Learning Across the
Senior School
Supreme Court Jury Trial - Legal Studies Excursion
A group of our Stage 2 Legal Studies students, together with Ms Ruggiero-Girgolas, were very fortunate to attend the Supreme Court of South Australia this week to observe a jury trial in action.
The visit provided students with an invaluable opportunity to see many of the concepts studied in the classroom come to life. Students observed both the prosecution and defence cases, heard expert evidence and even witnessed a voir dire – a hearing held to determine whether particular evidence can be admitted at trial.
A highlight of the experience was the opportunity to speak with both prosecution and defence counsel following the court proceedings. The barristers generously gave their time to talk with students about the trial, their roles in the courtroom and careers in the law. Their insights were incredibly engaging and inspiring for our aspiring lawyers.
It was a fantastic opportunity for students to experience the adversary system firsthand and gain a much deeper understanding of the work of judges, barristers, juries and witnesses in our criminal justice system.
Many thanks to Mr Foley, Leader of Humanities, for his generous support of this valuable learning experience.
Sam Ruggiero-Girgolas
Legal Studies Teacher
Learning in Year 9 Spirituality, Religion and Meaning
This term, our Year 9 students have engaged in a unit of study titled Wise Women Called Mary. As an introduction, students explored the life of Mary, the Mother of Jesus, who is recognised as the first disciple for her faithful response to God's call and her trust in His plan. They also examined what life may have been like for Mary as a young woman living in first-century Israel.
Through her courage, humility and devotion, Mary became a model of discipleship and an example of faith. Her simple yet profound 'yes' to God continues to inspire us to listen, trust and follow Jesus with open hearts. Reflecting on Mary's significance, students created artworks that expressed their understanding of her life and her continuing role in the lives of Catholics around the world.
Mary's example continues to inspire us to live as disciples of Jesus today. Alongside her, Mary Ward and Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop offer powerful examples of faith, service, prayer and compassion, reminding Catholics of the call to follow Jesus.
Tania Sparapani
Year 9W Spirituality, Religion and Meaning Teacher
Mary, The Mother of Jesus
This term in Spirituality, Religion and Meaning, our Year 9 class has begun a new unit, Wise Women Called Mary. In the first few weeks of Term 3, we have been focusing on Mary, the Mother of Jesus, and her role as a young woman over 2000 years ago.
Our class has been learning about Mary’s early life in Israel, where she grew up to be a nurturing and faithful woman and a devoted wife. This is evident through the love and protection she provided for Jesus. As Jesus’s first disciple, Mary stands as a powerful example of faith and courage.
Mary has become a key spiritual figure for Catholics and is someone many look to for guidance and healing. Catholics pray with Mary, and we ask her to pray for us. Mary is ever-present in our lives, and throughout history, some have claimed to witness visions of her, known as apparitions.
As we continue to learn about other significant figures with the name Mary, we will delve deeper into their example and be inspired by what it truly means to be a faithful disciple of Jesus.
Lola and Greta (9W)
Learning in Year 8 Spirituality, Religion and Meaning
In Term 3, all Year 8 students are engaging in the unit topic “Serving Others”, where they learn about local and global issues such as poverty, displacement, and about people doing it tough due to structural and individual circumstances. Students develop empathy for injustices, reflecting on the meaning of being a socially just person, committed to understanding why it is important to serve and support others, whilst living out the Catholic Social Teachings.
Currently, Year 8 students are completing group work on a charity of their choice, one they have not encountered before. The students identify and research issues of concern, whilst highlighting the important work carried out by their chosen charitable organisation. The group work presentations, conducted in class, highlight insightful information and visual images, with the potential to raise further awareness and donations.
Fi Donnelly
Leader of Student Wellbeing & Academic Care 9‑10
Currently in SRM, we are learning about Serving Others and social justice, with a focus on how charities help people experiencing challenges such as youth homelessness. We are exploring the important work charities do to support people who are poor, vulnerable or marginalised, and learning how Christians are called to show compassion, dignity and solidarity. We are also looking at ways we can contribute to charities and make a positive difference in our community.
By Gabriella, Emerson, Caterina and Eliza
The charity we chose to research is the Humpty Dumpty Foundation, a lifesaving charity dedicated to making healthcare accessible all over Australia. In the thirty-five years the foundation has been operating, it has raised over $100 million, which goes towards helping sick children. It is an extremely important charity that has made a massive difference across the country.
By Lucia, Ella and Paige
