August 30, 2024 | 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 30, 2024

Updates
Archive

EMBRACING YOUNG PEOPLE’S CURIOSITY

Update from the Principal

I am thrilled to share with you that our SYNERGY student leadership program has been recognised on a national stage as awardees of the best co-curricular program at the prestigious Australian Education Awards in Sydney recently. This accolade acknowledges and celebrates the incredible work our students and staff have put into building a program that truly reflects our school’s values of Community, Curiosity, and Excellence.

The SYNERGY program is much more than a leadership initiative; it is a journey that empowers our students from Years 7 to 12 to explore their leadership potential in a meaningful and community-focused environment. Through SYNERGY, we aim to develop leadership skills that have a lasting impact, not just within our school but in the wider community as well. Our student leaders are supported to be part of something bigger than themselves, embracing the qualities that make our school unique.

At the core of SYNERGY are three strands—ENDEAVOUR, ADVOCACY, and UNITE—each strand designed to challenge and support our students as they grow into leaders who can inspire and guide others. This curriculum is embedded into our school’s daily life, providing students with the time and space to develop their leadership capabilities while also meeting the aspirations of the Adelaide Botanic High School Charter.

Our SYNERGY leaders have been working hard this year on a variety of projects that are already making a significant impact on our school community. These initiatives include Book Week awareness activities, the Backpacks for Kids program, student-led clubs. Our leaders also initiate projects like the World’s Greatest Shave fundraiser, the installation of sunscreen dispensers around the school, the Breakfast Club for students in need, and a student update newsletter series titled “In Case You Missed It.”

Our student leaders are taking on and leading environmentally conscious efforts like the “What a Load of Rubbish” campaign to keep our school clean, and they are involved in creative and innovative projects such as student-designed Studios and using augmented (AR) and virtual reality (VR) to explore career pathways. These initiatives occur alongside partnerships like the Eastern Secondary Schools Student Leadership Partnership, that brings together student leaders from five large secondary schools to explore student leadership, voice and agency. It is both exciting and rewarding to see our self-led leaders from the Partnership schools working together to harness their collective skills and knowledge. More recently the Aspire: Serve to Connect mentoring program, showcases the depth and breadth of leadership opportunities available to our students as they mentor the year 7 students during their first full year in the school. You literally could not ask for better role models to help our younger students become part of the Adelaide Botanic student community.

The success of SYNERGY is far more than awards, it is about the personal and collective stories of growth, commitment, and leadership that we witness every day. Our Celebrations and Badging Ceremonies offer a chance to recognise and celebrate these journeys, creating lasting memories for our students as they continue to grow into the leaders of tomorrow.

I am so proud of our SYNERGY program and the outstanding students who are part of it. Their achievements just show what we can accomplish when we work together as a community, with a shared vision of excellence.

I also want to acknowledge and thank the relentless work that a team of staff dedicate to, in support of the students and the development of the program.

I look forward to seeing how SYNERGY will continue to evolve and inspire in future years.

With gratitude,

Alistair

Upcoming Dates - Term 3

Sunday-Saturday 1-7 Sep WEEK 7 Yr7 Canberra Trip	Thursday 12 September WEEK 8 Student Pathway Conversations - Learning from Home Day
Monday 2 September WEEK 7 School Closure Day	Thursday 24 September WEEK 10 Yr10 Street Smart High
Wed-Fri 4-6 September WEEK 7 Yr12 Outdoor Education - Mount Remarkable Bushwalk Camp	Friday 27 September WEEK 10 Last Day of Term 3

Australian Brain Bee Competition

Students recently participated in the prestigious Australian Brain Bee Competition, an annual event designed to deepen students’ understanding of neuroscience and neurological disorders. This competition allows Year 10 students to explore the brain’s functions, engage with neuroscience research and learn about related careers.

ABHS had eight enthusiastic participants in Round 1 of the Brain Bee Challenge. After a rigorous 40-minute online assessment, several students advanced to Round 2, the Regional Finals at Flinders University Bedford Campus. We had two students place in the top ten for the Individual Challenge: Samaira G and Linh B. The team, comprising Samaira G, Linh B, Kelsey D and Edith A, also achieved a remarkable second place in the Group Challenge.

Congratulations to all participants for their hard work and dedication. We are incredibly proud of their achievements and their commitment to their learning.

Subject and Pathways Expo

Our recent Subject and Pathways Expo was a tremendous success, drawing nearly 500 members of our community to explore future educational and career opportunities. Held on August 28th, the event offered a wealth of information and experiences designed to help students make informed decisions about their futures.

The Expo featured a variety of engaging sessions, including the popular Transition Spotlights in the Theatre. These sessions provided valuable insights and information tailor to each year level, as they consider future options and select subjects for 2025.

The Gym was bustling with activity as it hosted a wide range of exhibitors. Representatives from the University of Adelaide, Flinders University, and the University of South Australia were on hand to discuss higher education options. Our five Learning Areas also showcased their programs, providing students with a comprehensive overview of the subjects available at our school. In addition, the Australian Defence Force and numerous vocational training providers were present, discussing various career paths and training opportunities.

Visitors also had the chance to try a Virtual Work Experience in the VR Lab. This brand new software suite offered students a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in different career environments through cutting-edge virtual reality technology.

The event was a fantastic opportunity for students and their families to gather information, ask questions, and explore the many possibilities that lie ahead. Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to making this event a remarkable success!

Rogan Tinsley
Assistant Principal – Curriculum Innovation and Community Connections

International Friendship Day

This special day was an opportunity for us all to celebrate the bonds that tie us together and to appreciate the joy that friendships bring into our lives. Lots of high-fives, smiles, and the awesome vibes of making and celebrating mates were present on this day. Our student Wellbeing Team, as well as the Synergy team, were out and about with a pop-up photo booth taking some great photos of the day. Additionally, they were on hand helping everyone craft friendship bracelets. It was fantastic to see everyone getting in on the fun, showing off their bracelet-making skills, and snapping pics with friends old and new.

Jeeves Dunn
Youth Worker

2024 Hukarere Cultural Trip

40 very excited Stage 1 students departed for the first ABHS Hukarere Cultural trip to Queenstown, New Zealand! These attending students applied to be a part of the trip in September 2023 and have been very much involved in the planning of the trip. Students experienced skiing and snowboarding lessons at Coronet Peak and The Remarkables, with lots of sightseeing and activities in between. Highlights, in addition to the snow sport activities, included the traditional Māori welcome and the luge rides on our exploration day. As a staff collective, we could not be prouder of these students for the way they conducted themselves throughout the trip, their eagerness to be involved in everything and their gratitude towards being a part of this special cultural experience!

Ash Whan
Lifestyle Choices Teacher and Senior Student Achievement and Success Team

Term 3 Student Free Day

Term 3 Student Free Day was a continuation from the day in Term 2 where teachers continued to critique and create the learning design of units of work, against elements from Our Charter Coherence Frameworks. Working in Learning Area teams teachers used their time to consider their students experience and how to increase student agency in learning. Inspiration was provided in the morning plenary from special guest educator Julia Atkin, who challenged teachers to think deeply about how to create powerful learning and provided valuable frameworks and thinking tools to achieve this. Food is always another great inspiration on these days, and we organised to test the new self-serve Cafe in the South Tower, a real treat and an amazing day from our dedicated staff!

Donna Mason
Assistant Principal – Conditions for Innovation, People & Culture

Étienne French Rock Concert

Wow!
Quel concert incroyable Merci Étienne!
Adelaide Botanic High School had the privilege in hosting the Étienne French rock concert which was part of a world tour across Australia, Canada, and New Zealand for 2024!
The concert was a vibrant celebration of French language and culture, fostering a sense of community through the universal languages of music and dance. Étienne, renowned for his dynamic performances, captivated the French students from Year 7-12 with his electrifying energy, particularly when some students were offered the opportunity to get up on stage for the song Suivez Mes Directions (follow my directions) and imitate the singer’s charismatic stage presence. A diverse repertoire of French rock classics and contemporary hits were featured, which students prepared for in class prior to the concert. Yet, despite the range of engaging French tunes performed, the class favourite amongst French staff and students remained the same with the classic hit of the verb Aller (to go). This event not only reinforced the richness of French musical heritage, but also allowed students to appreciate the artistic expressions of French language and culture.
Jusqu’à la prochaine fois!

The French Team

Here are some student testimonials on the concert:

Last week’s Étienne concert was an absolute blast! Not only was it an opportunity to listen to some great live music, but it was an excellent chance to listen to French used in a casual setting. I’m sure we’ll all remember the event for many, many years to come. Merci!
– Andrew T

Le concert d’Étienne était incroyable. Nous avons eu beaucoup plaisir à danser et à chanter avec Étienne. C’était une belle expérience, en particulier pour les quelques personnes (comme moi) quand nous sommes montés sur scène avec Étienne et avons dansé av ec lui. Merci Étienne!
Étienne’s concert was incredible. We had a lot of fun dancing and singing with Étienne. It was a great experience, especially for the few people (like me) when we got on stage with Étienne and danced with him. Thank you Étienne
– Kritika K

Australian Band and Orchestra Festival South Australia

Throughout Week 4, the ABHS Big Band, Percussion Ensemble, and Studio Orchestra participated in the South Australian Band and Orchestra Festival. Held in the esteemed concert hall at Westminster, our bands competed in the Intermediate Big Band, Tuned Percussion, and Open Orchestra divisions. The Big Band and Studio Orchestra achieved Bronze standards, while the Percussion Ensemble received a Merit. The week of performances was a resounding success.

Josh Cowley
Music Manager

Balaklava Eisteddfod

More than 50 students travelled to Balaklava to participate in the annual Balaklava Eisteddfod. This year, our Studio Orchestra, Big Band, Percussion Ensemble, and Choir entered their respective divisions. Joining students from across Adelaide metro and regional schools, ABHS students have shown exceptional dedication by attending before-school and lunchtime rehearsals to perfect their repertoire. All members of these groups should be proud of their efforts, and a big congratulations to the ABHS Big Band and Percussion Ensemble for receiving 2nd place in their divisions.

Josh Cowley
Music Program Manager

Student Behaviour on Public Transport

We are actively engaging with students to promote appropriate behaviour on public transport. This initiative aims to ensure that students understand the importance of respect, safety, and courtesy while travelling. Regular discussions are being conducted to educate students about the impact of their actions on fellow passengers and the community. By fostering a culture of responsibility, we hope to create a more pleasant and secure environment for everyone. Parent support is greatly appreciated, as it reinforces these values at home and strengthens our efforts. This proactive approach not only benefits public transport users but also instils lifelong values of respect and consideration in our students.

On behalf of the Student Achievement and Success Team

Become Botanic: Seeds of Sight

At Adelaide Botanic High School we are always looking to design new and exciting learning experiences for our students. One of these is the ‘Become Botanic – Seeds of Sight’ Visual Arts experience. The Seeds of Sight learning program includes the following topics ‘See Up Close’, ‘See the Face’, and ‘See the Building’. Recently we have trialled an update to the program with a number of Year 7 students; fusing Biology and Art together to enrich the learning and offer students an experience quite unique to our school. As part of See Up Close, students accessed small microscopes attached to their laptops to examine and photograph botanical elements in our surrounding school environment. Students were then supported to learn the skills to beautifully sketch their photographic images, focusing on line, pattern, and texture. The next stage of the process welcomed students into the Science labs. Here they created Agar Art, which is a fabulous intersection between Art and Biology. Students identified different bacteria and used this to transfer their sketches to Agar plates, where they then observed bacterial growth patterns. Once the Agar Art was complete, we then photographed it to share with our students. They were then taught how to use Photoshop to manipulate these images and create unique and interesting outcomes. As a special keepsake of their learning experience, their artworks were placed into a Petri dish and set in resin. We want to congratulate the Year 7 students’ enthusiasm and adaptability throughout this creative process – we have truly enjoyed working with them and look forward to sharing this successful learning program with the whole year 7 cohort in 2025. We would also like to send thanks to our STEM technicians for their support and preparation of the Agar plates.

Eden McEwen, and Trish Larkin
The Arts Teachers

Yr11 Food and Hospitality - Fusion Cuisine

In the Year 11 Food and Hospitality unit on fusion cuisine, students delved into the creative process of blending culinary traditions, exemplified by their creation of innovative fusion cannolis, such as matcha cannolis. Classroom activities were enriched by an excursion to local fusion eateries, providing a taste of professional culinary arts and real-world insights. The unit aims to enhance students’ culinary skills, deepen their cultural understanding, and inspire innovation in the kitchen, culminating in a delightful journey into the art of fusion food.

Sopha Ialeggio and Samuel Ball
Lifestyle Choices Teachers

Yr10 Visual Art - Oil Painting Workshop

Year 10 Visual Art students had the enriching experience of attending a workshop at the Adelaide Central School of Art. The workshop, led by renowned South Australian artist Jake Yang, focused on oil painting techniques.

During the session, students engaged in hands-on activities that allowed them to explore and develop a broad range of skills in oil painting. Jake Yang’s expertise and guidance provided invaluable insights into the intricacies of the medium, inspiring students to experiment and refine their artistic abilities.

Students were taken on a guided tour of the campus, this included seeing the current exhibitions by current ACSA students as well as visiting the many murals around the site.

This workshop was a significant part of the students’ visual study curriculum, offering them a unique opportunity to learn from a professional artist. The experience not only enhanced their technical skills but also broadened their appreciation for the art form, contributing to their overall artistic growth.

Yr12 Food and Hospitality - Pickling Workshop

Yr12 Food and Hospitality students have embraced the farm-to-table concept by pickling beetroot harvested directly from our school garden. This hands-on experience will be showcased in their upcoming panini practical, where the pickled beetroot will serve as one of three homemade elements, adding a tangy and vibrant touch to their culinary creations. The activity not only teaches valuable preservation techniques but also enhances the students’ appreciation for fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.

Sophia Ialeggio
Lifestyle Choices Teacher

Australian History Competition

Congratulations and well done to all the students that took part in the Australian History Competition this year! We had a range of students from across the years 7 – 10. Each year level consistently performed above the national average. Alongside the fantastic job that all our competitors did we have two very special wins to celebrate. Heidi J (Yr 8) received a High Distinction (a score of 84% and above) and Kelsey D (Yr 10) received a High Distinction AND is also a State Champion!!

Ben Tymukas
Global Perspectives Teacher

Host Families Needed for Japanese Exchange Students!

Adelaide Botanic High School is excited to welcome students from Ushiku Toyo University High School in Japan from November 4 until November 15, and we need your help! We are looking for warm and welcoming host families to provide a home away from home for these excited Japanese students.

Why Host?

Cultural Exchange: Share Adelaide’s and your family’s lifestyle and learn about Japanese traditions, creating a rich, multicultural experience for your entire family.

Lifelong Friendships: Build meaningful connections and friendships that last a lifetime.

Educational Support: Help a student thrive in a new environment, supporting their academic and personal growth.

Responsibilities of a Host Family:

Provide a welcoming and safe home environment.
Include the student in family activities and daily routines.
Support their education and assist with transportation to school activities.
Foster open communication and cultural exchange.

Join us in creating lifelong memories! Hosting an exchange student is a rewarding experience that enriches both the students’ and your family’s lives.

If you’re interested in becoming a host family, please contact us at dl.1919.info@schools.sa.edu.au to learn more and sign up today! Help us to make this exchange program a memorable and enriching experience for everyone involved!

Clare Achurch, Amy Waters and Julia Fisher
ABHS Cultural Exchange Program Team

Science Alive Success

Congratulations to students that participated in the Oliphant Science Awards this year! We are thrilled to announce that we have achieved our highest number of awardees to date. This is a testament to their hard work, dedication, and passion for science. Your innovative projects and relentless curiosity have truly shone through.

We look forward to celebrating the achievements at the awards ceremony in October.

Venuki won a prize for alum crystal growing
Linh & Maiar won a prize for their paper on essential oils
Kieran was highly commended for his paper on aircraft weight distribution
Hrishi and Naresh won a prize for their model of Singapore waste management
Saike won a prize for her model of ice albedo

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 story

Vote for Hannah!

DNA Achievements Beyond the school

ABHS Leader Hannah Darling has been nominated for the Westfield West Lakes Local Hero. Please vote for Hannah to recognise the amazing work she does for not only for Grange Surf Life Saving Club but the guidance she provides to all surf life saving clubs in South Australia.

Hannah is a dedicated community volunteer and chief instructor at Grange Surf Life Saving Club. She mentors 22 clubs in South Australia, leading initiatives in youth development and high-performance educational leadership. Hannah has spent over 1,000 hours patrolling beaches, ensuring the safety of our community.

If Hannah is successful, the money will be used to train a new generation of surf lifesavers. Voting closes 9 September.

Go Hannah!

VOTE NOW

Book Week 2024

Children’s Book Week is always a highlight of the school calendar, and this year was no exception! The theme this year was “Reading is Magic”. The week was packed with exciting activities that celebrated the joy of reading and the creativity it inspires. Here’s a recap of the fantastic events that took place:

Costume Parade
The Costume Parade was a vibrant and colourful event, with students and teachers alike dressing up as their favourite book characters. From Harry Potter to Paddington Bear, the creativity on display was astounding. The parade was a wonderful opportunity for everyone to showcase their costumes and share their love for their favourite books. Prizes were awarded for the most creative, funniest, and best group costumes.

Author Talk
We were honoured to host a talk by renowned author and illustrator Timothy Ide. He stories about his journey as a writer, the inspiration behind his books, and the process of bringing characters and stories to life. The Q&A session that followed was filled with insightful questions from our budding young writers, who left feeling inspired and motivated. Important to note is that Timothy Ide is also a regular temporary relief teacher here at ABHS, our students truly do have access to incredible teachers!

Competitions
Throughout the week, a variety of competitions were held to engage students of all ages. These included, a bookmark competition, writing challenge and a scavenger hunt!

Book Sale
The Book Sale was a huge success, offering a wide range of books at discounted prices. It was a great opportunity for students to pick up new reads and expand their personal libraries.

Book Fair
Students had the opportunity to help choose the next fantastic reads for the library. With hundreds of titles to choose from, the decisions were tough!

Book Week was a resounding success, thanks to the enthusiasm and participation of our students and staff. We look forward to next year’s Book Week and the fun activities it will bring!

Knockout Sport

Table Tennis

Congratulations to the senior Table Tennis Team winning their first-round knockout competition. Good luck for the finals! Kaylan, Will, Alwin, David, Max and Hamish.

Donna Mason
Assistant Principal

Open Boys and Girls Volleyball

Open Boys and Girls ABHS volleyball teams showcased their skills at the ARC in Campbelltown in a knockout competition. The boys’ team delivered a remarkable performance, remaining undefeated throughout the matches and earning a spot in the finals scheduled later this term. Meanwhile, although the girls’ team did not achieve the same level of success, they had a great time participating and bonding as a team, especially some of the Year 12 students who were participating in their last Knockout event. The event was a valuable experience for all, and we’re excited to cheer on the boys as they compete for the championship in the upcoming final.