FROM THE PRINCIPAL

As the academic school year for 2021 comes to an end planning for 2022 is well underway. We were hoping 2021 was going to be different from 2020. However with the latest COVID-19 health decisions we were faced with the need to postpone the Class of 2021 Graduation until early 2022 giving time for those over 16 to get double vaccinated so that we could join together in this significant celebration and milestone.

2021 saw gradual introductions of things that characterise a school and a rich curriculum. Interschool sport and debating returned. Excursions returned. Year level and whole school assemblies returned. We are all looking forward to 2022 with the hope these and more opportunities continue.

This time of the year sees a number of staff leaving our school. This includes Ms Brianna Murphy, Mr Marty Baker, Ms Claire Bennett, Ms Teone Brauer,  Mr Joshua Fielder, Ms Emma Kinge, Mr Clay MacKenzie and Ms Karen Roberts. We may see some of these staff rejoin us in 2022. On behalf of our community I would like to thank them for their contributions through 2021 and wish them well for the forthcoming year.

Ms Sam Eliades has won a leadership position in another school starting in 2022. I would like to acknowledge her work with our year 10 students and the Personal Learning Plan.

2021 signals Mr David Edwards leaving our school on his road to retirement. David has worked at Aberfoyle Park High School for 20 years teaching Outdoor Education and pursuits as well as Health and Physical Education. During this time he has conducted many camps, aquatic and outdoor events as well as coaching sporting teams. He has given generously of his time to work with students and his colleagues. He has contributed a total of 45 years to public education. We wish him all the best in the next chapter of his life.

Thank you to the parents/caregivers who participated in the 2022 Materials and Services (M&S) charge poll. The outcome of the poll was 54.7% in favour of the proposed 2021 M&S charge. This means that the legally recoverable charge is $621.00. Any families that are concerned about paying the charge can contact the Finance staff who will provide information about payment options.

For our students and families who are leaving our school, I wish you all the best for the forthcoming festive season and 2022. SACE results will be released on 13 December. Staff will be at school to field questions or any concerns.

For the students and families who will return in 2022 we are looking forward to the year 7, 8 and 12 students along with the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme students starting on 31 January. Our year 9, 10 and 11 students will commence on 1 February. All the best for the festive season and I trust that you will enjoy your summer holidays and stay safe.

I would like to thank those students and staff who have contacted us offering support as we continued to navigate the 2021 school year. 2022 will bring with it new challenges as our school continues to grow and reach the end of the significant school building program in term one.

Devon Clothing has informed us that the new Senior School top should be available for ordering week 8 of this term.

2022 school bus timetables are now available on the Adelaide Metro website.