August 22, 2022 | updates
Term 3: Update 1
Adelaide Botanic High School students engage in learning tasks which are about connecting, creating, communicating, co-ordinating and collaborating.
August 22, 2022
Table of contents
- Update From The Principal
- Lumination Lab launches at ABHS
- Upcoming Dates - Semester 2
- Staff Professional Learning
- Reminder: Parent survey closes Sunday 28 August
- A visit from Flinders University
- Year 11 student wins SA Junior Chess Tournament
- Pedestrian safety during demolition and redevelopment works at Lot Fourteen
- Global Perspectives: Year 8 Market Stalls
- Year 11 Music student debuts musical project
- Fundraising for SA's homeless
- Virtual War Memorial
- South Australian '15 and under' state AFL Competition
- Knockout Sport Results
EMBRACING YOUNG PEOPLE’S CURIOSITY
Update from the Principal
During the late 70s when my teacher replaced the movie projector with a video tape player, I was fascinated with this new technology. It allowed my teacher the flexibility to stop and start the video, rewinding and playing it back so that we could see things missed or get a better understanding of concepts. It allowed content to be recorded and revisited from television at a time that was convenient for learning in class, rather than the time it was shown live.
This technology continued to develop throughout the 80s and 90s but at the same time the introduction of computers in schools was gaining momentum. Computers forever changed the way that learners would access information and engage in learning. Video and television relied on the student, in most cases, being a passive partner in the learning, with the information being pushed out to the learner. Computers changed this dramatically with the learner accessing information by engaging with the device, searching, creating, and viewing. Each learner is able to explore different information and experiences, unlike the single experience that a class would get through viewing a common presentation. I think now, as parents, it’s pretty rare to see our children watching television without also being on their phones, a laptop or some other device exploring content of choice.
Adelaide Botanic High School continues to explore and aspire to be at the forefront of learning technologies so that our students not only engage with the latest technologies but they are also well prepared for what we are seeing emerge in tertiary learning and within their future workplaces.
Virtual reality is one such area and we have recently celebrated the opening of our state-of-the-art virtual reality studio, making it the first of its kind in a CBD school. An enthusiastic team of teachers from all learning areas have already been trained in its use but, more importantly, are exploring how learning can be enhanced through student engagement with virtual reality.
Virtual reality is immersive, but most of all, it requires the learner to be active and engaged rather than sitting back passively.
It’s very powerful when a student can be immersed in an experience of World War 1 and engage with characters, make decisions, and hear the stories of soldiers firsthand before studying war poetry or writing an essay related to a novel from that period. Or to interactively explore the organ systems of the body and virtually dissect a frog without any harm to the animal. These are just two of many examples already in use and the applications are endless.
We are excited about the opportunities this provides as we continue to strive to achieve the best learning experiences possible for our students.
Alistair on behalf of our whole team
Photo 1: Receiving training on the use of the VR Lumination Lab
Photo 2: Staff using the VR technology in the VR Lumination Lab
Lumination Lab launches at ABHS
There is a new and exciting space at Adelaide Botanic High School this year. The school has launched a new VR technology space that will provide an immersive future focused learning experience for our students.
The new VR Lumination space will revolutionise the way that lessons are taught and how students learn at ABHS. Fourteen ABHS staff members, representing all Learning Areas, are currently undergoing training at Lumination’s Thebarton location to become experts in this new VR technology.
On Wednesday 3 August, ABHS’ Lumination team, leadership and Governing Council chair, Craig Harrison, were introduced to the school’s new VR Lumination space. Everyone left excited about all the many possible applications of this new technology and the prospect of introducing it to their students and using it in class.
Over the term, this VR technology will be introduced to each Learning Area so that staff can start thinking about how they can incorporate it into future lessons for students.
Sylvia Saad
STEM Teacher and Lumination Lab Champion
Upcoming Dates - Semester 2
| Wednesday 24 August WEEK 5 (Term 3) Pathways Expo | 28-30 November WEEK 7 (Term 4) Year 11 into Year 12 2023 Transition |
| NEW DATE Friday 9 September (changed from 16/9) WEEK 7 (Term 3) School Closure Day | Wednesday 30 November WEEK 7 (Term 4) Year 11s finish |
| Date TBC WEEK 8 (Term 3) Learning Pathway Conferences | Thursday 1 December WEEK 7 (Term 4) Year 10 last day of lessons |
| Friday 30 September WEEK 10 (Term 3) Last day of Term 3 | Friday 2 December WEEK 7 (Term 4) Student Free Day |
| Monday 17 October WEEK 1 (Term 4) First day Term 4 | 5-7 December WEEK 8 (Term 4) Year 10 into Year 11 2023 Transition |
| Wednesday 2 November WEEK 3 (Term 4) Year 12 Good Luck Breakfast | Wednesday 7 December WEEK 8 (Term 4) Year 10s finish |
| 7-17 November WEEKS 4-5 (Term 4) Stage 2 Exams | Wednesday 7 December WEEK 8 (Term 4) Student Achievement Awards |
| 16-23 November WEEKS 5-6 (Term 4) Stage 1 Exams | 8-9 December WEEK 8 (Term 4) Year 6 into Year 7 2023 Transition |
| Thursday 24 November WEEK 6 (Term 4) Year 12 Graduation Celebration | Friday 16 December WEEK 9 (Term 4) Years 7-9 last day of school (3pm dismissal) |
| Friday 25 November WEEK 6 (Term 4) Year 11 last day of lessons |
Staff Professional Learning
Student Free Days provide opportunity for staff to challenge themselves and experience purposeful professional learning. Inspiration for the design of the Term 3 day came from the Learning Design framework of the school’s Charter, exploring approaches to ‘Deep Skill and Discipline Mastery’ and ‘Future Focused Capabilities’.
ABHS Principal, Alistair, set the scene for staff exploring skills and possible jobs of the future, encouraging staff to build their understanding of the need to keep abreast of students’ potential and opportunities beyond school. A visit to Lot 14 connected staff to the industries and career pathways in emerging technologies.
In the afternoon, teachers participated in planned industry visits, including businesses at Tonsley Innovation Park, Adelaide Microscopy and Cox Architects. Their findings around future industry directions and capabilities, will continue to be shared and help shape thinking around designing learning for our students that will benefit their future pathways.
Donna Mason
Assistant Principal, Innovation in Teaching and Learning, People Development and Culture
Reminder: Parent survey closes Sunday 28 August
Parents of school-aged children have been invited to complete the annual parent survey which closes Sunday 28 August.
Completing the survey will allow Adelaide Botanic High School to understand:
- What the school is doing well
- Where the school can improve
- What is really important to you as a parent.
Parents can find more information at www.education.sa.gov.au/parentsurvey.
If you have any questions or feedback email the Parent Survey team at education.parentsurvey@sa.gov.au.
Complete SurveyA visit from Flinders University
The Year 12 cohort were fortunate to be joined last week by Emily from Flinders University to discover more about the opportunities available for 2023 and beyond.
The Year 12 cohort will be visited by a number of tertiary providers this term as they prepare themselves for the transition to post school life.
The university Open Days which recently took place presented an opportunity for students to get out and experience the different campuses.
Flinders University will be back this week for the ABHS Pathways Expo on the evening of Wednesday 24 August for Year 9-12 students and families. Please click here to make a booking if you have not done so yet.
Ben Dening
Senior Leader Futures Ready Student Pathways
Year 11 student wins SA Junior Chess Tournament
Year 11 student, Max P, recently won the South Australian Junior Chess tournament. He is the official state champion and is soon to have his name inscribed on the memorial leader board at the South Australian Chess Centre.
“Becoming the SA junior chess champion proved one thing to me. No matter your talent, hard work, sacrifice and determination always pays off. Ever since my first Checkmate Studio [at ABHS], meeting other great chess players in the school, and becoming Chess Club President, I’ve been inspired to keep on putting in that hard work. I look forward to representing Adelaide Botanic High School in all things chess!” said Max.
Congratulations, Max, on a well-deserved win!
Photo: Chess tournament at ABHS, 2021
Pedestrian safety during demolition and redevelopment works at Lot Fourteen
The Lot Fourteen Project Team have passed on their thanks for the support and understanding from students with their cooperation for using Frome Road as their main access to the school from North Terrace (rather than through the Lot Fourteen site).
In recent weeks, work fronts at Lot Fourteen have increased and will continue to do so until the end of 2023.
This is a reminder to all students to continue to use Frome Road to access the school from North Terrace and avoid the thoroughfares in Lot Fourteen. There is an increase of heavy vehicles within Lot Fourteen, and the safety of all pedestrians and students around the precinct is paramount.
Students should take care and be extra vigilant at the pedestrian crossing at Gate 9 between Lot Fourteen and ABHS (this is the road between Lot Fourteen and Frome Park, to the south of ABHS). There is increased traffic at this intersection leaving Lot Fourteen and the Wilson Carpark – it is imperative that students only cross when the crossing lights are green.
All works occurring at Lot Fourteen will be of great benefit to ABHS students. They will result in an open and seamless gateway into the neighbourhood, helping to connect ABHS with Lot Fourteen and the East End entertainment precinct, as well as with the nearby university campuses, cultural institutions, and Adelaide Botanic Gardens.
Any queries can be directed to dl.1919.info@schools.sa.edu.au.
Global Perspectives: Year 8 Market Stalls
In Year 8 Global Perspectives, students undertake a unit on business and enterprise and are tasked with creating a stall in a market held in the Atrium.
Before the stalls were to take place, students undertook analysis of the market (the school), considered products appropriate to their target audience (staff and students), created a pitch, organised their wares, produced advertising and then finally sold their goods or services on the day.
The 8D cohort were incredibly focused and produced excellent and convincing pitches and then worked really hard on preparing for the day. Stalls ranged from home-made cosmetics, coffee and hot drinks, carnival games, a photo booth and teaching martial arts.
After all counting was completed, the class made $301.60 profit. Having studied the topic of Homelessness, the students made the decision to donate their profits to the Hutt St Centre.
The students certainly enjoyed the day and there was a palpable buzz in the classroom after the market stalls were finished.
Thank you to all of the staff who contributed to the day, either through lending their expertise or coming down to support the students. It was a great activity where the students learnt a lot!
Sally Ziniak, Benji Kessler, Pei-Chi Wang
Year 8 Global Perspectives Teaching Team
Year 11 Music student debuts musical project
On Friday 5 August Year 11 student, Paul K, debuted his latest musical project, the Paul Komninos Orchestra, to a near sellout audience at the Norwood Live concert hall.
Paul should be commended for his entrepreneurial initiative, as he has developed the concept and financed the formation of this group. This ensemble brings together some of Adelaide’s finest emerging jazz musicians and is a testament to Paul’s engagement with Adelaide’s music community.
The school community looks forward to seeing future performances from this outstanding ensemble.
Josh Cowley
Music Program Manager
Fundraising for SA's homeless
On Wednesday 10 August more than 350 ABHS students and staff walked together to help people experiencing homelessness in SA.
For one of their major assessments in Society and Culture, Year 12 students, Ash, Chloe and Bella, organised a Walk a Mile in my Boots fundraiser at the school.
In an effort to rally the troops and encourage as many people as possible to join they prepared advertisements for the TV screens, a Connect Group presentation, social media posts, emails to staff and a fundraising campaign page on the Hutt St Centre’s Walk a Mile website.
Together, Ash, Chloe and Bella succeeded in attracting more than 350 students and staff for the walk, all of whom contributed to the fundraiser in order to attend. This was in addition to the funds raised via their campaign page.
The walking group met in the Atrium at 8.30am on the Wednesday morning, before embarking on their walk which took them down Frome Road, along the River Torrens and around Botanic Park via Plane Tree Drive. While it was a cool and cloudy morning, the rain mostly held off and everyone was rewarded with a delicious warm breakfast on the Terrace after the walk.
Showing their support for this worthy cause, SA Minister for Human Services, Nat Cooke MP, and Hon Emily Bourke MLC, joined ABHS on the walk.
Thank you to the staff and student volunteers who assisted with the BBQ breakfast.
More than $5300 was raised for the Hutt St Centre. Hutt St Centre is a place of connection and support, where people at risk of or experiencing homelessness are empowered to rebuild their lives, rediscover their identities and reunite with those who love them.
Jean Rogers
Global Perspectives Leader
Virtual War Memorial
On Friday 12 August the Virtual War Memorial hosted their annual fundraising lunch, Don't Forget me Cobber, held at the Adelaide Oval.
ABHS was fortunate to get an invite and an opportunity for the students to spend time with Sir Peter Cosgrove. Olivia (Year 11) and Mitchell (Year 10), can be seen here pictured with Sir Peter Cosgrove.
Prior to the lunch students were formally thanked for their participation in the promotional video and their contribution to the VWMA database. The videographer’s comment after filming was that Global Perspectives teacher, Alicia, and the students were superstars.
Jean Rogers
Global Perspectives Leader
South Australian '15 and under' state AFL Competition
Congratulations to Lachlan (Year 10) and Lucy (Year 9) on their participation in the South Australian ’15 and Under’ state AFL teams last week.
Both the Girls’ and Boys’ team had great success in their competitions with the girls finishing second and the boys finishing top of the table with an undefeated run, beating Victoria in the last game.
Well done to Lachlan and Lucy!
Knockout Sport Results
Year 9 10 Netball
On 9 August, a team of girls competed in Round Two of the Year 9-10 knockout netball competition, playing against Heritage College and Craigmore High school.
In their first game against Heritage they started off well winning the first quarter but ended up going down by one point in the final seconds of the game. While the girls showed great resilience in their game against Craigmore, regaining 15 points in the last half to match the other team’s score, they lost by just four points. The team put in an amazing effort on the day.
Sam Ball
Lifestyle Choices Sports Manager
Year 7-9 Indoor Cricket
On 16 August, a small group of Year 7-9 students travelled to ICA Sportzworx in Stepney to compete in an indoor cricket match against Reynella East College. The ABHS team comprised of a mixture of students from each year level with varying experience in indoor cricket. The team lost the toss and were sent in to bat. The first pair made 31 runs and subsequent batting pairs continued to pile on the runs, but unfortunately were run out on multiple occasions causing them to lose crucial runs. In the end, the team put up a respectable score of 78 for Reynella East to chase. Despite excellent bowling and fielding, including multiple stumpings, Reynella East managed to finish on 102 runs.
The ABHS students displayed excellent sportsmanship throughout the match and their effort and positivity was at a high level for both innings.
Callan Hammond
Lifestyle Choices Teacher
Senior Table Tennis
The senior ABHS Table Tennis team played at Woodville District Table Tennis Club in the state-wide schools competition on 18 August. Glenunga High School won the final with a very competitive team against other schools, including Norwood International High School, Oakbank School, Adelaide High School, ASMS, Brighton Secondary School and IQRA.
The ABHS team played some great games represented by Year 11 students, Zac, Ian, Victor and Kosta. “It was a great day out, we played well as a team,” commented Zac.