Student and Staff Achievements
STEMIE Report
The STEM Innovation Experience (STEMIE) is a competition hosted by the University of South Australia that encourages students to design and complete projects integrating the STEM disciplines: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. The program involves participation from both metropolitan and regional schools across Australia. Students are invited to participate in the STEMIE Challenge based on their demonstrated interest or high achievement in Science, Mathematics, or Technology subjects.
Our school’s team this year comprised of Thomas Wake-Dyster (Year 10), Samarth Ranganathapura Kiran (Year 10), Maxim Krasnopolsky (Year 10), Charlie Perryman (Year 9), Ahyan Dewan (Year 9) and Hayson Cheng (Year 9).
The team chose to undertake the “Carnival Capers” challenge, which began with a visit to the Royal Adelaide Show to explore the physics of carnival rides, including the G-forces experienced on roller coasters and the engineering principles that make features such as loop-the-loops possible.
The Mathematics component of the project involved developing a dynamic Excel spreadsheet that used formulas to calculate carnival profits based on visitor numbers, spending behaviour, and the operational costs of rides and sideshows. For Digital Technologies, the students programmed an Arduino-based system to record the number of patrons entering and exiting the carnival, featuring a functional moving door and a visual display. In Design and Technology, the team designed and 3D-printed a working sideshow game requiring players to use a slingshot to knock down targets of varying sizes and point values.
On Friday, 24 October, the team presented their project to UniSA staff at the regional showcase, achieving an impressive third place in the highly competitive Adelaide Metropolitan division.
Congratulations to these students for their creativity, teamwork, and dedication throughout the project.
Special thanks are extended to old scholar Miles Pennington, whose expertise was invaluable in supporting the technological components, and to science teachers Ms Alyssa Leach and Ms Tracie Whittle for their guidance, supervision, and scientific insight.
“STEMIE was a great experience to be able to develop our science investigation skills, research STEM topics of our choice and work with other like-minded STEM students to design reports and create innovations.” – Thomas Wake-Dyster
Innika Ackerley
Head of Science
Madelyn Goss
On Sunday October 26, Year 11 Student Madelyn Goss shared the message at The Ark Church, Salisbury. Speaking about humility in the context of Jesus' parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector from Luke 18, Madelyn shared how humility is about sacrifice.
She encouraged congregation members and visitors to know that we don't work to get God's love, God freely gives it to us, and because of that, we are free to serve others—not for recognition, but because God’s love flows through us.
We are grateful for the people of The Ark, and for the work of God in Madelyn's life that enabled her to share this powerful message.
Celebrating Staff Excellence:
Mrs Renee Hutton
We are proud to celebrate Renee Hutton, Head of Technologies, who has recently been recognised as Home Economics Teacher of the Year by the Home Economics Institute of Australia (SA).
Renee stands at the forefront of Home Economics education in South Australia and currently serves as the Chairperson of HEIA(SA).
Renee is an inspiring leader whose passion for Food Technology and innovative teaching continues to enrich our students’ learning.
Renowned for her creativity, generosity, and commitment to professional growth, Renee not only designs engaging, contemporary curriculum but also shares her expertise widely, supporting and mentoring educators across the state.
Her dedication to raising the profile of Home Economics through professional development, social media, and educator events has made a significant impact on the teaching community.
We congratulate Renee on this outstanding achievement and thank her for the enthusiasm, expertise, and leadership she brings to Endeavour College each day.
Mrs Catherine Barnes
We’re thrilled to announce that our very own Teacher Librarian, Catherine Barnes, was recognised for the prestigious Joan Brewer Award at the recent Educators SA State Awards, presented by Blair Boyer (SA Minister for Education, Training and Skills) at the gala celebration held at the Adelaide Oval.
This recognition highlights Catherine’s outstanding commitment to educational excellence and her inspiring work within our community at Endeavour College. Catherine regularly presents her research and practice at local, national, and international conferences and is undertaking research to improve educational practice through immersive learning and intercultural education. Her dedication to fostering student growth, innovation in learning, and meaningful engagement has made a significant impact on our school environment.
Catherine had the pleasure of sharing this special occasion with Endeavour College’s Head of Technologies, Renee Hutton, and her former high school Science teacher, making the celebration even more memorable.
Please join us in congratulating Catherine on this remarkable achievement, a well-deserved celebration of her passion, professionalism, and positive influence across South Australia’s education landscape.