July 4, 2024 | updates
Term 2: Update 2
Adelaide Botanic High School students engage in learning tasks which are about connecting, creating, communicating, co-ordinating and collaborating.
July 4, 2024
Table of contents
- Update From The Principal
- Upcoming Dates - Term 3
- Semester 2 looks a little different
- Wellbeing Expo
- SATAC Information Session
- Inspiring Futures: Academy for Enterprising Girls Careers Workshop
- Yr11 Outdoor Education Kayaking Camp
- Year 12 "Smart & Savvy" Sex Education Workshop
- Yr11-12 Legal Studies - Law Society of South Australia Mock Trial Competition
- Reconciliation Week 2024
- Reading for Pleasure
- SYNERGY Endeavour
- Year 10 Students Excel in Hydrogen Grand Prix Challenge
- Sustainable futures - Fuelling the Future
- Virtual War Memorial of Australia
- Tertiary Studies and Careers Expo
- Year 7 Forktree Project
- Super Kicker Dhairya!
- Shining Talents: Silversmithing
- Yr11 Nutrition - Pickling Workshop
- Institute of Photonics and Advanced Sensing at the University of Adelaide
- Year 9-10 Knockout Volleyball
- Year 7-8 Girls Knockout Basketball
- Mountain Bike Championships
- Open Boys Knockout Football Carnival
- Year 7 Girls Soccer
- Open Boys Knock Out Soccer
- Year 7-8 Boys Knockout Soccer
- Notices
EMBRACING YOUNG PEOPLE’S CURIOSITY
Update from the Principal
As I write this Update introduction, I find myself reflecting on the special journey we have shared since the inception of Adelaide Botanic High School. It has been a once-in-a-lifetime dream opportunity to start a school and such a privilege to actually do it as the foundation Principal. It has been a wild and full-on journey, but I feel so much pride for all that we have accomplished together.
The coming year will bring about a significant change for both myself and our school community. After much consideration and a 65th birthday, I have decided to take Long Service Leave throughout the upcoming year in 2025, followed by my retirement. This decision comes with a mix of emotions, but it is a good time for me to explore what’s next in my life, especially with the school in such a great position for the next leader and custodian to take it forward.
Collectively, we have grown Adelaide Botanic High School into a vibrant and dynamic learning environment that is globally recognised – not only as a leader in innovation of teaching and learning, but also for outstanding student success and achievement. It didn’t take long for this good news to spread, creating an ever-increasing demand by families for ABHS to be their school of first choice. This demand has been the driver for the recently opened expansion that will accommodate an extra 700 students in arguably the most innovative learning spaces available in Australia, f not globally.
One of the most rewarding aspects of my role has been witnessing the growth and success of our students. Each achievement, no matter how small, has been a testament to the dedication and hard work of our teachers, staff, and families. Together, we have created a place where students feel valued, challenged, and inspired to thrive. More importantly, they belong to a school community where they feel connected with a genuine sense of belonging… and we have a lot of fun as well.
As I prepare to step into this new phase of life, my departure is a transition that will open the door for a new leader, providing an opportunity for fresh perspectives and new ideas to blossom within our school.
Soon, we will begin the process of advertising for a new Principal to start in 2025, who will continue to take our school forward with the dedication and passion that have characterised our success. This is an exciting opportunity for someone to bring their vision and leadership to Adelaide Botanic High School, building on the strong foundation we have established. I am confident that our community will continue to thrive under new guidance and continue our already valued tradition of excellence.
But until then, we still have a lot to achieve, and I promise you there is no intention to slow down or back off the accelerator for the second half of this year.
I am so appreciative and thankful for the trust and support you have shown me over the past years. It has been a privilege to lead such a dedicated and passionate community. Although I will be “out of office” in the near future, my heart will always remain with Adelaide Botanic High School.
Thank you for the incredible journey. Here’s to many more years of success and growth for our awesome school.
With gratitude,
Alistair
Upcoming Dates - Term 3
| Monday 22 July WEEK 1 Start of Term 3 | Sunday-Saturday 1-7 Sep WEEK 7 Yr7 Canberra Trip |
| Monday-Saturday 22-27 July WEEK 1 NZ Hukarere Cultural Trip | Monday 9 September WEEK 8 School Closure Day |
| Thursday 8 August WEEK 3 Student Free Day | Thursday 12 September WEEK 8 Student Pathway Conversations - Learning from Home Day |
| Sunday-Saturday 4-10 Aug WEEK 3 Himeji Foundation VP visit | Friday 27 September WEEK 10 Last Day of Term 3 |
| Wednesday 28 August WEEK 6 Subject and Careers Expo - Details to come |
Semester 2 looks a little different
The main change is a 5 minute earlier start in the morning (Mon-Tue-Thu-Fri) for students.
From 22 July (the first day of Term 3, Semester 2), students will need to arrive at school to be on time for their Connect session commencing at 9.20am (previously was 9.25am).
The school doors will now open at 9.05am, providing a 15 minute window for students to put their bag away in their locker, prepare their materials needed for class and be on time at 9.20am ready to start their day in Connect.
This change has come about as a result of the new South Australian School and Preschool Education Staff Enterprise Agreement 2024.
The Enterprise Agreement requires schools to provide teachers with a minimum of 40 minute blocks for non-instruction time (NIT). Up until now, ABHS Connect sessions have run for 30 minutes, and so were included as NIT for teachers who were not allocated to a Connect session.
As part of the amended timetable structure for Semester 2, other school times within the day have been adjusted to accommodate this requirement. The amended timetable structure for Semester 2 has the least impact on student learning, staffing requirements and school budgetary constraints.
A motion to change the start time for students in Semester 2 from 9.25am to 9.20am was unanimously passed at the ABHS Governing Council meeting held on Monday, 1 July.
Please see below the new timetable structure and consider any tweaks to transport timing for Day 1 of next term.
Donna Mason
Assistant Principal, Conditions for Innovation, People & Culture
Wellbeing Expo
The Wellbeing Staff Team had the pleasure to work with the ABHS Student Wellbeing Team to run a Wellbeing Expo during Break for the whole school. This is an event that is envisioned will grow over time to support normalising prioritising wellbeing.
The benefits of wellbeing and running a Wellbeing Expo consist of the following:
- Providing resources and tools, self care practices and role models to enhance students wellbeing.
- Promotes positive behaviour, conflict resolution and a supportive environment with a sense of community reducing bullying and disciplinary issues, developing empathy and communication skills and recognising and promoting good citizenship.
- Enhances stress reduction, mental health and engagement by providing techniques to manage stress, improve concentration and performance and make learning enjoyable.
- Encourages positive school culture, strong positive relationships and student voice enhancing a sense of belonging and an inclusive and supportive environment.
- Builds lifelong skills, community bonds, civic engagement and national wellbeing inspiring our students to contribute positively to society.
Wellbeing can significantly enhance students’ motivation, behaviour, academic performance, and overall satisfaction, while promoting broader community and national wellbeing. Thank you to the amazing Student Wellbeing Team for all of the planning, commitment, effort and hard work they put into running the event.
Nina Tanner
Wellbeing Leader
SATAC Information Session
As part of Year 12 transition planning, Year 12 students will be attending an information session with SATAC officers about how to apply for TAFE and University. The session is scheduled to occur at ABHS on Friday, 9 August at 10:00am. This is important information for any student considering applying for TAFE or University in South Australia in 2025 or beyond and all Year 12 students are encouraged to attend to consider their options for 2025.
This event is the first of a number of sessions about transitioning out of school, all future events will be posted on the events calendar on Frog. More information about SATAC can be found by clicking the button below.
Theo Papazoglov and Rogan Tinsley
Assistant Principals
Inspiring Futures: Academy for Enterprising Girls Careers Workshop
What are your strengths, and how can you leverage your strengths, and those of others, to create a better future?
ABHS were fortunate to host a careers workshop recently, presented by the Academy for Enterprising Girls in collaboration with HEX. The event, designed to empower and inspire our female students, was a resounding success. Over the course of the 90-minute session, students engaged in an array of activities that provided them with invaluable insights into the world of entrepreneurship and future careers.
The workshop commenced with interactive sessions led by industry professionals who shared their personal journeys, highlighting the challenges and triumphs of their careers. Students then reflected on their personal skills and attributes, and how a diversity of approaches can strengthen and enhance team achievements.
The students participated in problem-solving challenges, which encouraged them to think critically and creatively. These activities were aimed at developing their entrepreneurial mindset, a skill set that is increasingly important in our rapidly changing world.
Feedback from the participants was overwhelmingly positive. Students left the workshop feeling inspired and equipped with the knowledge and confidence to pursue their career aspirations. The Academy for Enterprising Girls and HEX have truly provided a platform for our students to dream big and aim high.
Rogan Tinsley
Assistant Principal – Curriculum Innovation and Community Connections
Yr11 Outdoor Education Kayaking Camp
The Year 11 Outdoor Education class embarked on a four-day kayaking expedition to Ral Ral creek and surrounding waterways. This expedition was the second for the semester and was a culmination of the planning and preparation students have been completing in class. The group were blessed with fantastic weather for the duration of the trip, which helped keep spirits high while paddling large distances each day. Many keen fishermen and women made up the group, with multiple European Carp being caught throughout the trip. A highlight of the trip was completing a sunrise paddle on the last morning of camp through a layer of thick fog on the river. The students displayed a great level of self-reliance, leadership, collaboration and teamwork while on camp, which are skills that will benefit them moving forward in life. The students should be proud of their efforts across the week.
Lachie Christie
Lifestyle Choices Teacher
Year 12 "Smart & Savvy" Sex Education Workshop
Year 12 students recently took a refreshing pause from their academic pursuits to engage in a pivotal “Safe and Savvy” sex education and right and responsibilities workshop.
The event, set in a supportive environment, allowed students to explore and discuss vital topics with their peers, stepping away from the pressures of schoolwork.
The workshop was thoughtfully structured with small group activities, enabling open and honest dialogue. Students tackled the complexities of healthy versus unhealthy relationships, the psychological intricacies of peer pressure, and the digital age dilemma of sexting.
These discussions aimed to empower students with the knowledge and tools to navigate their social and digital interactions with confidence and care.
A segment of the day was devoted to understanding endometriosis, bringing attention to a condition often overlooked yet widely impactful.
The students also confronted the realities of sexually transmitted diseases, learning about prevention, the significance of regular testing, and available treatments.
This comprehensive approach ensured that students left with a well-rounded understanding of sexual health and personal safety.
Amidst the educational sessions, the students enjoyed a welcome break, bonding over a delicious burger lunch. This relaxed atmosphere allowed for a moment of leisure, where students could reflect on the day’s topics and enjoy the camaraderie of their peers.
The “Safe and Savvy” workshop exemplified our school’s dedication to holistic education. By addressing these critical life issues, our students are better prepared to face the world. The positive reception of the workshop highlighted its success, proving that when it comes to education, the well-being of our students is just as important as their academic achievements.
Rhiannon Meuris-Palfrey, Ash Whan and Hannah Darling
Student Achievement and Success Team – Senior Years
Yr11-12 Legal Studies - Law Society of South Australia Mock Trial Competition
Two teams of Year 11 and 12 ABHS students have been passionately representing the school in the Law Society of South Australia Mock Trial Competition this year. In the competition, students work in teams and compete against other schools in a mock civil or criminal trial, acting at the barristers, solicitors, witnesses and court staff. ABHS 2 (pictured) has made it through to the semi-finals with a stunning victory over St Peters Boys in the last round. Congratulations to both teams!
Heath McCallum and Matilde Wiese
Global Perspectives Teachers
Reconciliation Week 2024
During Connect, students have been learning about what Reconciliation Week is and why it is acknowledged. This has included Sorry Day and the importance this had on reconciliation in Australia for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Students also looked at the importance of relationship with land for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through learning about “sense of place”.
Students experienced cultural connections by hearing Uncle Moogy’s perspective and watching traditional dances in Studio One. Years 7 – 10 also took turns playing Kabi Kabi Buroinjin, a traditional game of some Aboriginal groups in south Queensland.
Additionally, a group of 9 ABHS Aboriginal students participated in a Morning Tea with Jack Buckskin at the Cove Civic Centre. Jack Buckskin performed a traditional Welcome to Country, played the didgeridoo and spoke about his experiences growing up as an Aboriginal man in South Australia.
Students were asked to capture what they learned from Reconciliation Week by designing their own poster represented and promoted Reconciliation Week. A big congratulations to competition winner Selby!
Amy Gray
Aboriginal Education Teacher
Reading for Pleasure
Reading offers a wealth of benefits to young adolescents. As highlighted in a recent report from the Grattan Institute, engaging in reading for pleasure enhances self-esteem, reduces loneliness, increases empathy, promotes a healthier lifestyle and improved educational attainment. Beyond these benefits, reading fosters creativity and imagination, opens up new worlds and perspectives, and encourages critical thinking. It can provide comfort and relaxation, serving as an escape from daily stresses. Regular reading engagement is associated with promising future employment opportunities, demonstrating that the power of reading extends far beyond literacy skills.
Researchers from Deakin University examined the factors influencing teen reading habits. They found that parents and caregivers who model reading behaviours at home, along with peer influence, positively impact young people’s engagement with reading.
However, the reports also highlight a concern: 29% of Australian school students do not engage with reading in their leisure time, thereby missing out on its benefits.
Australia Reads has published seven research-backed recommendations for engaging teens in reading for pleasure. Amongst these, it states that teens who see adults in their household reading are more likely to read themselves and do so more frequently. The reports indicate that teens who read regularly often have parents who are also frequent readers. On the other hand, teens who read less believe their parents also read less. The presence of books in the home during adolescence directly positively impacts literacy, numeracy, and information and communications technology skills.
In conclusion, the power of reading extends far beyond literacy skills. It contributes to personal growth, academic success, and overall well-being, making it a key component of a brighter future for our adolescents.
Rebecca Weber
Global Perspectives Leader
SYNERGY Endeavour
ABHS Endeavour SYNERGY students have had an exciting year so far! The focus of their Term 2 Studio has been to develop critical thinking and ethical understanding, as well as strengthen connections with one another. Students have spent their sessions honing their teamwork and problem-solving skills in a range of collaborative hands-on challenges such as an outdoor maze and LEGO building. Thought provoking ‘Would You Rather’ scenarios have led to the establishment of team norms before students participated in the ‘Unboxing Leadership’ activity to form portfolio project groups that will continue into Term 3 and 4. These future changemakers are not just learning to lead, they also continue to lead the way in learning, and we are so fortunate to be working alongside them.
Eden McEwen, Peter Bouzalas, and Julia Groutsch
SYNERGY Mentors
Year 10 Students Excel in Hydrogen Grand Prix Challenge
Adelaide Botanic High School’s Year 10 ‘Engineered for the Future’ class showcased their innovative spirit and engineering prowess in the recent Horizon Education Hydrogen Grand Prix (H2GP), a rigorous four-hour endurance race that tests the limits of energy-efficient vehicle design.
Teams started working on their cars at the beginning of the year, received mentoring from Research Scientist, Mandar Risbud, from the CSIRO as part of the industry-connected program.
Three teams from our school took on the challenge, each composed of students embracing critical roles such as Team Captain, Mechanical Engineer, Electrical Engineer, Spotter, and Pit Crew. Their mission: to collaboratively redesign a stock car, optimising its weight for enhanced performance while strategically managing their hydrogen and battery resources to endure the race’s duration.
The stakes were high as teams had to balance speed with energy conservation. Teams were not able to recharge batteries or hydrogen during the race, forcing them to respond to any issues during the race, aiming to complete as many laps as possible. Two of the ABHS teams learned a tough but valuable lesson when they ran out of energy just minutes before the finish line.
Unfortunately, the fast pace at the start of the race saw a number of teams succumb to running out of hydrogen and battery charge. Despite this, ABHS students displayed remarkable ingenuity and teamwork.
This event was more than a race; it was a practical learning experience that brought classroom theories to life. It taught students the importance of sustainable energy use, strategic planning, and the power of teamwork.
Well done to these Year 10 students for their hard work and dedication!
Sustainable futures - Fuelling the Future
Students from Health-STEM pathways, Synergy and Year 11 and 12 Chemistry came together on a Wednesday morning to hear a lecture presented by Professor Greg Metha from the University of Adelaide. Greg shared his research and pathway to a sustainable future and his collaboration with key research groups across the globe in the strive to create hydrogen gas in a green and economically viable process. This hydrogen is proposed to be a significant part of a future hydrogen economy where materials, such as fertilisers, and fuels can be produced in sustainable ways eliminating some of our reliance on fossil fuels. Greg and his team are using nanocatalysts materials to split water to hydrogen and oxygen using the power of the sun. Greg shared his trajectory in science to the become the Head of Chemistry as Adelaide and his current shift to a more commercial aspirations as the technology moves from research to piloting with CSIRO. It was inspiring for students to see how STEM pathways can lead to real-world problem solving for the planet that occurs less than 100m across Frome Road. We were very grateful for Greg’s time to share this cutting-edge research with us.
Glen Arthur
STEM Teacher & Health-STEM Pathways Manager
Virtual War Memorial of Australia
Since its inception, ABHS has partnered with the Virtual War Memorial of Australia to participate in the Serviceperson Profile and Biography Research Task. For this task, every single Year 9 student is given an Australian WWI serviceperson to research and investigate. Using a wide variety of handwritten and digital sources, students uncover a wealth of material that is then uploaded to the VWMA profile of that serviceperson. Over 400,000 men enlisted for WWI, and over half of those men were either wounded, taken prisoner, suffered a serious illness or died, many of whose final resting places we can only guess. Many of the men who returned to Australia were so scarred and traumatised by what they had seen and told their families little or nothing about the horrors of war, leaving their experiences a mystery for future generations. ABHS students don’t just complete a school research assignment; they actively contribute to important historical research and, hopefully, provide closure for families desperately searching for information about their loved ones.
Two ABHS students, Sophie N and Bastian G, had their soldier profiles selected for the VWMA Excellence Awards, which were held at the Drill Hall at the Torrens Parade Ground. Given that there were hundreds of soldier profiles completed by students all around the state, Sophie and Bastian should feel very proud of their efforts (You can read their profiles at the links below). In addition to our student award winners, the Year 9 Global Perspectives Teaching Team was also honoured at the award ceremony with the Teaching Team Excellence Award, recognising their hard work and dedication. Sophie, Bastian and Year 9 staff all received an award and certificate, presented by Blair Boyer MP, Minister for Education, Training and Skills.
Many thanks to Jean Rogers and Bec Weber for their support of this program and for allowing ABHS staff and students to be actively involved in the VWMA Schools Program.
Sophie N: Biography for SHEPLEY, James McGregor
Bastian G: Biography for HORNER, Ernest George
Nick O’Connell
Global Perspectives Teacher
Tertiary Studies and Careers Expo
Over 200 students had the opportunity to explore a range of future pathways at the Tertiary Studies and Careers Expo. Students from Year 10 and 11 received information and advice from local and interstate universities, SATAC, TafeSA and wide range of training organisations and employers. This will be invaluable in the lead up to subject selections for SACE and Learning Pathways Conferences in Term 3.
For those who missed out, or want more information on university courses, the University of Adelaide, Flinders University and UniSA all have open days in early August. Please check their websites for more information.
Save the date! ABHS will host a Subject and Careers Expo on Wednesday evening of Term 3 Week 6 (28 August). Please look out for more information next term.
Rogan Tinsley
Assistant Principal: Curriculum Innovation and Community Connections
Year 7 Forktree Project
The Forktree Project is a registered charity whose goal is to return a degraded 133-acre former pastoral property in South Australia’s Fleurieu Peninsula back to nature. This involves re-establishing tens of thousands of native trees and shrubs on the property, which will in turn bring back native animals, insects and birds as well as sequester tens of thousands of tonnes of carbon. The Year 7s have been exploring biodiversity in STEM and water sources and management in Global Perspectives in Term 2 and with this in mind, The Forktree Project team welcomed over 270 students over four days to guide them in understanding how water was being used and managed to support biodiversity at the nursery. In their exploration, they were noting how saplings were categorised and organised into areas as well as assessing water usage and brainstormed ways The Forktree Project could recycle the precious water that is used to water and sustain thousands of new plants. When not investigating water management in the nursery, students learned about the impact of humans on the environment through biodiversity loss and soil degradation, and how important it is to work together to restore what were once pastural plains into a biodiverse ecosystem as a solution to Climate Change. We know that ABHS students were thinking of this as they planted hundreds of native species during the excursions, doing their part to boost biodiversity in the area. A huge “Thank You” to Liz, Tim, and the entire Forktree Project team for allowing our ABHS students the privilege of making a valuable contribution against Climate Change by understanding the relationship between water, biodiversity, and our collective actions.
Kat Stewart
STEM Teacher
DNA Achievements Beyond the school
This section celebrates our student achievements beyond the school. If you know of someone achieving beyond ABHS, please tell us about it! You can submit your story below. This form is also accessible on the Frog Parent and Student portals.
Submit your storySuper Kicker Dhairya!
DNA Achievements Beyond the school
I started karate at one of the youngest age, my dojo (karate training place) had ever seen. Me being five years old was certainly an uphill battle with seniors aging from 11-25. I also had a problem with not listening to my sensei (instructor), I would always embarrass myself my stumbling or failing to do a certain kick. For example, a straight leg kick would turn into a hooked kick. This certainly made me unable to grade up to the next belt, yellow belt for 2 years! That is 8 grading opportunities gone and the grading from white belt to yellow belt is the easiest by the way my other peers completed the first grading in a term or so.
Me lacking listening skills, was not only the problem, I also got bullied a lot by seniors and received the nickname, “Princess Dhairya”, a name certainly not strong while others got names like, “The Flying Kicker”. One day I got a serious brain wave, and from that day on, I never missed a kick or a punch and accelerated through 4 belts in a year. I would grade every grading, from white belt to yellow belt to orange belt to green belt to purple belt. I did so well, my peers got so frustrated as there no longer was, “Princess Dhairya”, there was the “Super Kicker”. A nickname I got from my sensei during a match because of my high kicks against a senior who was twice my height!
Every year there was trophy given to the most improved and best performing junior karate student in the state, and I always had the dream of receiving this prestigious award. Me and my junior peers were so excited when Sensei had shown us that the trophy had come to our dojo. We were listening patiently for the winner to get announced and there it was a large golden karate student engraved in gold! And my name got announced, I was staggered. I had received the award from a year’s long of hard work. The trophy had my name engraved on it along with the year 2020 engraved on it. I keep that trophy still as an inspiration to go higher in the world of karate. The End.
Dhairya P
Year 7
Shining Talents: Silversmithing
Middle years students have been busy learning new skills and creating pieces of jewellery in the Silversmithing and Silversmithing Next Level Studios. In the introductory Silversmithing Studio, students have learnt the basic skills of texturing, sawing, filing, and polishing metal to create letter pendants and soldered ring bands. Meanwhile, the Silversmithing Next Level Studio students have built on their foundational knowledge to learn forming and sweat soldering to produce textured open wrap rings and sweat soldered pendants. Silversmithing Studios lead to students being able to select Silversmithing as a subject in Years 10, 11 and 12 where the students choose the skills they would like to develop.
Julia Groutsch
STEM Teacher
Yr11 Nutrition - Pickling Workshop
In Stage 1 Nutrition, students are learning about food preservation techniques, one of them being pickling and canning vegetables. Students participated in a pickling workshop run by the owners of the cafe My Grandma Ben, Taylor and Jessie. Students chose their vegetables, cut them into unique shapes and then chose their accompanying spice mix. Taylor and Jessie then added their pickling liquid to the jars and showed the students how they seal them using a canning process. Students had a great time and left with a jar full of pickles and a face full of smiles.
Sylvia Charalambous
STEM Teacher
Institute of Photonics and Advanced Sensing at the University of Adelaide
Health-STEM Pathways (HSP) students from across Years 10-12 recently had the opportunity to participate in an excursion to the Institute of Photonics and Advanced Sensing at the University of Adelaide. IPAS is a dedicated research institute supporting researchers and post graduate students to pursue world-leading research in all areas of STEM. Students were exposed to biological, medical, geological, physics and chemistry applications that rely on the interactions between light and materials. They were also shown advanced manufacturing for 3D titanium printing and optic fibre glass extrusion for their own construction of sensor technology. Dr Chris Perrella and Dr Ben Sparkes enabled group of students to explore four different areas of research ranging from environmental fluorescence used to age minerals to holography from molecules to identify counterfeit whiskies directly from the bottle. IPAS opened its doors and literally stopped research to embrace our students and their questions. Many questions unpacked the trajectories and life choices that led to studies and research at this level. A fantastic experience for our senior students and teachers. Thanks to Maylin and Kylie for their attendance and support. The opportunity does not stop there as Chris and Ben will be working with the 7-9 HSP students this year in later terms, building and testing laser radios (communication devices that can send music via laser) and some fun practicals involving jelly for the near future. It was eye opening to see what happens in our precinct and how connected we are to world leading research!
Glen Arthur
StEM Teacher & Health-STEM Pathways Manager
Year 9-10 Knockout Volleyball
ABHS Year 9-10 volleyball teams demonstrated commendable skill and sportsmanship at the recent Knockout competition. Despite not having the opportunity for training sessions prior to the event, both our girls’ and boys’ teams performed admirably, embodying the school’s values with their unwavering determination and respectful conduct. Throughout the day, our students showed exceptional school spirit and a never-give-up attitude. Their efforts were a true reflection of our school’s commitment to excellence and community, both on and off the court. While neither team will advance to the finals this year, they certainly made us proud with their display of good sportsmanship towards other teams and coaches. I would like to extend a special thank you to our dedicated coaches, Toby E. and Kieley C., for their guidance and support. Their contribution was invaluable in helping our teams perform their best. Additionally, our gratitude goes to Jackson and Long for their excellent umpiring, which helped ensure the games ran smoothly. It was a day filled with fun, competition, and friendship. Everyone who participated enjoyed playing volleyball and spending a day out with their peers. This event was not just about playing a sport; it was about building memories and strengthening our school community. Congratulations to all our players for their efforts, and thank you to everyone involved for making the day a success.
Jackson S
Year 9
Year 7-8 Girls Knockout Basketball
The Year 7-8 ABHS girls basketball team recently showcased their talent and resilience in two challenging matches against Roma Mitchell and Woodville High School. In an exciting game against Roma Mitchell, the ABHS girls team demonstrated exceptional skill and teamwork, securing a hard-fought victory with a final score of 49-43. The game was intense from start to finish, with both teams displaying remarkable competitiveness and sportsmanship. In contrast, the game against Woodville High School presented a different set of challenges. The Woodville team was notably larger and more experienced, which tested our girls both physically and mentally. Despite giving their best effort and displaying commendable teamwork, the ABHS team faced a tough opponent and ultimately fell behind by a significant margin. This match provided a valuable learning experience for our players. They faced adversity head-on and gained insights into areas where they can improve. The girls learned that size and experience are important factors in the game of basketball but with continued dedication, training, and teamwork, they can overcome these challenges in the future. ABHS are proud of the Year 7-8 girls basketball team for their hard work and determination in both matches. They have shown great potential and resilience. We look forward to seeing their continued growth and success in the upcoming years for Knockout Sports.
Jack Ward
Lifestyle Choices Teacher
Mountain Bike Championships
It was a standout day for mountain biking at Sturt Gorge, with one of the largest events in the Southern Hemisphere taking place. ABHS was represented by four teams, each showing great effort and determination. The boys all did an incredible job. The Yr7-8 boys’ team came in 37th out of 80 teams, a solid performance in a big field. The Yr9-10 boys’ teams also showed strong skills, finishing 35th and 44th out of 65 teams. The ABHS Yr11-12 boys’ team made the school proud by placing 26th. A big thank you to all the parents who supported on the day. Their cheers and encouragement meant a lot to the teams. ABHS are looking forward to seeing more students participate in next years challenge!
Sam Ball
Lifestyle Choices Teacher
Open Boys Knockout Football Carnival
Students travelled to the Flinders Park Football Club to compete in round 1 of the open boys knockout football carnival. Game 1 of the day saw ABHS take on a fast-starting Nazareth College side. The boys played some great football in the second half of the game, however could not overcome the speed and fast ball movement of the opposition. Special mentions to Tom B, Hugo R, Ben N and Mohammed K who played exceptionally well and showed great determination throughout the game. ABHS had to back up in game 2 against a very strong Marryatville team. This game proved to be a challenge against the eventual winners of the day. Despite their best efforts, ABHS suffered a convincing defeat at the hands of the formidable Marryatville team. Standout players for game two included Ben N, Ethan M, Jesse M and Tom B. While the outcome may not have been in ABHS’s favour, the perseverance and determination displayed by the whole team was great to witness. The boys should be proud for the way that they kept persisting and supporting each other throughout the day.
Lachie Christie
Lifestyle Choices Teacher
Year 7 Girls Soccer
The ABHS Year 7 girls soccer team showcased their resilience and team spirit in their recent matches against Brighton and Sacred Heart College, playing at Sacred Heart College on 11 June. Despite facing tough opponents, the ABHS team played with determination and heart. In the match against Brighton, the ABHS team faced a well-drilled opposition, missing out on a win. This loss didn’t reflect the enthusiasm and comradery shown, however, as the girls rallied together show on the day to support each other against the odds. The ABHS girls displayed commendable sportsmanship and teamwork, particularly from Zia O, Scarlett H, and Asthra R in goals. Following the match with Brighton, the team went on to play against Sacred Heart College. The Sacred Heart team, known for their strong soccer program, won the game. Once again, the ABHS team did not let the score dampen their spirits. They played with unwavering enthusiasm and demonstrated significant improvements throughout the game.
Amy Waters
Global Perspectives Teacher and Soccer Coach
Open Boys Knock Out Soccer
ABHS’s Opens Boys travelled to Underdale High School to compete in the Statewide Schools Competition for Soccer. Through some tough competition, the boys put up a valiant effort against Underdale, down only 3-0 with 10 minutes to go, before an injury unfortunately delayed the game. A tremendous shout-out to the players who demonstrated incredible ABHS values during the day through their relentless effort, participation, and positive behaviour. ABHS will be looking forward to having these students represent the school for their remaining high school years.
Peter Bouzalas
Lifestyle Choices Teacher
Year 7-8 Boys Knockout Soccer
After three trials with over 70 students trialling, the Year 7-8 ABHS boys stepped onto the pitch for the first round of the State Knock Out Competition, facing off against Sacred Heart and Brighton High School. The general pre-match consensus was that these would be challenging matches, and that’s exactly what the boys encountered! The Brighton team proved to be a physical, skillful, and well structured opponent, but ABHS matched them stride for stride throughout the game. Despite creating several opportunities, the boys were unable to convert their chances, and the game ended 4-1 in favour of Brighton. In their second game, ABHS took an early 2-0 lead against Sacred Heart. However, complacency set in, allowing Sacred Heart to mount a comeback and secure a 4-2 victory. The boys learned valuable lessons from the day, competing against some of the best players in their age group. ABHS are incredibly proud of the effort and determination shown by the team. Students will continue to be encouraged to attend trainings and to keep building their skills and teamwork as they progress through the years of competing in Knockout Sports.
Jack Ward
Lifestyle Choices Teacher
Notices
