Letter from our Principal

As I reflect on 2025, I do so with deep gratitude for God’s faithfulness, provision, and sovereign guidance over Pilgrim School. Throughout this year, we have continued to witness His hand at work in our community - in the lives of our students, the dedication of our staff, the partnership of our families, and the wisdom and service of our Board. We remain thankful for the privilege of being a Christ-centred learning community where every child is known, valued, challenged, and encouraged to flourish.

This year has been marked by both growth and strengthening across many areas of school life. Our commitment to excellence in teaching and learning has continued through the ongoing development of evidence-informed practice. Staff have engaged deeply in professional learning connected to the Science of Learning, literacy instruction, mathematics improvement, and inclusive education practices. Across all teams - teaching, administration, and student support - there has been a shared commitment to continuous growth and collaboration in service of our students.

The culture of Pilgrim School continues to be shaped by a strong sense of belonging, encouragement, and care. Our Pilgrim Positive Learning Communities framework - a whole-school approach to building confidence, responsibility and kindness in daily interactions - has become increasingly embedded across the school. Student wellbeing remains central to all we do, and we are grateful for the way our staff nurture each child academically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually.

Student life throughout 2025 has been vibrant, joyful, and full of opportunity. Our students have continued to participate enthusiastically in a wide range of co-curricular experiences including SACSA and SAPSASA sporting events, music and performing arts opportunities, leadership initiatives, camps, and service experiences. The Pilgrim Choir has continued to grow in both confidence and excellence, earning third place at the Adelaide Choral Eisteddfod held at the prestigious Elder Hall - a proud moment for our students and a wonderful representation of the school community. Student leadership has remained a valued part of school culture through SRC, class leadership opportunities and service initiatives that empower students to contribute meaningfully to the life of the school.

One of the great strengths of Pilgrim School is the richness of our community life. Throughout the year we have gathered together in many meaningful ways - through celebrations, performances, worship, sporting events, parent engagement opportunities and community gatherings. Events such as Pancake Day, the Family Afternoon at the Marion Pool, Fathering Project activities, Grandbuddies, our school musical Not Your Average Joe, Connections Café, Graduation and Christmas celebrations have all contributed to the strong sense of connection and belonging that exists within our community. These moments remind us that Pilgrim is more than a school; it is a community grounded in shared purpose, relationships, and faith.

We are especially grateful for the partnership of our families. The trust, encouragement and support of parents and caregivers continue to enrich our school community and strengthen the educational journey of every child. We recognise that education is most powerful when schools and families work together, and we deeply value these relationships.

This year has also included important work behind the scenes as we continue to steward the future of Pilgrim School thoughtfully and prayerfully. Strategic planning, policy development, ongoing reflection on school improvement priorities, and continued conversations with educational and community partners have all helped shape a clear and hopeful direction for the years ahead. A particular highlight has been the installation of an Indigenous food trail on our school grounds, developed under the expert guidance of Trent Hill from the Adelaide Botanic Garden - a living resource that enriches our campus and reflects our ongoing commitment to reconciliation. Improvements to learning environments and outdoor spaces have further reflected our desire to create physical environments that inspire curiosity, creativity, connection, and wellbeing.

I am deeply thankful for our extraordinary staff team whose professionalism, care, creativity, and commitment continue to shape the culture of Pilgrim School every day. Their willingness to serve with generosity and purpose is one of the great blessings of this community. I am equally grateful for the faithful service and governance provided by our School Board, whose wisdom, discernment, and support continue to guide the school with integrity and vision.

Above all, we give thanks to God for His ongoing faithfulness to Pilgrim School. In every challenge and opportunity, He has remained constant and gracious. As we look toward the future, we do so with confidence and hope, trusting in His guidance and provision for the generations of students and families still to come.

Pilgrim School is indeed a special place - not only because of what we achieve together, but because of the community we continue to become together through God’s grace.

In His service,

Andrew Edmondson

Principal