FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Term 4 signals the start of the move to the completion of the 2021 academic school year. Students have less than a term of learning remaining and need to maintain their focus. This includes ensuring all assessment tasks are completed by the due dates, attend to the feedback they receive from teachers and maintain a commitment to be at school, in class and on time.

Prior to the term 3 school holidays parents/caregivers had the opportunity to meet with staff at the Parent Teacher Interviews. Thank you to all those parents/caregivers who took up this opportunity. Teachers will continue to communicate where students are not meeting expectations consistent with demonstrating their learning and/or our school values.

Shortly we will be officially farewelling the 2021 Class of Year 12 students at a whole school assembly on Tuesday 26 October followed by a morning tea for our year 12's. The Graduation will be held on 24 November. This year we have moved our Graduation to the Adelaide Convention Centre in order to accommodate a greater number of family members to attend at this significant milestone celebration. At this time, year 12 students are moving towards completion of their assessment tasks including examinations. On behalf of the staff, I wish them all the best and look forward to seeing their SACE achievements in mid-December. It is important they continue to work with their subject teachers in working towards the finalisation of their 12 years of schooling. 

We have been notified that SACE results will be released on Monday 13 December.

Our year 8 to 11 students need to stay focussed on the remainder of the year to complete all assessment tasks and finish the year feeling that they have put in efforts to achieve their best. It is never too late to try to make changes and make a decision to steer in a more positive direction. Our staff are here to support all students. It is important that the year 8 to 11 students continue to work with their teachers and each other in perservering with their work to realise improved achievements.

During the first weekend of the school holidays one of our year 10 debating teams competed in the finals of Debating SA in Parliament House. This saw Libby, Lachlan and Mariko speak in the affirmative and Yuvraj as a Chair. I would like to acknowledge their coach Mr Joff Sander and the family members who attended supporting our students.

The Department for Education has introduced the initiative ThankED. This provides students, parents/caregivers and community members with the opportunity to acknowledge and thank individuals and teams of staff. A Note of Thanks can be generated at the online portal www.education.sa.gov.au/webforms/thanked.

The Department has released its strategic plan 'Towards 2028' which outlines the priorities for us in schools as we contribute to building a world-class public education system in South Australia. The focus of the plan is there is growth for each and every student as they progress from year to year and through the levels of schooling. The strategic plan will continue to inform our school's priorities and focus as we measure the impact of the improvement strategies we have implemented. The process of improvement planning will occur each year seeing us gather both qualitative and quantitative data to identify our impact and improvements.

As the Capital Works program progresses, we anticipate that in the not too distant future some of the fences will come down increasing ease of access and movement within the school. Our furniture is on order ready to arrive when we have had sections of buildings handed over for occupation. As these changes occur please note there may be changed signage and location of some of the services which underpin our schools' operations.

This term signals the final planning for 2022 when we will see two cohorts of students, year 7 and 8, arrive to start with us in 2022. Transition visits are planned and parents/caregivers are most welcome to contact the school.

As per the latest SA Health requirements in regards to the wearing of masks in schools, as of today Monday 25 October, wearing face masks will be optional for all students and staff in schools, preschools and children’s centres. Our school has a supply of disposable masks that are available to those students should they wish to wear a mask.

Along with our local member, Mr Steve Murray, I have been involved in ongoing discussions with the City of Onkaparinga personnel regarding the area that school buses pick up and drop off our students. A number of solutions are being explored in relieving the congestion of the area which provides access to the school, kindergarten and the sports complex. Most recently, negotiations have occurred for only one bus to be in the bus area at a time. This means the other buses will wait at Bus Stop 52 until they can move into the pick up and drop off area. This strategy will be trialled until the end of term 4. If any parents/caregivers have feedback please feel free to email me at marion.coady@aphs.sa.edu.au.

October is Mental Health Month. In addition to the resources on our website, families can access some resources at the Generation Next eLearning Hub. This includes:

• How Family and Friends Can Help a Suicidal Person.
• Anxiety Disorders in Children and Adolescents.
• COVID and Kids
• Risk Factors for Alcohol and Other Drug Use: Implications for Prevention.
• The 5 Principles for Internet Safety.

DEBATER OF THE YEAR AWARDS

Congratulations to Konon who is the year 10 Debater of the Year.  The Debater of the Year Awards recognise the best debater in each division based upon their scores during the debating season.