School News
School Values Awards
Each week we present School Value Awards for students who have upheld or demonstrated one of our Pilgrim values: Belong, Explore, Flourish, Serve. The students are presented with their award at our weekly Worships.
Term 4, Week 5
Belong: Tama-Rua
Explore: Stefan
Flourish: Bede
Serve: Piper
Term 4, Week 6
Belong: Aston
Explore: Maddie
Flourish: Mabel
Flourish: Max
Staff News
Mrs Vanessa Olesen
My name is Vanessa Olesen and I am really excited to commence my journey with Pilgrim next year. I have been a teacher for 12 years and I am grateful to God each day for giving me the opportunity and passion to contribute to the education and wellbeing of children. I am married and have three boys of our own, aged 2, 6 and 8.
My faith is the foundation of everything I do and each day I am amazed by the peace and comfort we can find through our relationship with Christ. When I am not in the classroom I enjoy baking, outdoor activities and camping. We moved from South Africa to Australia in 2019 and lived in Central Queensland until January this year when we moved to Adelaide.
I look forward to meeting my new colleagues, students and parents!
Mrs Ali Daou
My name is Ali and I am a passionate early-years teacher. I love working with children and creating learning experiences that capture children's imagination, inspire curiosity and creativity, and foster habits for success in a child's learning journey.
I also LOVE to explore and play alongside the children and am a passionate advocate for nature education/outdoor learning.
I enjoy spending the weekend with my husband eating good food, gardening or reading a book!
I am excited and look forward to being a part of the Pilgrim community.
Mr Andrew Harris will be teaching Science as a specialist subject to our Year 1-6 students next year and Mrs Libby Spencer will be teaching the same classes in Digital Technologies and Media Arts. They will each do this one day a week and teach in Year 3/4 for the other 4 days.
Staff Farewells
At our Week 8 assembly, we will be saying farewell to some of our staff.
Max Dal Santo will be returning to Emmaus Christian College after his year at Pilgrim School. We are thankful for the fresh ideas, his heart for God, his skills in a number of areas, including Design and Technology with the Year 6 students, and the care he has shown to our Year 5 class this year.
Ethan Wildman plans to do more work with his photography and videography business next year. We wish him all the best in this venture and are very grateful for the work he has done setting up the specialist subject of Digital Technology and Media Arts at Pilgrim School over the last 3 years. We will be excited to still see Ethan at Pilgrim for some special projects and relief teaching days.
Jenni Forder will be focussing on her pastoral role at Coromandel Primary School in 2024 and it is with great sadness we will farewell Jenni from her role as Pastoral Care Worker at Pilgrim School. Jenni has been involved in a variety of ways over the last 16 years - from being on our School Board, to heading up Parents and Friends, to being a supportive parent and working as a staff member. Thank you so much Jenni for all the love and care you have shown to Pilgrim students, families and staff.
Casual Day Friday 8th December
On Friday 8th December (Week 8) we are holding a casual day. We invite students to dress in Christmas colours or they may wear their sports uniform together with some Christmas “bling” or decorations. Funds raised will go towards Pilgrim SRC projects.
A donation is requested from each student. Please use Qkr! for donations or cash on the day. The donation option is already open in Qkr! and will remain open until the end of the term.
Normal standards for hair and jewellery apply and footwear needs to be appropriate for normal class activities, including fitness (not slippers, thongs or slip ons).
Thank you for your support,
Pilgrim Student Representative Council (SRC)
2024 Classes and Step-Up Day
Families will receive an email informing of their class for 2024 after school on Friday 8th December. This will enable you to let your child know before their step-up session on Monday 11th December when students will spend time in their 2024 class with their teachers for next year.
School Shoes
Often families buy new school shoes over the holiday period. This is a good time to remind families about the requirements for school shoes that meet the current Uniform policy. Please only purchase shoes that meet our policy. If you are unsure, you are welcome to contact us.
Black School Shoes
For boys and girls with all formal uniforms:
- black lace-up shoes
- Foundation to Year 2 students can wear black school shoes with velcro or Mary Janes
- elastic-sided boots, black sneakers, buckles, coloured stitiching and heels higher than 3cm are not permitted
Here are some samples that meet school policy:
Here are some samples that do not meet school policy:
Sandals
- may be worn with summer formal uniforms
- plain brown school sandals
- no socks
Here are some examples that do and don't meet school policy:
Sandshoes
- to be worn only with sports uniform on designated days (twice per week)
- predominantly white (no bright colours)
- white laces (or velcro if Foundation to Year 2)
Here are some examples that meet school policy:
Dogs on Campus
Please remember the grounds of the Campus have signs on all the major entrances to remind people not to bring dogs onto the site. Please remember to keep all dogs off our site and away from children. The obvious exception to this rule is working dogs like Lola who are onsite to support wellbeing.
Extended Student Absence Reminder
When a student is away for five or more consecutive school days, families are required to complete a Student Application for Exemption Form (one per student). This is a Government requirement. Parents and caregivers can find a copy of this form on our website or a form can be supplied by the Front Office.
Christmas Celebration
All families are invited to our Christmas Celebration at Seeds Church on Tuesday 28th November.
5.30pm Dinner - for those who have ordered pizza or bring dinner for your family.
6.15pm Christmas Celebration featuring our Foundation and Year 1 students presenting the Nativity, our Pilgrim Choir and various Christmas items.
Students are asked to please wear red, white or green t-shirts (unless wearing a costume for the Nativity) and to sit with their class on the evening.
We would love to see you there!
Lola, our Wellbeing Dog
2025 Foundation Enrolments
We are commencing interviews for Foundation 2025. If you have a child due to start school in 2025, please click on the Application for Enrolment button and complete the enrolment process. If your child will be 5 years old by 1st May 2025, they can commence in Foundation at the beginning of that year. If your child turns 5 years old between 1st May and 31st October you may wish to consider midyear entry. This has always been an option and now that preschools are able to enrol children from midyear to midyear, it may be an excellent opportunity for your child. Please contact Kristen Heath on 8270 3033 or at heathk@pilgrim.sa.edu.au if you would like to discuss your family's situation.