Career Immersion at Lot 14: Discovering Pathways in Technology

A cohort of Year 9 students recently took part in an engaging career immersion experience at Lot 14, with a focus on IT and technology-related pathways.

The day featured interactive workshops on cyber safety, including discussions about hacking and the important role of cyber security. Students gained first-hand insight into the measures used to keep information safe online and the challenges professionals face in this field.

A tour of the Australian Space Discovery Centre provided a closer look at Australia’s growing space industry and highlighted the latest technological innovations being trialled locally. Students developed a broader perspective on the diverse career opportunities available in this expanding sector.

Additionally, students participated in thoughtful discussions about the advantages and disadvantages of artificial intelligence and its impact on society. One memorable highlight was watching a robot dance to Michael Jackson, which sparked further dialogue about the capabilities and potential of AI.

Throughout the day, our students represented Aberfoyle Park High School with outstanding behaviour and enthusiasm. Opportunities such as the Lot 14 career immersion inspire our students and offer valuable insights into the dynamic world of technology. Well done to everyone involved.

Article by Emma Sewer | Innovation in Year 9 Leader

Congratulations to our Amazing Spellers.

Congratulations to the 17 Year 7 and 8 students who took part in this year's Prime Minister's Spelling Bee. It was a fantastic effort that saw 15 students' progress through to the State Finals.

The Prime Minister's Spelling Bee is a national online spelling competition open to students in Years 3 to 8. Students are given 30 randomly selected words suited to their year level and have 25 seconds to type each answer. Top performers progress from the School Round through to State and Territory Finals, and ultimately the National Final, with national winners earning a trip to Canberra to meet the Prime Minister.

A very special mention goes to Year 7 student, Aidan Leibbrandt, who was named South Australia's top performer in the Red level, Years 7-8, category, correctly spelling 29 out of 30 words in 1 minute and 13.77 seconds. This marks the second year in a row Aidan has topped the state in the School Round; he was also a national finalist last year and is hoping to go one better this time.

Aidan said he was thrilled with the result, especially after slipping up on the word "dearth", a word he had never come across before.

We are incredibly proud of all our participants for their enthusiasm and hard work. The State and Territory Finals will run from Monday 31 August to Friday 4 September. With results available on Friday 18 September. We wish all of our finalists luck as the competition continues.

Article by Sharmaine Mills | Coordinator: Innovation in English | EALD 7 to12

Student Voice: Tree Planting Day

The following article was written by one of our Year 8 IGNITE students, Shabdita P, sharing their experience of our recent Tree Planting Day on 14 August.

We are pleased to showcase student voice and celebrate the way our IGNITE students are engaging with and reflecting on important events within our school community.

Environmental Group Planting Day

Dirt flew, shovels sank, and 45 tiny trees took their first breath of school life. On the 14 of August, we traded our notebooks for gardening gloves as we dug, planted and got thoroughly involved in our school's Planting Day.

With the help of Green Adelaide, we were able to transform patches of soil into the beginnings of a native Australian habitat in our very school - creating unforgettable memories, having loads of fun, and finding a suspiciously large amount of dirt on ourselves along the way!

Our school planting day was introduced through Green Adelaide, who supplied us with 45 native Australian trees and bushes to plant. We were so privileged to get the chance to meet them and listen to them share their vast knowledge about protecting Adelaide’s environment and creating greener, healthier and more sustainable spaces. Did you know, for instance, that Adelaide has over 3000 unique native trees and shrubbery? With their guidance, we were able to give each and every plant a new home and care group on our school grounds.

In order to protect each class tree, every class was asked to design a unique tree guard and they did not disappoint! Vibrant sketches, colourful drawings, bold patterns and creative designs filled the air. The students unleashed their creativity, with designs that ranged from the Lorax to Tung Tung Tung Sahore. The tree guards gave everyone the chance to add their own personality to the planting day, while also protecting their plants from harm and increasing their chances of survival.

Although planting 45 trees might seem like a small thing, it sits within something far bigger - and far more fragile. Biodiversity is what keeps our ecosystems alive, balanced and functioning, yet across Australia it is being steadily worn away by climate change and the disappearance of native species.

Planting native trees is one way we can push back against that loss. It gives local wildlife places to return to, and helps stitch broken ecosystems back together, one small patch at a time. Our new trees may look tiny now, but they represent something much bigger: hope that Adelaide’s natural environment does not fade into a memory. With sunlight, water and time, they have the potential to grow into something that shelters life, cools us on warm summer days, and reminds us of what we stand to lose if we stop caring.

Planting day was also a reminder that action doesn't have to begin with something big. If you’re interested in learning more about climate change, biodiversity, and what we can do to help Earth, come join our school’s Environmental Group, on Wednesdays during lunch in the SC building.

There are also many opportunities to get involved outside of school. One such option is the Youth Environmental Council, where young people can have their voices heard and work together to contribute to environmental improvement. Applications open in January, and we highly recommend you to apply. The world always needs new leaders to stand up for what is right and shape our world into a more sustainable world for all.

Of course, none of the Planting Day would have been possible without the people who put in the extra work behind the scenes. Thank you so much to Dave Sunners, Green Adelaide, Ms Kuschel, Yuki and Ms Defazio for all your priceless hard work. And a huge thank you to everyone who got involved, got messy, and most importantly, managed to avoid stepping on the plants.

Planting Day was a chance to learn, work together, and leave something behind that will outlive us all, and we are so grateful to have gotten such an opportunity. I feel proud to say we’ve all truly grown from the experience - and are excited to keep trying to leave a lasting impression on our school.

Article by Shabdita Pare | Year 8 IGNITE student and The Environmental Group

Year 7 HASS: Exploring Archaeology

This term, our Year 7 HASS students have been exploring the fascinating world of archaeology, learning how ancient objects and sites help us understand the past.

Students have explored early human migration, created ceramic timelines and participated in a mock archaeological dig, where they excavated and documented artefacts before researching and reporting on their possible origins and significance.

The students’ fantastic work is now on display in the Front Office Atrium. Be sure to take a look at their impressive archaeological discoveries

Article by Aimee Sweet (Cullen) | Visual Art and Photography Teacher

Building Connections in Our Community

Over the past six weeks, a group of Year 7 and 8 students have been connecting with the Aberfoyle Hub Community Centre, participating in activities including pottery, cake making and line dancing.

These experiences have provided students with opportunities to step outside the classroom, try new activities and build connections within their local community.

Through these activities, students have developed important social, communication and problem-solving skills, while learning to work collaboratively and build positive relationships.

A wonderful example of learning beyond the classroom and helping students develop confidence, connection and a sense of belonging.

Year 7 Handball Committee Develops Shared Rules

A cohort of Year 7 students recently came together as the Year 7 Handball Committee to develop a shared set of handball rules for Aberfoyle Park High School.

The committee began by brainstorming the existing rules students were already using during games. From there, the group discussed the options and selected the final rules through a voting process. They then turned their attention to expected and unacceptable behaviours, again working together to identify the most important points and deciding on these by vote.

The final stage of the process involved discussing ways to resolve conflict during handball games. Students shared ideas, considered different approaches and voted on the method they felt would work best.

The group worked extremely well together to build a shared understanding of handball at the school. Their collaboration, thoughtful discussion and willingness to listen to one another resulted in an agreed set of rules that will help make handball fair, enjoyable and inclusive for everyone.

The finished poster is a fantastic outcome of their work and will also be turned into a sign for display outside.

Australian History Competition Success

Congratulations to our year 7 students Ben M, who achieved a High Distinction, and Will H, who received a Distinction in the 2026 Australian History Competition.

This is an outstanding achievement, and we congratulate Ben and Will on their excellent results.

Well done also to all other students who took part in the competition and received a Participation Certificate. We are proud of all students who challenged themselves and represented the school so well.

Article by Chris Jones | Coordinator: Innovation in HASS

Middle School Students Show Care and Compassion Through Foodbank Donation Drive

Over the past few weeks, students in Middle School (Years 7, 8 and 9) have demonstrated our school value of Care and Compassion by collecting donations of food and essential items to support families in need.

In partnership with Foodbank, a not-for-profit organisation, students donated more than 500 items. These included pantry staples such as pasta, rice, cereal, canned meat and vegetables, pasta sauces, spreads and long-life milk.

Students also contributed some extra treats, including sweet biscuits, soft drink and cake mix, as well as personal care items such as deodorant, toothpaste, body wash and hairbrushes.

This initiative highlights the generosity of our school community and the willingness of our students to support others facing hardship. In 2025, almost 3.5 million

Australian households experienced food insecurity. In response to this growing need, Foodbank sourced 6.5 million kilograms of food and groceries, equivalent to 11 million meals, to support more than 150,000 South Australians each month.

We sincerely thank all students and families who donated goods. Your kindness and generosity are greatly appreciated, and your contributions will help support people experiencing food insecurity.

Career Pathways