Senior School

Welcome to 2023

Another year starts, and this year we can hopefully leave the complexities of a pandemic behind us, and look forward to an uninterrupted calendar. It is an exciting year in the Senior School as we make some improvements to our curriculum and pastoral care programs. 

New in Curriculum

This year we introduce The Resilience Project to the Senior School as part of our Pastoral Program. It is designed to help our students develop some skills for wellbeing. Regular lessons are well prepared and designed to engage students in reflective activities and positive habits for their mental health as they learn to navigate life. The program is used successfully in many schools around Australia and we are excited to use it through a biblical worldview at Emmaus. 

ACARA (Australian Curriculum) is also undergoing a review. The review means that all subject areas will be undertaking a process of slow renewal of their curriculum to suit our context. It allows teachers to innovate and make decisions about what suits our students. This is significant in terms of pedagogy as it helps us make authentic changes in our College curriculum through the lens of a biblical worldview and allows us to meet ACARA expectations.  

Staff Movements

There are three new staff in the Senior School, who we welcome and pray that they feel part of our team and I believe that they have so much to offer our school community. We welcome Karen Austin (English and Research Project), Anna Briggs (Drama and English) and Raquel Chester (Art and D&T). We have also had some movement between subschools with staff, and welcome Rebecca Dal Santo, Fiona Hunter and Ben Squire to the Senior School team.

Senior School Events

Please note the following key Senior School Events taking place in Term 1:

• Year 12 Orientation Day - Tuesday 7 February at Mitchell Park Community Centre
• Vietnam/Cambodia Trip Information Evening - Tuesday 7 February.
• Year 10 Orientation Day - Thursday 16 February at Mega Adventure and Glenelg for lunch.
• New to Senior School Information Evening - Tuesday 21 February, 6pm - 6.45pm. It is a good opportunity to meet staff and other parents within our school community. 
• Year 12 Parent Information Evening - Tuesday 21 February, beginning at 7pm. 
• Swimming Carnival - Wednesday 22 February
• SACE Merit and Academic Awards Assembly - Monday 27 February at 11.30am. This assembly will acknowledge the Merits and A+ grades achieved in Year 12s  subjects of 2022. 
• Year 11 Camp - Wednesday 1 March to Friday 3 March. This camp is different this year, and will be a whole year level event at Port Hughes. Senior Students will have further opportunities for camps with the choice of three extra camps/trips during the year, including 
  • Lands Trip (Year 11 only) in Term 2
  • Ski Trip (Years 10 - 12) in Term 2 holidays
  • Vietnam/Cambodia trip (Years 10 - 12) in Term 3 Week 10 and the first week of the Term 3 holidays. 
• Generations In Jazz - Friday 5 May to Sunday 7 May.
• Year 12 Formal - Friday 10 March at Carrick Hill from 6pm to 10.30pm. 
• Athletics Carnival - Friday 17 March.
• Parent/Teacher Interviews - Tuesday 11 April and Wednesday 12 April.
• Middle/Senior School Musical - we are having Freaky Friday this year. Performances will be held Week 1, Term 3. Practices will start this term.

Uniform Reminder

Finally, uniform is an important part of our culture, and I ask that parents prepare their students for 2023 with the correct uniform, in particular:

• Shoes - black leather lace up school shoes
• Correct socks for the uniform that is being worn - Emmaus white socks for shorts and dresses, and black socks for trousers
• Correct jewellery - one pair of discrete earrings for girls only and no nose rings (please see policy for further information)
• PE/Sports uniform worn only on the days the students have a practical lesson and/or trials
• Hair - long hair worn up for both boys and girls and of a natural colour

Although this may feel tiresome, wearing the correct uniform is important for student pride in our College and respect for our culture and identity as a school. The full policy is on our website, see here.

For ongoing uniform concerns where students are not meeting the College’s expectations, with notice, they will receive new items from the uniform shop which will be charged to families.

No year is the same, as no student is the same, we are all made uniquely in the image of God. This year promises to be a breath of fresh air as we shrug off the shackles of COVID restrictions and can plan our education program and events with confidence that they will go ahead.

Andrea Grear

Head of Senior School

Principal, South Plympton Campus