June 9, 2023 | updates
Term 2: Update 1
Adelaide Botanic High School students engage in learning tasks which are about connecting, creating, communicating, co-ordinating and collaborating.
June 9, 2023
Table of contents
- Update From The Principal
- World Environment Day in the Botanic Gardens
- Upcoming Dates - Term 2
- Upcoming Dates - Term 3
- Year 12 Outdoor Education Surf Camp
- Year 11 Psychology: Inside and Out
- Studio: ''Your Vertical School in Virtual Reality''
- National Reconciliation Week at ABHS
- SYNERGY - Student Forum
- 2023 University Open Days
- Knockout Sport
- Student Achievements beyond ABHS
- The Addams Family - A New Musical, performed by ABHS
- Notices
Update from the Principal
As you may be aware, the South Australian Department for Education has recently implemented a Student Use of Mobile Phones and Personal Devices Policy which will be applied in all South Australian schools from the beginning of Term 3 this year. This policy aims to create an environment conducive to learning, minimise distractions, and promote the well-being of our students through a no-phone school day.
The new policy will build upon the current practice at ABHS of phones not being accessed during class time and extend it to include break times as well. We understand that this may come as a significant change for many of our students and so we have spent considerable time working with students, Governing Council, and staff to look at how best to approach the changes.
One way to understand this change is by comparing it to withdrawal from addiction. While we acknowledge that not all students are addicted to their phones, we want to emphasize the importance of creating a healthy and balanced environment for our students to thrive. Like any addiction it is important to look at how we support students through the withdrawal period and explore how the time without the phone is filled with something better. Our SYNERGY leadership team have run forums with students to explore this and already a significant number of good ideas are ready to be actioned.
To assist our students in adapting to this new policy, we will be implementing the use of YONDR pouches, where they can securely store their phones inside them until the end of the school day. This technology helps students manage a no-phone school day while still allowing them to have their devices available for emergencies or after-school activities.
The YONDR pouch is not provided as a solution, but rather as a support to assist students to manage the temptation to access their phone. Helping students manage their phones rather than banning and taking their phones away has been the focus of the policy approach at Adelaide Botanic High School.
We understand that this change may be met with concerns and probably multiple questions. Rest assured that our staff are committed to supporting both students and parents during this transition. We will begin to provide plenty of additional information, resources and guidance to ensure a smooth implementation very soon.
I encourage you to have open discussions with your child about the reasons behind this policy and the potential benefits it can bring. I look forward to working together to create a safer more enriching educational experience for our students.
Alistair on behalf of our whole team
World Environment Day in the Botanic Gardens
On Friday, 2 June, more than 30 Adelaide Botanic High School students volunteered to be part of World Environment Day in the Botanic Gardens. Over 1500 primary school students attended the event, with ABHS students acting as chaperones for visiting primary school groups, helping them find their way around the Gardens and supporting the students during the set of workshops that their class attended. Meanwhile, another group of Adelaide Botanic High School students worked with the educators from Fauna Rescue, assisting students to view the Grey Headed Flying Foxes in the ‘Going Batty’ workshop. The support the ABHS students provided was greatly appreciated by the visiting primary schools with some great relationships made for future events within the Botanic Gardens.
Dr. Bronte Nicholls
Assistant Principal – Curriculum Innovation and Community Partnerships
Upcoming Dates - Term 2
| WEEK 6 Year 12 Reports on Daymap | Wed 21-Wed 28 June WEEKS 8-9 Operation Flinders |
| Monday 12 June WEEK 7 Public Holiday (King's Official Birthday) | Thursday 29 June WEEK 9 Year 10 Immunisations - 1st dose |
| Wed 14-Fri 17 June WEEK 7 Year 10 Outdoor Education Camp | Mon 3-Fri 7 July WEEK 10 Year 11 Exams |
| Tuesday 20 June WEEK 8 ABHS Governing Council Meeting | Friday 7 July WEEK 10 Last day of term (normal dismissal time) |
| Wed 21-Wed 28 June WEEKS 8-9 Operation Flinders |
Upcoming Dates - Term 3
| Monday 24 July WEEK 1 First day Term 3 | Thursday 24 August WEEK 5 Student Free Day |
| Fri 28 and Sat 29 July WEEK 1 ABHS Musical 'The Addam's Family' | Thursday 31 August WEEK 6 Year 10 Immunisations - 2nd dose |
| Wed 9 -Fri 11 August WEEK 3 Year 10 Camp | Saturday 2 September WEEK 6 REVISED Save the Date - Operation Flinders Fundraiser |
| Sun 13-Sat 19 August WEEK 4 Year 7 Canberra Trip | Friday 8 September WEEK 7 School Closure Day |
Year 12 Outdoor Education Surf Camp
Earlier in Term 2, the Year 12 Outdoor Education students had an exciting time at Port Noarlunga as they honed their surfing skills. Over a period of three days, the students engaged in giving and receiving feedback and instructions, resulting in significant improvement in their surfing and knowledge of surf safety. Despite facing difficult weather conditions, the students demonstrated remarkable resilience and determination to get out into the water, with every single one of them rising to the challenge.
Phoebe Rowberry
Lifestyle Choices and Outdoor Education Teacher
Year 11 Psychology: Inside and Out
The Year 11 Psychology: Inside and Out class has been investigating the effects of different environments on stress. We have been learning about and researching various aspects of environmental psychology and how surroundings can affect the way a person feels and their ability to focus, think, and remember.
More recently, our class has been researching how virtual reality can be used to simulate the effects of different environments on mental health, particularly stress. As a class, we planned and designed an experiment using Google Earth VR to enter a busy urban environment (Shibuya Square in Tokyo), as well as a calm natural location (Nā Pali Beach in Hawaii). The VR was accompanied by
soundscapes of the environments to fully immerse the participants in the experience.
Neulog equipment was used to measure the participants’ physiological stress responses (heart rate, blood pressure, and galvanic skin response) and a survey was completed to record self-perceived stress levels before and after the VR experience. Our class hypothesised that the natural environment would have a calming effect compared to the urban one, which would be stressful. This was based on our previous research into different environments. Each student in the class took turns participating in the VR experience over two days and had a lot of fun doing so. Next, we will write up a full scientific practical report about the experiment and our findings.
Elliot B
Year 11 Psychology Student
Studio: ''Your Vertical School in Virtual Reality''
Adelaide Botanic High School is one of three vertical schools in Australia. Around the world, schools are being built with more than three levels to adapt to growing populations and allow for an increase in inner suburban schools.
The Queensland University of Technology (QUT) is researching what it is like to be a student at a virtual school. The twenty-eight ABHS students participating in the Studio ‘Your Virtual School in Virtual Reality’ participated in a full-day workshop with the QUT team. Students identified and explored aspects of the school they described as thriving spaces and non-thriving spaces. Students reflected on their experiences at ABHS and added their thoughts, ideas and stories to large printed maps of the school. Students took pictures of spaces around the school and practiced story-boarding.
The day highlighted how unique and rare it is to be a student in a vertical school and how much their opinions will be helping researchers, architects, schools and future students.
Sylvia Charalambous and Donna Mason
Studio Teachers
Students commented:
“I liked how we were working with the guests and everything was planned out. Time went fast and all the tasks were short such as taking photos, planning trips and surveying.”
“Within the school everyone has an area they believe is or isn’t successful, everyone experiences spaces differently.”
“I didn’t know our school was unique”
National Reconciliation Week at ABHS
The dates for National Reconciliation Week remain the same each year; 27 May to 3 June. These dates commemorate two significant milestones in Australia’s reconciliation journey – the successful 1967 referendum, and the High Court Mabo decision respectively.
Adelaide Botanic High School is committed to reconciliation through the strengthening of respectful relationships with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community.
During Reconciliation Week, the school hosted the “Dusty Feet Mob” from Port Augusta, who, through their dances and songs, celebrated Aboriginal identity, culture, and connection to Country. Whilst honouring past hurts and injustices experienced by Aboriginal families, the Dusty Feet Mob’s storytelling allowed the audience to grow in acceptance, understanding and empathy together. The staff at the ABHS are committed to actioning the school’s Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) to foster respect across the school, classrooms, and the community, and embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures in curriculum planning, development and evaluation processes is a key and ongoing priority across all year levels and learning areas.
All Australian’s have a role to play regarding reconciliation, and in playing our part we collectively build relationships and communities that value Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, histories, cultures, and futures.
Barbara Gillis, Wendy Lawrie and Nina Tanner
ABHS Aboriginal Education Team
SYNERGY - Student Forum
The SYNERGY team is excited to share the success of the recent Student Forum. It was thrilling to see over 40+ students from a range of year levels attend, making it a truly collaborative and engaging experience. Forums continue to be an excellent platform to present new ideas and solutions while also allowing students to raise questions and suggestions about their school.
One of the key topics discussed during the Forum was the upcoming changes to the ABHS Mobile Phone Policy. In line with the commitment to gain authentic student voice, during the Forum, students had the opportunity to ask questions, share their thoughts, express concerns, and propose ideas regarding the upcoming changes. The open and inclusive environment fostered productive conversations and allowed for a comprehensive understanding of different perspectives. ABHS are grateful for the active participation of students from each Connect Group, as their voice and valuable insights have greatly enriched this process.
In addition to addressing the Mobile Phone Policy, students also took the opportunity to discuss what else could be provided to enhance their experience during break times. This aspect of the Forum workshop highlighted the importance of creating enjoyable and engaging activities for students to participate in.
SYNERGY would like to express their gratitude to everyone who attended the Student Forum and contributed to its success. To support, and work alongside students who are eager to be active participants in shaping the ABHS school community, continues to be a pleasure and SYNERGY look forward to hearing ideas at the next student Forum.
Eden McEwen
On behalf of the SYNERGY team
2023 University Open Days
University of Adelaide
Sunday,13 August 2023
REGISTER HERE
University of South Australia
City West and City East Campus – Sunday, 13 August 2023
Mawson Lakes Campus – Sunday, 27 August 2023
Magill Campus – Wednesday, 30 August
REGISTER HERE
Flinders University
Friday 11— Sunday 13 August 2023
REGISTER HERE
Knockout Sport
Yr9-10 Knockout Touch Football
Front: Athena, Rachel, Joaquin, Jude, Piper
The day started with a challenging match for the ABHS girl team, where they quickly adapted and learned from the experience. During the second half, Rachel showed outstanding leadership skills on the field, which resulted in Kieley scoring a goal. Piper’s agility on the wing allowed her to avoid multiple defenders and score four tries. Although the girls didn’t win any matches, they played hard, demonstrated excellent sportsmanship, persisting with no substitutes, and came away with 1 draw.
The ABHS boy’s team was unable to secure a victory in any matches, however, they never gave up and scored a try in their final game.
Phoebe Rowberry
Lifestyle Choices Teacher
Yr9-10 Knockout Football
The Yr9-10 Boys Knockout football team played their first match against Seaton High school, and it was a tough competition. Seaton High School was an impressive team, but the ABHS team played fair and showed good sportsmanship throughout the game. They represented themselves and the school with great pride and effort.
In the second game, ABHS faced Ocean View College, and although lost, they again showed exceptional sportsmanship. Despite the defeat, the team displayed good teamwork and maintained a positive attitude, which was admired by the opposing team and spectators.
Overall, the students who participated in the Year 9-10 knockout football tournament represented Adelaide Botanic High School with pride, discipline, and dedication. They showcased their skills on the field and they should be proud of their efforts and achievements, as the school community are proud of them. Special mentions go to Allen for his 2 goals, Ben for his ruck work, Eddie for his constant efforts in the midfield throughout the day and Angus for his tackling and smothers.
The boys are to be congratulated on their participation and commended on their performance during the tournament.
Final Scores
Game 1: ABHS 3.5.23 Vs Seaton 15.14.109
Game 2: ABHS 5.3.33 Vs Ocean View 19.15.129
Tom Starkey and Peter Bouzalas
Lifestyle Choices Teachers
Student Achievements beyond ABHS
In our next Update we are looking forward to including a new section that celebrates our student achievements beyond the school….. we have created a new form to enable students and parents to let us know of these wonderful accomplishments so we can share with the wider ABHS community. (This form will also be accessible on the Frog Parent and Student portals shortly)
The Addams Family - A New Musical, performed by ABHS
The ABHS Musical team are delighted to bring you an exciting update regarding the progress of the inaugural ABHS production of The Addams Family – A New Musical!
Over 100 students across all year levels, supported by a team of 6 dedicated staff, have been working tirelessly across on-stage, lighting, sound, costumes, makeup, set and props to create an experience that will bring you into the quirky world of this eccentric family.
Rehearsals have been in full swing each Wednesday and it is inspiring to witness the talent, enthusiasm and commitment of the students. The cast has been perfecting their performances, bringing each character to life with their own unique flair. From the eccentric Gomez and Morticia to the quirky Wednesday and Pugsley, every member of the Addams family is getting ready to charm you on stage.
The production team has been hard at work designing the sets and creating an atmosphere that captures the essence of the Addams family. Their attention to detail is impressive, as they have crafted an eerie yet enchanting world.
The costumes are equally remarkable, with each character’s wardrobe reflecting their personality and style including entire Addams Family Tree!
The technical team has been working tirelessly throughout rehearsals, diligently honing their skills and have been collaborating closely with other production teams to create a cohesive vision for the show…. they have been working closely with the costume team to ensure that the lighting enhances the distinct personalities of each family member and also collaborating with the set design team to create a seamless integration of lighting and scenery.
The Musical Team have had the good fortune to be able to bring in expert talents such as Tony Knight (a current ABHS regular relief teacher) and Sonja Cavlov (current ABHS teacher). Tony has taught drama and musical theatre for NIDA – National Institute for Dramatic Art and he ran a fantastic characterisation workshop with the actors earlier in the term. Sonja has immense experience in Latin dance and has been integral to the choreography of the production.
With continued hard work and dedication, this production will showcase the exceptional talent of ABHS students and the collaborative spirit of the entire production team.
Performances are on Friday, 28 July and Saturday, 29 July at the Norwood Concert Hall – tickets will be available to purchase later in June with further details to come via Facebook and EdSmart Broadcasts to families.
We look forward to seeing you at the inaugural ABHS Musical in Term 3!
James Almond
Arts Leader – on behalf of the Musical Team
Notices
