggy is currently at the College on Tuesday and Thursday until lunchtime. He has been making lovely connections with students and helping with reading, listening to children’s writing, movement breaks, relaxation time after recess and assisting students to feel calm and relaxed in their school environment. We look forward to Ziggy increasing his time and developing the Dogs Connect Program further.

The Junior School Sports Day is coming up soon on Thursday 8 September. The day will commence at 8:50am on the oval and conclude by lunchtime where students will return to their own class for the afternoon. There will be a BBQ sausage sizzle available via the QKR online ordering system. Please note - the canteen will be closed.

Parents and Caregivers are welcome and may purchase food, snacks and drinks from the BBQ throughout the day. A coffee van will also be present.

Reception students will be served lunch early at 12:30pm, Years 3-5 at 1:00pm and Years 1-2 at 1:20pm (as per their usual lunchtime). A Cross Country event will be held after lunch at 1:40pm on the Junior School oval. The Sports Day winners will be announced at the Finale which will be held at 2:30pm in the Gym (for R-12 students only). 

Following Sports Day, the College will be closed on Friday 9 September for our Staff Reflection Day.

Mrs Julie Hancock | Head of Junior School

There has been a lot happening this term with some fantastic learning experiences for our Middle School students. A major focus in the Middle School curriculum is based on our School Wide Pedagogical Framework which emphasises and promotes the following elements: collaboration, hands-on, differentiation, engagement and a positive mindset. Below are some examples that highlight our focus for students learning.

Year 6

In Week 4, the Year 6 students embarked on their excursion to the Adelaide Zoo. Sincere thanks to Year 6 Team Leader, Miss Royals, for organising the interactive experience. Throughout the term, the students have learnt concepts relating to the government and laws around animal welfare. They also had some guest speakers come and share information about the animal industry. The topics have spanned across several learning areas including English, Humanities and Religious Education. 

Year 7

Year 7s are working on their interdisciplinary STEM unit. After such success last year, the Year 7 teaching team, led by Mr Adriaan Vollebgret, have continued the Crows STEM Footy program which offers a collaborative experience and promotes engagement in a fun and practical way.

Year 8

Our Year 8s have commenced an exciting innovation unit combining their knowledge and skills across Science and Humanities, where they look at building designs and how they withstand earthquakes. Students were privileged to hear from Mr Nick Grbin, an Architect from Swanbury Penglase; the company that is working with the College on the new build. He shared some insights on design principles and planning.

Year 9

The Year 9s are currently working through the MITIOG (Made in the Image of God) unit for The Rite Journey. The program continues to provide students will an excellent opportunity to discuss key topics and issues that young adults face, as well as work towards completing their challenges throughout the year.

Mr Shane Dowling | Head of Middle School

One could be forgiven for thinking there hasn’t been time for any classroom learning given how busy the Senior School has been! It was a delight to be involved in the Year 12s Community Learning assessment, where each student was required to present a 10-minute reflection on the work they had done with their Reception buddy throughout the year. It was the highlight of the term to hear our students talk about their learning, along with the purpose they felt every week in designing activities to support their receptions literacy.  

Subject selection fever has hit the Senior School! Students in Years 10 and 11 had a great opportunity to attend the Futures and Career Expo on Wednesday 3 August to talk to a variety of universities and trade organisations to aid in their subject choices for 2023. The College continually looks to expand its subject offerings. For example, the inaugural Accredited Barista Workshops were held in Week 4. Such accreditation not only contributes toward their SACE, but prepares students for part-time employment opportunities.  

As major assessment due dates approach in the Senior School, a reminder to all that our after-school Study Support Program takes place on Monday to Thursday from 3:30 - 5:00pm. Meeting in the Year 7 learning area, academic tutors are happy to support students with their learning across all subjects.

Mrs Deirdre Walters | Head of Senior School