The Coracle - Term 3, Week 5

At the end of Term 2, students, families and staff kindly donated food items to support those in need as part of our winter can drive. Junior School students collected 21 crates of food, which were delivered to a local charity by our Building and Grounds Team. Visit our Instagram page to see the video.

During Week 3, our Year 10 students had a Reflection Day, based on the theme of Ecological Conversion. This involved appreciating the gifts of nature we have in our world, by walking around the beautiful lake we have behind the College. The students also explored how we are destroying the planet, and why it is important to know about the environmental issues that face us.  This day lead into the next topic covered in the SACE Religious Education course.

In Week 5, the Year 6 students came together for a Reflection Day on the theme of Peace, Friendship and Respect to All.  The day was filled with fun activities, and discussions about working with people that you don’t mix with.

Miss Eugenia Stopyra | Director of Spirituality 6-12

This term, our students have been engaged in a wide variety of learning opportunities in the Junior School, including;

• R-2 SEDA AFL Clinics
• Reception 100 Days of Learning
• Year 5 Barossa Goldfields Excursion
• Year 2 Toy Museum Incursion
• R-5 Performing Arts Incursion with Jam Band
• Year 3 Retreat
• Catholic Schools Cross Country
• Junior School Book Week Parade
• Junior School Academic Assembly
• R-12 National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children's Day
• R-12 St Columba Arts Competition

We thank Junior School staff for coordinating and managing these events, providing rich and diverse connected learning.

Child Safety

Child Safety is an important part of our work. Teachers cover many safety aspects within the curriculum, and parents are the first teachers when it comes to educating children about safety and taking care of them.

I wish to bring to your attention numerous reports from concerned community members about children not being adequately supervised before and after school, and also not being adequately restrained in vehicles when leaving the Junior School.

Our school gates open at 8:15am and close at 3:30pm. Junior school students cannot be left unsupervised by an adult (or Middle School / Senior School student) before or after this time. Staff are not present outside of these hours. Please book your child into OSHC if you need supervision outside of these times.

Children are our most vulnerable road users. Children as passengers in a vehicle should be seated in the most appropriate child car restraint for their age and size.

When travelling in a motor vehicle in South Australia, all children under 16 years of age must be restrained in a suitable approved restraint that is properly adjusted and fastened.

• All child car restraints must meet the Australian Standards AS/NZS 1754.
• The law is specific about what type of restraint is to be used at different ages and where children must be seated in a vehicle. The aim of these laws is to reduce the risk of injury caused by restraints that are unsuitable for a child's size.
• The driver is responsible for ensuring all passengers are correctly restrained. Penalties include expiation fees and demerit points.

Please click on the following links for further details on appropriate car restraints.

https://www.mylicence.sa.gov.au/roadrules/seatbelts-and-child-restraints

https://www.kidsafesa.com.au/child-car-restraints/

The safety of our children is vital. Let's continue to ensure it’s a priority for all.

Mrs Julie Hancock | Head of Junior School

We have reached the midway mark of Term 3! It is my pleasure to share with you some highlights from the first half of this term.

Academic Assemblies

On Thursday, 17 August (Week 6), we gathered in the Gymnasium to celebrate the outstanding academic achievements of our students for Semester 1. It was great to see so many Middle School students receiving awards after all their hard work. Congratulations!

Book Week Celebrations

On Wednesday, 23 August, we celebrated Book Week at the Middle/Senior School Assembly. It was fabulous to see so many students participate in the day and highlight their interest and passion for reading and literary characters.  The students demonstrated such creatively with their costumes, and a lot of effort was put into making them.  A special thanks to our teacher librarian, Mrs Salena Grindlay, for promoting and organising the Book Week activities.

Learning Progress Meetings

Learning Progress Meetings for parents and students in Years 6 to 9 will be held on Tuesday, 29 August.  These meetings are a friendly conversation between the student, their parent/caregiver and their teacher. The student has an opportunity to share their growth as a learner with their parents, with the support of their teacher. To book your appointment, please go to the website: https://sobs.com.au/pt3/interviews.php

Catholic Schools Open Week

During Week 5, we were part of Catholic Schools Open Week. During this week, Catholic Schools across South Australia opened their doors to families to showcase how Catholic Education can create an excellent foundation for their child's life. On the evening of Wednesday, 23 August, we held a College Tour and it was great see so many new families! 

I hope the remainder of Term 3 goes well for you.

Mr Shane Dowling I Head of Middle School

It has been a whirlwind of activity in the Senior School at the start of Term 3.

The recent 'Futures and Careers Expo' on Wednesday, 2 August proved to be a resounding success, with over 40 exhibitors showcasing the myriad of post-school options available to students.

As we march towards the end of the academic year, the Year 10 and 11 Subject Selection phase presented an exciting opportunity to collaborate with students as they carve out their educational journey for 2024. Engaging with these students and assisting them in aligning their interests and aspirations with suitable subjects is a gratifying experience that paves the way for their future success. I know our Kinship teachers enjoyed them.

The Year 12 Futures Meetings mark a crucial juncture for final-year students as they navigate the daunting task of making life-altering decisions about their post-school destinations. These meetings provide a supportive environment for students to explore higher education, vocational options, and other pathways, empowering them to make informed choices that resonate with their individual passions. It has been a delight to be involved in these this year and hear about the array of career pathways our students are taking.

In the realm of academic excellence, the recent Academic Assembly on Thursday, 17 August stood as a testament to our students' diligence and dedication. A total of 174 awards were conferred upon outstanding achievers in the Senior School, celebrating not only their exceptional academic prowess but also their unwavering commitment to continuous improvement and remarkable effort.

Finally, the Year 10 Retreat emerged as a commendable initiative, offering students a valuable pause to unwind and connect. In a world often bustling with activities, the retreat provided a space for introspection and camaraderie, fostering a holistic sense of well-being.

No doubt the Senior School will be just as busy in the second half of the term. I look forward to working with you all around ensuring success for all students.

Mrs Deirdre Walters | Head of Senior School