From the Principal

Student free day term 1

The first student free day occurred on 7 March. Teaching staff focused on implementation of the SA curriculum. This built on our work in 2024. The focus of the day was exploring conceptual learning. Conceptual learning is related to supporting students to connect different pieces of information and then applying their knowledge to new situations and problems. It requires learners to understand relationships, critical thinking, application, problem-solving and transfer of knowledge. 

For example:

• In history, students need to understand the concept of 'revolution'. This concept requires students to understand that revolution is a significant change that usually occurs in a short period of time affecting political, social or economic structures. Revolutions have common causes such as social inequality, economic distress, or political oppression. Revolutions unfold through unrest, conflict, and resolution.
• In science, the concept of 'gravity' requires students to understand that gravity is a force that attracts two bodies to each other. Gravity is why objects fall to the ground and why planets orbit each other. Gravity affects everyday life, such as why we stay grounded on Earth and how it influences tides. Gravity relates to other concepts like mass and distance, and how these two factors influence gravitational force.
• In mathematics, the concept of 'fractions' is about how we represent a part of a whole or a division of quantities. Fractions have two components, the numerator, the top number and the dominator, the bottom number, and the roles of the two. Fractions can represent the same value, such as 2/3 and 12/36. Operations such as adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing fractions can be applied such as dividing a pizza into equal parts.
• In English, a concept such as a 'theme' in literature requires students to understand that the theme is an underlying message or central idea of a literary work in a book or poem for example. Themes can be analysed by characters, plot and setting. Themes are conveyed through literary devices such as symbolism, motifs and dialogue. They can be compared across different works to see how authors explore similar ideas in different contexts. Applying an understanding of themes sees analysis of new texts and relates them to personal experiences or societal issues.

Teachers spent the day identifying concepts in their areas of their teaching and looked at the way their pedagogy, or the way they teach, supports student participation, engagement and achievement.

Student fee day term 2

Our next student free day will be the first day of term 2, 28 April. We will have a workshop with Dr Tom Brunzell, the Director of Education at Berry Street. Our colleagues from other primary and secondary schools will join us as Tom explores the connection between learning and behaviour.

International students

On 15 March, we were joined by 15 students from Morioka Chuo High School. The students will be hosted by our families and will depart on 23 March, after their study tour. Our international ambassador students will play a significant role in their tour providing friendship and support throughout their stay.

Sports day

Our annual sports day will be held on 21 March. It is an opportunity for the whole school to come together and participate in a range of ways. As usual, the rivalry between students and staff will be on full display in some events.

Governing Council for 2025

The Annual General Meeting for the Aberfoyle Park High School was held on 18 February.

The following parent/caregivers are on the council:

• Vikki Thornton
• Amanda Ardill
• Gabby Rutherford (Treasurer)
• Kristy Chapman (Deputy chair)
• Mafuja Akhtar
• Shafiq Rahman
• Lorna Watton
• David Hunter (Chair)
• Vanessa Mulhall
• Dan Golding

Staff representatives

Cassie Dickeson

Rachael Kuhl (Secretary)

Student representatives with a maximum of two having voting rights

Hannah Sampson

Alex Rose

Lacey Cook

Matilda Anderson

The finance advisory committee is comprised of

Gabby Rutherford

Dan Golding

Marion Coady

Cassie Dickeson

Catherine Murdoch

Hazel Bashford

The uniform committee is

Cassie Dickeson

Kristy Chapman

Vanessa Mulhall

Dan Golding

Thank you to the outgoing member of the 2024 Governing council, Deb Kelley. There are still vacancies for parent/caregivers on the council. If you are interested, please contact the school.