April 13, 2022 | updates

Term 1: Update 3

Adelaide Botanic High School students engage in learning tasks which are about connecting, creating, communicating, co-ordinating and collaborating.

April 13, 2022

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EMBRACING YOUNG PEOPLE’S CURIOSITY

Update from the Principal

As we enter the Easter break after a challenging yet rewarding term, I would like to publicly acknowledge the commitment and sheer hard work by our staff team. We have attempted to be calm swans gliding on the lake whilst the legs below the water are working flat out.

With a significant number of staff and students absent with COVID, no school day has been easy to plan for and resource. Despite this it has been a fantastic term and the student learning and school life experience has continued without missing a beat. And while it seemed, at times, like the tide might turn against us, we successfully achieved some significant events including our Open Night and Sports Day with the usual Adelaide Botanic High School focus on excellence.

We know the impact of COVID has had quite different effects with regard to student and staff health, absence and wellbeing. A significant amount of support and communication, along with adjustments to assessment tasks in terms of number, length and due date, have also helped. We hope the break will provide a welcome recharge for staff and students, preparing us for an even better Term 2.

Have a safe and wonderful break and looking forward Term 2.

Alistair on behalf of our whole team

Open Night

Learning Pathway Conversations in Term 2

How ABHS staff communicate with students and families about progress and achievement at school

Starting in Week 3 next term, ABHS students, parents and Connect teachers will participate in Learning Pathway Conversations via Zoom to review learning achievements, challenges and goals.

At Adelaide Botanic High School, high expectations are placed on staff to communicate with students and parents about how students are progressing at school. Rather than waiting for the traditional end of term report, ABHS staff publish both progress and achievement grades on Daymap continuously throughout each semester. A culture of ‘no surprises’ is cultivated when it comes to assessment so communication with families is key when there are concerns that a checkpoint has not been met, or an agreed timeline has passed without students providing evidence of learning.

In addition to communicating with parents about academic progress, it would be evident to all families of ABHS students that the pursuit of Excellence, the development of Curiosity and the building of Community are all valued at Adelaide Botanic High School – these guiding values are the building blocks of the school’s DNA. Acknowledging students’ positive engagement with their learning and the school’s responsible behaviours is an important aspect of the school’s culture.

During Term 1, Community, Excellence and Curiosity were recognised on 2,504 different occasions – a significant increase from 908 at the same time last year. Staff and students are embracing the school’s culture of recognising and acknowledging excellence, which in turn, is shaping a culture where students feel safe and accepted for who they are.

Outlined in the ABHS Charter is the aspiration for students to take ownership for their learning. This aspiration has shaped the ABHS approach to the Learning Conversations which take place early Term 2 each year. Students from Years 7-12, with the support of their Connect teachers, spend several weeks preparing for these conversations which take place with parents online. The aim is to develop ownership, responsibility, confidence, and the conversation skills to share with parents and connect teachers about their progress this year.

The focus in 2022 builds on the conversation topics developed in previous years including talking about students’ Career Action Plans, achievement data to date, examples of learning they are proud of and future goals and strategies. These conversations form part of the formal assessment and reporting procedures at Adelaide Botanic High School. In Term 3 these goals and the next steps in the Career Action Plan are revisited when the focus shifts towards Learning Pathway Conferences and pathway plans for the following year.

These conversations are an excellent opportunity for parents to understand how their child is progressing and are a vital aspect of student learning development.

“…we aim to provide or seek out feedback early. Our conversations are kind and honest. We talk about and celebrate visible progress. By tracking growth and setting goals, we can achieve what appears beyond our reach.” ABHS Charter 2019

“…by supporting our students to take ownership of, and fully understand, themselves as learners and their capabilities, they can fulfil their social connections, have empathy for others and the world around them.” ABHS Charter 2019

Parents will be able to make bookings for Learning Pathway Conversations early next term. Further information will be sent to families in the coming weeks.

Kirsty Gebert
Assistant Principal – Innovation in Teaching and Learning, Education Systems and Inclusive Education

Upcoming Dates - Term 2

Thursday 14 April WEEK 11 Last day of Term 1 (normal dismissal time)	Wednesday 18 May WEEK 3 Learning Pathway Conversations (afternoon-evening)
Friday 15 April WEEK 11 Good Friday Public Holiday	Thursday 19 May WEEK 3 Learning Pathway Conversations (morning)
Monday 2 May WEEK 1 First day Term 2	Tuesday 24 May WEEK 4 Proposed student-free day
Tuesday 17 May WEEK 3 Learning Pathway Conversations (morning)

Year 7 Civics and Citizenship

Currently Year 7 students are developing their knowledge and understanding of Government and Democracy, Laws and Citizens and Citizenship and Diversity in Australia.

Students experienced changing the Constitution through a referendum using the ABHS behaviour expectations as a model, which also included develop a range of numeracy capabilities. They have also undertaken independent research which they presented to their peers about the key features of the Constitution of Australia and have investigated their own rights under the law.

Learning has included a recent precinct walk to Parliament South Australia to gain first-hand knowledge of democracy and law making, which included a guided tour of the House of Assembly and the Legislative Council.

Further, students have also had a sustained focus on writing throughout the term and will apply their learning by producing a persuasive essay to demonstrate their understandings of the key ideas explored in Civics and Citizenship.

Rebecca Weber and Jenny Hanks
Global Perspectives Teachers

NAPLAN

Students in Years 7 and 9 will be doing NAPLAN assessments using the online approach in 2022. The NAPLAN testing period is made up of four different tests: Reading, Writing, Conventions of Language and Numeracy.

To support both you and your child there is a NAPLAN Frog page that is set up with all the relevant information about accessing the NAPLAN practice test, as well as a range of different strategies and ways that you can support your child before and during the testing process.

Justin Kentish
Student Achievement and Success Team Leader

NAPLAN Testing Schedule

Reading Test	Tuesday 10 May	Session 1	Year 7
Reading Test	Tuesday 10 May	Session 3	Year 9
Writing Test	Wednesday 11 May	Session 2	Years 7 and 9
Conventions of Language Test	Thursday 12 May	Session 2	Years 7 and 9
Numeracy Test	Friday 13 May	Session 2	Years 7 and 9
Catch up test	To be scheduled as needed

Elevate Peer Mentors

ABHS is fortunate enough to have close to 50 Elevate Peer Mentors across Years 11 and 12. The Elevate team have spent the term working closely with Year 7 and 8 students during Connect to support them with their transition into secondary school and understanding what it means to be part of the Adelaide Botanic High School community.

Middle School students showed their appreciation by writing letters and presenting Elevate Mentors with their pins and unique lanyards. The Elevate pin and lanyard allow team members to be easily identifiable to other students.

It has been lovely to watch the connections forming between Middle and Senior School students and it is exciting to think how these will continue to flourish as the year progresses.

Some of the comments our students shared with our Elevate Team:

“By helping people you are putting others in front of yourself and by doing that you inspire us.”
“You have helped us by encouraging us every time you come into Connect.”
“You always make sure everyone is included and encourage us to do our best.”
“The conversations we have helped me understand school better which has made me more comfortable in class.”

Eden McEwen
Middle Years – Transition, Learning and Wellbeing Leader

Transition to Secondary School

The transition to secondary school is a major milestone for young people. At ABHS opportunities are created for students to build strong connections with their peers and teachers to help make this transition as smooth as possible. As part of supporting students to make genuine connections, Year 7 and 8 students participate in a DNA Action Day, where they enjoy an extended day at West Lakes Aquatic Centre with their Connect Group.

These photos capture what a fantastic time the Year 8 students had earlier this term. Everyone is very much looking forward to taking the Year 7 students on their DNA Action Day in Term 2.

Eden McEwen
Middle Years – Transition, Learning and Wellbeing Leader

Sports Day 2022

On 21 March, Adelaide Botanic High School held their annual Sports Day at the SA Athletics Stadium.

All of the students looked brilliant in their House colours, many donning face-paint, coloured socks and other accessories to show their allegiances. Students participated enthusiastically in all track and field events, with a highlight being the tug-of-war novelty event.

The House Sports Leaders organised and inspired their teams to ensure every opportunity to gain valuable points was taken, and led their Houses in their chants to end a very successful day. As the final event of the day, the relays were enjoyed by all students, as each House cheered on their team around the track to collect as many points as they could.

Purple	899 points
Red	727 points
Yellow	715 points
Green	570 points
Blue	472 points
Orange	463 points

Congratulations to the Purple House on their win at Sports Day 2022.

Rhiannon Meuris-Palfrey
Lifestyle Choices Teacher

Futures Ready

Kitchen Operations

This year Adelaide Botanic High School embarked on a new partnership with South Australia’s leading commercial cookery and hospitality training provider, the Adelaide Institute of Hospitality (AIOH). The Institute has been successfully delivering VET in schools for 20 years with over 700 students undertaking courses each year.

The partnership has seen the acclaimed institute working with students to deliver vocation education and training (VET) that will create tangible career pathways with the hospitality industry as part of the delivery of a Certificate II in Kitchen Operations.

According to Futures Ready Student Pathways Senior Leader at ABHS, Ben Dening, the opportunity to partner with AIOH was a natural one given the growth of the school.

“As the school has grown to now have a senior school cohort, the opportunity to partner with AIOH to deliver vocational education via a flexible industry pathway was an exciting option for us,” Ben said.

“While we pride ourselves on our industry standard training and facilities, it was the institute’s ability to connect with industry and employment opportunities that was a key attraction for the school. The training team includes the likes of celebrated chef Emma McCaskill who will provide our students with invaluable industry links and opportunities beyond the classroom setting.”

Year 12 Adelaide Botanic students, Leo and Nadia, have been enjoying the opportunity to learn new cooking techniques and cuisines with Emma McCaskill as well as learning more about the industry itself.

“I wanted to study this course because I enjoy cooking and I see myself having a career in the food and hospitality industry,” said Nadia about her motivation to undertake the Certificate II in Kitchen Operations in Year 12.

“I think it will benefit me hugely as my career aspirations include cooking and being a chef,” explained Leo when asked how the course will benefit him in the future.

In addition to Adelaide Botanic students, the program is also open to students from other secondary schools when places are available. For the first intake of the course, ABHS is hosting students from Norwood International, Charles Campbell Senior College, Glenunga International, Marryatville and Blackwood High School.

Industry Immersion – PEER Try-a-Trade

Across Weeks 10 and 11, 12, students from Years 10 and 11 participated in the PEER Try-a-Trade Program at their training centre in Albert Park.

This two-day program had students complete their White Card – involving the Construction Safety induction, which is a requirement to work on industry construction sites – and a day of practical activities relating to Plumbing, Electrical, Engineering/Fabrication and Air Conditioning.

The school thanks PEER trainer Steve Woodward for passing on his years of broad experience to ABHS students. Further opportunities like this will be available across the year as students prepare for applications into Flexible Industry Pathways.

VET Programs

This term, students have been undertaking programs at numerous sites as part of Flexible Industry Pathways engaging with industry-endorsed training and workplace connection.

Applications for Semester 2 Programs available to Year 11 and 12 students will open shortly. Courses available are Certificate II in Kitchen Operations (one semester), Certificate II in Hospitality (one semester), Certificate II Automotive Servicing (three-semester program suitable for Year 11 students only) and Certificate II in Community Services (one semester).

For information on individual suitability and application processes please contact Ben Dening directly via the Daymap portal.

Ben Dening
Futures Ready Student Pathways Senior Leader

Year 10 Novel Study

To finish the term, Year 10 Global Perspectives students were given a choice of novel to study. Students have left their usual classes to meet with other students who have selected the same novel. Students studying The Book Thief have been developing their critical thinking and collaboration skills by using a ‘Hexagonal Thinking Tool’ as a starting point for discussions about the novel. In small groups, the students had to work out where different characters and themes would fit on the grid. They needed to justify why certain things were connected.

To further develop their independence, the students then participated in Socratic discussions to achieve a deeper understanding of the ideas and themes in the novel and to develop skills in talking about the novel in an academic way. Dialogue was facilitated by student leaders and the seminars were an excellent demonstration of their understanding of the novel, critical thinking skills and speaking and listening skills.

Rebecca Weber and Kate Searson
Global Perspectives Teachers

Mock Trials

On the evening of Tuesday 5 April, the Adelaide Botanic High School Mock Trials team assembled at the District Court to participate in their first mock trial. Competing against Cedar College, the team presented a strong defense case in the assault trial to which they had been assigned, despite being faced with a challenging set of facts. The ABHS team won the competition, receiving outstanding scores for the performance of their respective roles.

Barristers Tilly F and Olivia T are to be commended for their persuasive speaking in their opening and closing addresses, as well as their quick thinking in their examinations in chief and cross examinations. The barristers worked alongside Helena T, acting in the role of solicitor, who provided invaluable support both before and throughout the trial. Taylor P and Paul K acted in the roles of defense witnesses, and are to be congratulated on their performance in the face of challenging cross examination from the prosecution. Mihir R took on the intimidating role of Judge’s Associate and executed his responsibilities with aplomb. Overall, the team performed to an exceptionally high standard and is to be congratulated for an outstanding trial.

Matilde Wiese
Global Perspectives Teacher

SA School Sport Track and Field Championships

ADELAIDE BOTANIC HIGH SCHOOL WINS!

It was a glorious day at SA Athletics Stadium for the 2022 F Grade Track and Field Championships last week.

Adelaide Botanic High School took an 80-strong student team to compete with a mindset of participation and filling all events. This was a good strategy, giving ABHS the best opportunity for success.

The students were amazing! They all stepped up and put their best feet forward, adding to the school’s collective points throughout the day. Officials commented on how supportive the ABHS students were, as they had never seen a school cheer each other on so loudly.

Of the 29 individual students who won their events on the day some of the standout performances include:

Year 9 student, Gisele winning the Open Girls 1000m steeple chase
Year 11 student, Arlo, falling in the U16 hurdles and then going on to run in the Open Boys 3000m and the 1500m
Year 9 student, Sandro going close to breaking state records in both the U15 Boys long jump and triple jump

Athletes who won their events were: Bianca M, Harry L, Toby E, Ethan C, Ellana S, Sandro P, Abbey D, Gisele A, Oliver P, Jibo B, Lilli H, Sam O, Tom C, Christian K, Jackson S, Lucy W, Jesse M, Zoe C, Piper C, and Mika L.

Overall, the effort was outstanding and, in a clean streak, Adelaide Botanic High School won the Boys Division 1 competition, the Girls Division 1 competition and the Combined competition.

A huge congratulations to all of the athletes on their achievements and for their amazing sportsmanship and efforts. Thank you to the wonderful volunteers who helped with timing throughout the day. Thank you also for the work of Sam Ball and Rhiannon Palfrey-Meuris who organised the day.

2023 will be a year to look forward to as the school continues to foster its athletic spirit in the next grade up!

Kylie Trenorden
Lifestyle Choices Leader

Year 7/8 3v3 Basketball Tournament

On Wednesday 16 March, 44 Year 7s and 8s participated in their first school sport tournament for ABHS; in a 3v3 basketball tournament held at St Clair Recreation Centre.

With ten teams competing throughout the day, all students represented ABHS extremely well. Win, lose or draw, all teams demonstrated a great sense of sportsmanship and teamwork.

One team were able to make it through to the finals. Mason W, Eddie G, Angus L, Brendon R and Dylan L played an outstanding semi-final against Woodville finishing with a win (14-4). This advanced them to the grand final against Henley, where they put on another spectacular performance and won 8-0.

The support shown from the remaining ABHS teams on the sidelines was amazing and the sportsmanship shown by the winning team is to be highly commended. Well done to all involved on the day!

Sophia Ialeggio and Peter Bouzalas
Lifestyle Choices Teachers

Year 11/12 Knockout Tennis

In Week 8 a group of students ventured to Somerton Park Tennis Club to compete in the Year 11 and 12 Knockout Tennis competition. ABHS played two other schools before the rain came and stopped play.

The first game was played against Brighton, during which the boys played very well in the singles and doubles matches. The following game was against Golden Grove and unfortunately, ABHS was rained out. The boys did very well considering that they were Year 9-11s playing against Year 12s, representing the school admirably.

Alex B and Sam Ball
Year 11 student and Sports Manager