June 9, 2026 | 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, 2026

Updates
Archive

EMBRACING YOUNG PEOPLE’S CURIOSITY

Update from the Principal

As we move into the last few weeks of Term 2, I have found myself reflecting on the nature of learning and growth, not only as a principal, but also as a parent. One of the hardest things to do when we care deeply about young people is to watch them struggle. Our instinct is often to step in, smooth the path, solve the problem or reduce the discomfort. Yet some of the most important learning in life happens precisely in those moments where things feel difficult, uncertain or effortful.

Real learning asks young people to grapple with ideas, make mistakes, persist through challenge and build new understanding over time. Neuroscience tells us that creating new neural pathways and connections requires effort. In other words, learning should sometimes feel hard. Productive struggle is not a sign that something is wrong. Often, it is a sign that meaningful learning is taking place.

As an Leadership Team, we have been doing significant work behind the scenes to think deeply about the journey our students experience from Year 7 to Year 12 at Adelaide Botanic High School. We are exploring how we create a coherent and intentional learning journey that not only supports academic success, but also helps young people develop purpose, resilience, curiosity and the dispositions they will need to thrive beyond school.

This means we must ensure there are opportunities for students to do hard things.

Whether it is speaking publicly, collaborating with others, tackling complex problems, performing on stage, competing in sport, leading initiatives, asking thoughtful questions or persisting through difficult learning, growth rarely happens inside comfort zones. Across this newsletter you will see examples of students engaging in exactly this kind of challenge, from Generations in Jazz, our upcoming WinterFEST and sporting events, through to learning conversations, leadership opportunities and our Careers Expo.

One of the highlights of the term was the opportunity for a group of our students to meet Dame Jacinda Ardern during her recent visit to Adelaide Botanic High School. What struck me most was not simply the excitement of meeting a former Prime Minister, but the depth, courage and care shown by our students as they asked thoughtful questions about leadership, empathy, courage and creating change in the world. It reinforced something I believe deeply: our young people care about the future they are stepping into, and they want to contribute meaningfully to it.

Our role as educators and parents is not to remove every obstacle from their path, but to help them develop the confidence and capability to navigate challenge when it comes.

When your child is finding learning difficult, one of the most powerful things we can do is normalise the struggle. Instead of asking “Did you get it right?”, perhaps we ask “What did you learn?”, “What strategy did you try?”, or “What will you do differently next time?”. We can help young people understand that effort, persistence and responsibility matter just as much as outcomes.

The world our students are entering will require ethical thinkers, resilient learners and courageous citizens who are willing to engage with complexity and care deeply about others. Success will not come from avoiding challenge, but from learning how to move through it with confidence, support and purpose.

Thank you, as always, for the partnership we share in supporting our young people as they grow into the leaders our future will need.

Sarah on behalf of our whole team

Upcoming Dates - Term 2

Monday 8 June WEEK 7 Kings Birthday Public Holiday	Monday 22 June WEEK 9 Governing Council
Tuesday 16 June WEEK 8 Big Freeze @ ABHS Fundraiser	Mon 29 June - Fri 3 July WEEK 10 Yr11 Exams
Friday 19 June WEEK 8 Winterfest	Friday 3 July WEEK 10 Last Day Term 2

Upcoming Dates - Term 3

Monday 20 July WEEK 1 First Day Term 3	Mon 27 July - Sat 1 Aug WEEK 2 Hukarere Cultural Trip
Thursday 23 July WEEK 1 Yr10 Student Immunisation Visit 2	Thursday 30 July WEEK 2 Stage 1 Reports Sent Home
Mon 20 July - Sat 1 Aug WEEK 1-2 Ushiku High School Study Tour	Fri 31 July - Sat 1 August WEEK 2 Balaklava Eisteddford

Dame Jacinda Ardern Visit

It is not every day you welcome a global leader whose legacy is defined by empathy, action and hope. Earlier this term Adelaide Botanic High School had the extraordinary honour of hosting Dame Jacinda Ardern, former Prime Minister of New Zealand and a true advocate for kindness in leadership.

Dame Jacinda became the world’s youngest female head of government when elected Prime Minister in 2017. Internationally, she is recognised for her calm and compassionate leadership during times of crisis, including guiding New Zealand through the Christchurch mosque attacks and the COVID-19 pandemic. Her commitment to inclusion, social justice and wellbeing has inspired people around the world and resonates strongly with our school values.

During a Q&A with students, Dame Jacinda shared personal insights on leading with purpose and resilience. She reflected on her journey as a leader and spoke about the importance of empathy in creating meaningful change. Dame Jacinda encouraged students to stay true to their values, and reminded us to never underestimate the power of empathy and kindness.

Our students came prepared with thoughtful and challenging questions. They inquired about balancing personal beliefs with leadership responsibilities, supporting others through crisis and how young people can shape their communities even before stepping formally into leadership roles. Their confidence, curiosity and genuine care were evident and made the conversation especially powerful.

It is not every day that a school conversation stays with you long after it ends. Dame Jacinda’s visit prompted all of us to consider the kind of leaders we hope to become and how we might contribute to a kinder, fairer world.

“Getting the chance to meet Dame Jacinda Ardern was awe inspiring, her willingness to answer every question asked, and her empathy for others made a lasting impression on me. Seeing her confidence in our generation to step up and make a positive change in the world. Made me feel motivated about the future.” – Angus RS Year 11

“I felt privileged to be able to share a piece of Aboriginal culture with Jacinda alongside the other Culture Ambassadors. It was an amazing experience to have Blake teach Jacinda how to speak a sentence of the Kaurna peoples traditional language.” – Jaylah C Year 12

MOD Futures Forum

Adelaide Botanic High School was invited to be part of the MOD Futures Forum, where young people from all over South Australia met at MOD Museum to discuss all the big questions about the world we are creating. Through this, students were able to both share their ideas and understand a wide range of perspectives on what the questions and concerns are that young people have as we move forward. It was a truly thought-provoking day and something we were glad to be a part of.

Elliot Hoskin
Global Perspectives

Stage 2 Chemistry - Adelaide University Analytical Chemistry Laboratories Visit

The two classes of Year 12 Chemistry students recently undertook a precinct excursion across Frome Road to Adelaide University Analytical Chemistry Laboratories to utilise specialist analytical devices normally reserved for third year environmental chemistry students, or for honours or post-doctorate researchers as part of their research. With the support of university technical staff, Andrew Bolan, and Professor Tak Kee, we have been able to curate opportunities for our Stage 2 Chemistry cohort to access the facilities in the precinct.

It was genuinely encouraging to hear that the second, third year, and post graduate chemistry students undertake design investigations through a similar approach that we enact with your students. We intentionally choose to pursue new deconstruct and design investigations every year that draw from the local environment or relate to the students’ lives.

With international concerns around the consumption of energy drinks with elevated caffeine levels for teenagers under 16, we undertook an initial investigation to determine the manufacturers’ claims for many well-known brands that teenagers consume on occasion. We were able to use an advanced, highly sensitive technique called Gas Chromatography to confirm our own experimental findings of elevated caffeine levels.

Our deconstruction of a problem and following design has focussed on water quality around Adelaide through disinfection. We were able to use another device and technique, Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy, to determine water hardness from many samples students collected from their home water supplies. Real-world problems, explored through real-world explorations. This is how we develop the capabilities that our young people need to thrive. We are privileged to have access to such specialised analytical apparatus in our school and in the wider precinct.

Student feedback from the experience:

“Experiencing this specialised technology firsthand was highly impactful; as students, we received an overview of future careers in scientific research and immersive exposure to professional lab environments.”
“The trip to the Johnson Laboratories Analytical Labs, was an insightful experience to see the real-life application of an Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy. It really broadened my understanding of the quality of the Adelaide water system and how chemical methods are used to identify metals in potable water.”
“It was great being able to see the physical embodiment of the theory that we learnt in sessions.”
“This high-level engagement was able to seamlessly integrate classroom theory with real-world analytical chemistry.”
“It was really informative, great opportunity!”

Glen Arthur & Kylie Ellendon
Stage 2 Chemistry Teachers

Host Families Wanted!

We are urgently seeking additional host families for female students participating in the 2026 Ushiku Exchange Program, taking place from 20 July to 1 August 2026.

We extend a warm invitation to our ABHS local community to play a pivotal role in our expanding International Cultural Program for 2026.

Host families will receive financial compensation to help cover the costs of supporting a visiting student during their stay.

Should your family wish to be part of our International Student Exchange Program please click the “REGISTER” button below to complete the registration form.

Your generosity and openness as a homestay host will contribute immeasurably to the success of our program and create unforgettable experiences for both your family and our visiting students.

Thank you for considering this unique opportunity to enrich lives and bridge cultures through the power of hospitality.

If you have any questions, please contact Lisann Brennan by emailing Lisann.Brennan234@schools.sa.edu.au.

Don’t Miss WinterFEST 2026: Tickets Still Available

This term, Adelaide Botanic High School will open its doors after dark for the first WinterFEST—a new evening event that brings together creativity, light, performance, and community across the Arts. WinterFEST is a chance for families to see our school in a different way.

As the evening unfolds, families will be invited to wander through our spaces, discover student exhibitions, listen to live music, experience projections and installations, and come across creative moments in unexpected places. The event brings together work from Drama, Media Arts, Music, and Visual Arts, celebrating the ideas, skills, and creative risks our students have been developing throughout the year.

It also reflects a growing vision for Arts learning at ABHS, where students are increasingly supported to shape, curate, and share their work with real audiences.

The evening will include a range of scheduled experiences, including “Eurydice,” performed by the Senior Drama Ensemble from 7.00pm, as well as performances from our choirs, studio orchestra, percussion ensemble, big band, and rock bands. Some experiences will have limited audience capacity, so families will be asked to select the ticket option that best matches how they would like to experience the night.

And because it is cold and dark, there will also be a chance to warm up along the way, with soup and bread available to purchase on the night.

Families can book tickets through Humanitix using the button below.

Tickets are free, but bookings are essential so we can manage event numbers and capacity for scheduled experiences. When booking, families will be asked to select the ticket option that best matches how they would like to experience WinterFEST.

A live digital event guide, including the event map, performance schedule and key information, will be shared with families closer to the event date and will also be available via QR code on arrival.

We are excited to welcome families into our spaces and share a winter evening of creativity, atmosphere, discovery, and community at WinterFEST 2026.

Book tickets

Learning Conversations

During Weeks 3 & 4 the doors of ABHS were opened up to parents for the Term 2 Learning Conversations. Across the three days more then 950 parents came to hear their young people talk about their progress in learning and the goals they were going to set for themselves to improve. Supported by the Connect teachers, students were able to demonstrate their metacognitive skills in reflection and forward planning.

Parents, students and staff also shared their experiences at high school by adding their favourite teenage song to Cube. The ABHS Term 2 Learning Conversations Playlist can be accessed through the Spotify link below.

Justin Kentish
Assistant Principal

Playlist

ABHS takes to the stage at SADA

Tis the season once again…The South Australian Debating Association (SADA) competition for 2026 has well and truly begun with flare. Week 2 saw the first round of the competition with our Year 7, 8, 9 and Seniors (combined 10, 11, 12) teams charging forward to put forth the best case on the topics of Olympics Infrastructure, Federal Bill of Rights, Public Housing and Facial Recognition Technology. For many debaters, this was the very first time they’ve ever debated in a competitive setting, and being up against some tough competition around town, our ABHS teams managed to pull off three stunning victories in Round 1. Indeed this is an excellent result and one that we invite everyone to join us on congratulating our fabulous and fearless debaters! Round 2 is continuing this week and we look forward to sharing more from our Debating teams in the next update.

Tommy Tian and Ash Hailstone
Global Perspectives

Quantum Science Guest Speaker and Quantum Australia Open Day

As part of the Quantum Australia Conference 2026, our senior physics students were lucky enough to engage with a guest speaker, Jessica Rosenberg (Professor of Physics and Astronomy and the Director of Education for the Quantum Science and Engineering Center at George Mason University) and to attend the Quantum Australia Open Day at the Adelaide Convention Centre.

Jessica Rosenberg shared with our students the many pathways in quantum research and how she began her career as an observational astronomer studying how the gas in and around galaxies fuels star formation and galaxy evolution. Her work in quantum education aims at developing a diverse pipeline of quantum talent for the future.

Students enjoyed the hands-on workshop that explored ideas relating to quantum state, superposition, and measurement.

Our visit to the Quantum Australia Open Day provided students with a wonderful opportunity to hear from a range of guest speakers sharing their professional work and the focus of contemporary research as new technological innovations are rapidly occurring in this space. Students enjoyed engaging with industry partners and seeing the many scientific posters on display from universities around Australia, highlighting the exciting research advances that are currently happening in the Quantum field.

Maylin Evanochko, Aija Mee and Matt Taverna
STEM

Observed Worlds: Botanical Scientists of the Future

Year 9 Visual Arts students have been stepping into the role of artists, researchers, and scientific observers as part of our exciting new inquiry unit, Observed Worlds: Botanical Scientists of the Future. Throughout the project, students have explored the question: Why do humans still need artists to help us understand the natural world?

Using botanical specimens, magnification tools, and observational drawing techniques, students have been investigating how artists communicate information in ways that photography and technology alone cannot. Lessons have focused on slowing down, noticing detail, and documenting the hidden structures, textures, and systems found within natural forms.

Recently, students worked with pomegranates, flowers, and plant specimens using microscopes and magnification equipment to closely examine texture, colour, structure, and pattern. Students translated these observations into detailed field journal investigations, tonal studies, and scientific illustration experiments inspired by historical botanical archives and contemporary scientific illustration practices.

The classroom quickly transformed into a collaborative observation lab, with students moving between sketching, analysing microscopic imagery, and discussing how artists help humans interpret and preserve knowledge about the natural world.

As the unit progresses, students will continue refining their observational drawing and visual communication skills before producing a final Future Field Archive artwork. This culminating task will combine scientific illustration with cyanotype printing processes to create archival-style records of imagined future species.

It has been wonderful to see students engaging with both creative and scientific thinking while developing curiosity, patience, and close observation skills through this highly interdisciplinary project.

Trish Larkin
The Arts

IDAHOBIT at ABHS – Celebrating Inclusion, Respect and Belonging

On May 17, ABHS joined communities around the world in recognising IDAHOBIT – the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia and Transphobia. This important day is dedicated to raising awareness of discrimination experienced by LGBTIQA+ communities and promoting a culture of inclusion, safety, and respect for all. IDAHOBIT is a global day of visibility that encourages schools and communities to reflect on how we can continue building environments where every person feels valued and supported, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.

Understanding LGBTIQA+

The acronym LGBTIQA+ represents the diversity of human identity: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex, Queer/Questioning, Asexual/Aromantic/Agender, and the + symbol, which acknowledges all other identities not specifically listed. Using inclusive language is one way we recognise and respect the wide range of experiences within our community.

Why IDAHOBIT matters

Discrimination and exclusion continue to have significant impacts on individuals within LGBTIQA+ communities. These can include increased experiences of anxiety and stress, feelings of isolation, and barriers to participation in school and community life. For young people in particular, the presence or absence of acceptance can strongly influence wellbeing, confidence, and learning.

By acknowledging IDAHOBIT, schools take an active stand in promoting respect and belonging. It sends a clear message that diversity is valued and that every student and staff member deserves to feel safe, seen, and supported.

ABHS celebrations

This year, ABHS marked IDAHOBIT with a range of activities designed to celebrate inclusion and build connection across our community. Students and staff enjoyed a silent disco, movie screening, and lively music throughout the day. A positive affirmation wall encouraged messages of kindness and encouragement, while rainbow cupcakes, informational displays, and small giveaways added to the atmosphere of celebration. A photobooth provided a fun opportunity to capture moments of joy and togetherness.

These activities not only created a positive and engaging environment, but also reinforced the importance of respect, acceptance, and community spirit.

Why safety and belonging matter

At the heart of IDAHOBIT is a simple but powerful message: every student and staff member deserves to feel safe at school. When people feel safe, they are more likely to engage, learn, contribute, and thrive. A strong sense of belonging supports wellbeing and helps create a school culture where everyone can be their authentic self without fear of discrimination or exclusion.

At ABHS, we remain committed to fostering a community where diversity is embraced and every individual is treated with dignity and respect.

Nina Tanner on behalf of the Wellbeing Team

Nurturing New Shoots: Year 7 Update

The Student Achievement and Success Team recently gathered the Year 7 cohort for a celebration assembly, a wonderful opportunity to reflect on and acknowledge the highlights of our students’ journey so far at Adelaide Botanic High School. The assembly featured vibrant photo collages showcasing memorable events, including DNA Action Days, Splash Out, and Sports Day, capturing the energy and engagement of our new students.

Following their Induction Studios of Curiosity, Community and Excellence, our Year 7s have enthusiastically moved into Studios of their choice. A walk through the school on a Wednesday reveals students busy kneading sourdough, shaping dough into baguettesd, practising essential cooking skills, experimenting with glass fusion, and engaging in many other hands-on experiences.

Our Connect program has continued to play a vital role in supporting relationships and nurturing students’ sense of belonging. Across the term, students have prepared for Learning Pathway conversations, participated in Reconciliation Week activities, and connected with the wider school community through the Synergy mentoring program.

The Year 7 Arts Rotation has reintroduced students to the creative and performing arts, encouraging curiosity, creativity, and self-expression through our “Become Botanic” theme. Over the year, students rotate through Visual Art, Media Arts, Drama, and Music, exploring each discipline, developing new skills, and discovering personal interests within the arts. By the end of Year 7, every student will have experienced a rich variety of creative opportunities.

Currently, in Visual Arts, students are immersed in their “Become Botanic: Seeds of Sight” unit. This unit invites them to explore the school’s environment, build connections within their classes, and express themselves through creativity. Students are developing folios that document their artistic explorations, including drawing, painting, and mixed media. They are creating watercolour and ink artworks inspired by Adelaide Botanic High School, using observational drawing, perspective, and colour theory to communicate ideas about place, community, and belonging.

In Lifestyles, Year 7 students have been actively involved in a variety of engaging units this term, including Cultural Food, Fitness, Festival Games, and Sexual Health and Relationships. These rotating five-week units provide students with valuable opportunities to explore different aspects of health and wellbeing in a practical and interactive way. Students have enjoyed working collaboratively with their peers, building teamwork and communication skills while participating in a range of activities. From getting hands-on in the kitchen and learning about foods from different cultures, to improving their fitness and participating in traditional festival games, students have shown enthusiasm and a willingness to challenge themselves. The Sexual Health and Relationships unit has also encouraged important discussions around respect, wellbeing, and healthy relationships in an age-appropriate and supportive environment.

Across the STEM subjects, Year 7 students have engaged in a range of rich, hands-on experiences. In Science, they have investigated evaporation and distillation within Chemical Science, building practical skills in observation, questioning, and experimentation. Mathematics lessons have focused on core concepts such as fractions, area, volume, and angles, and students recently enjoyed participating in the Potato Olympics—a fun way to explore statistical concepts such as mean, median, and mode while collecting and analysing data. In Technology, students have applied design thinking by constructing rubber band-powered cars and designed boxes in Adobe Illustrator which were then laser cut and assembled into 3D products.

In Global Perspectives students are diving deep into the topic “Chronicles of Time,” which explores ancient civilisations and their legacies. The curriculum focuses on critical aspects such as the development of societies, significant inventions, culture, and systems of governance. Students are investigating how ancient cultures, including Egypt, Rome, and China, have shaped the modern world through their achievements, innovations, and interactions. Activities include research projects, discussions, and creative tasks that enhance understanding of historical sources and the influence of the past on present day society. The unit encourages analytical thinking and appreciation for global history and heritage.

We are also delighted to acknowledge the achievements of our Year 7 students beyond the classroom. Congratulations to Asha F and Ava S, who represented School Sport SA at the School Sport Australia Football (Soccer) 12 years and under girls’ championship in Newcastle, NSW.

Many of our Year 7 students have also taken part in Knockout Sports and the results are impressive:

Year 7/8 Boys Knockout Soccer:

9-0 ABHS vs Woodcroft

5-1 ABHS vs Tatachilla

The team are through to the next round.

Year 7/8 Girls Knockout Basketball:

41-17 ABHS vs Woodville

The girls are through to the finals!

We are incredibly proud of our Year 7 students, their growth, engagement, and achievements are a testament to their enthusiasm and dedication. We look forward to seeing them continue to thrive at ABHS.

Andrea West
Assistant Principal – Middle Years

Upcoming Year 9 Woodhouse Experience

The Year 9 Woodhouse Overnight Experience is coming up in Term 3 on Wednesday, 13 – Thursday, 14 August at Woodhouse Activity Centre! This is a fantastic opportunity for students to step outside the classroom and into a shared experience designed to strengthen connection and growth across the cohort. Over the two days, students will have the chance to build stronger friendships, work together in new environments, and develop key capabilities around Forming Relationships and Demonstrating Perseverance. Beyond the activities themselves, the experience is all about strengthening our Year 9 community, helping students feel a stronger sense of belonging, teamwork, and shared identity as they take on challenges together and support one another along the way.

Keep an eye out for the EdSmart communication coming soon with all the details. We’re really looking forward to getting the cohort out there for what a fantastic experience!

Amelia Redman, Danielle Weatherley & Sam Ball
Middle Years Student Achievement and Success Leaders

Year 8 AFL Max Experience

Our Year 8 students recently had an incredible overnight experience at AFL Max in Week 1, filled with energy, teamwork, and connection. Across the experience, students rotated through a wide range of activities including trampolines, kicking contests, inflatable challenges, team-building games, dodgeball, and other high-energy activities designed to engage, challenge, and bring students together.

Beyond the activities themselves, the experience strongly reflected the development of capabilities, particularly in Forming Relationships and Demonstrating Perseverance. Students were actively encouraged to work in teams, communicate effectively, include others, and show respect for different abilities and ideas. Many also showed persistence when faced with challenging, pushing themselves to stay involved, keep trying, and support their peers.

The camp also showcased our school DNA of Community. It was a valuable opportunity for students to connect beyond their usual classroom groups, strengthen friendships, and build a stronger sense of belonging within the year level. Overall, AFL Max provided a fantastic opportunity for students to bond as a cohort, develop important personal and social capabilities, and enjoy a memorable overnight experience together!

Amelia Redman, Danielle Weatherley & Sam Ball
Middle Years Student Achievement and Success Leaders

A Successful Night of Trivia in Support of the Hukarere Cultural Experience

On the Friday of Week 2, Year 11 students hosted a quiz night to fundraise for the 2026 Hukarere Cultural Trip. The event was a great success, with mini-games such as a hula hoop competition, heads or tails, and coin tosses adding to the entertainment and bringing out everyone’s competitive spirit. Our silent auction was also a major highlight, featuring generous donations including Port Adelaide Football Club guernseys and footballs, wine packs, gift hampers, Foodland vouchers, and photography vouchers. We are incredibly grateful for the support from our donors, as well as everyone who bid so enthusiastically on the night.

Overall, it was a fantastic evening and a valuable experience for the students who worked hard to plan and run the event. The countdown is well and truly on for the Ski Trip early next term!

For our 2027 Year 11 cohort, expressions of interest are now open. If you’re interested, please add your name via the DayMap bulletin post!

Leo T
Yr11 Student

SAASTA Connect Students Shine at North Eastern Nunga Tag

Our SAASTA Connect students proudly represented Adelaide Botanic High School in our first year competing in the North Eastern Nunga Tag event, a wonderful gathering that brought together more than 600 First Nations students from Adelaide and surrounding areas to celebrate culture, community, and the spirit of Rugby League.

The carnival featured a round-robin Nunga Tag tournament, alongside an expo where students could engage with schools, services, and community organisations. The event commenced with a moving Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony delivered by Petiola Wilson, a proud Ngarrindjeri, Kaurna, Narungga, and Tongan man. This significant opening reminded us of the importance of respect, heritage, and connection to Country.

Former NRL and UK Super League player, and current NRL Indigenous Programs Manager, Dean Widders, attended the event alongside Avenues College to help co-host the day. Our team competed in four matches, demonstrating outstanding teamwork, determination, and sportsmanship throughout the day. We are especially proud that event organisers and staff from other schools commented positively on the exemplary conduct of our students, both on and off the field.

Adelaide Botanic High School’s team emerged victorious in three out of four games, showcasing not only their talent on the field but also their positive attitude and collaborative spirit. Participants each received a complimentary shirt and lunch, and as always, took the opportunity to grab some goodies from the expo stalls. Free sunglasses were a major highlight for many students.

We extend a warm thank you to all those who helped organise the event. Congratulations to our SAASTA Connect students for representing our school so proudly and for truly embodying the values of teamwork, respect, and cultural celebration. We look forward to another round of Nunga Tag in 2027.

Nick Kimber
Aboriginal Education Teacher

Generations in Jazz Mount Gambier

What a way to kick off the term! In Week 1, ABHS students travelled to Mount Gambier for the Generations in Jazz festival, the largest gathering of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere, with more than 5,000 students and teachers from across Australia and New Zealand.

Our four ensembles, Big Band, Mixed Combo, Small Jazz Combo, and Vocal Plus, competed, attended workshops, and experienced performances from international artists including the legendary Tower of Power. Mixed Combo and Small Jazz Combo made their festival debut, while Vocal Plus and Big Band delivered their strongest performances yet.

Behind it all were months of before-school, after-school, and lunchtime rehearsals. What our students showed wasn’t just musical talent. It was grit, courage, and discipline.

A huge congratulations to the Big Band for claiming 2nd place among 28 competing bands, and a very special well done to Saanvi and Joakim, who were selected for the Super Band, just 18 spots from a field of over 400 students. An extraordinary achievement.

We are so proud of every student who represented ABHS with such heart and dedication.

Josh Cowley
Music Manager