September 29, 2023 | updates

Term 3: Update 2

Adelaide Botanic High School students engage in learning tasks which are about connecting, creating, communicating, co-ordinating and collaborating.

September 29, 2023

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Update from the Principal

High school is a period in a young person’s life characterised by a highly structured, tightly scheduled day, relentless work expectations, and intense social pressures. As the school holiday break approaches, we often use phrases like “it’s time to relax” and “take a break.” While this is undoubtedly important, it’s equally important to recognise that leisure during school holidays can be more than just resting and relaxing.

Leisure is often defined as the free time spent away from work, chores, and education. As an experience, leisure can offer a feeling of freedom and choice. It is pursued for “its own sake,” and some have even referred to it as the “non-productive consumption of time.”

Personally, I understand how challenging it can be to embrace leisure when the holidays begin. We often feel hardwired to use our time productively, driven by high expectations built up throughout the term. I often find myself planning projects, scheduling appointments, or organising events during the holidays because of this inclination, occasionally experiencing a sense of guilt if there is “non-productive consumption of time.” It’s important to note that your child may also experience similar feelings.

Our students need to be actively encouraged to engage in leisure during the holidays. Research consistently demonstrates the positive impact of leisure activities on adolescents’ mental wellbeing. Young people greatly benefit from social interactions, and the holidays provide an ideal setting for nurturing these connections. Encouraging participation in group leisure activities or helping them expand their social networks and develop valuable interpersonal skills can be highly beneficial during this time. Additionally, school holidays offer an excellent opportunity to reduce holiday-related stress by pursuing personal interests. It’s essential to remind students that not every moment needs to be filled; they should be comfortable sitting quietly alone without their phones.

We have experienced a fantastic term without phones during breaks, and it has been heartening to see them engage with each other and make use of the games and activities we have provided. We look forward to further resourcing and developing these initiatives next term, building on the success of the approach we’ve taken.

Encourage your child to make the most of this break by exploring their interests and passions. By doing so, we can help our young people return to school with a renewed sense of purpose and readiness to face the challenges that lie ahead.

In reality, leisure is a productive use of time!

Alistair on behalf of our whole team

Upcoming Dates - Term 3 and Term 4

Friday 29 September WEEK 10 (TERM 3) Last Day of Term 3 (normal finish time)		Wednesday 29 November WEEK 7 (TERM 4) Yr12 Graduation Evening
Monday 16 October WEEK 1 (TERM 4) First day of Term 4		Thursday 30 November WEEK 7 (TERM 4) Yr8 Market Stall Evening
Tues 17 - Wed 25 October WEEKS 1-2 (TERM 4) Yr12 Trial Exams		Friday 1 December WEEK 7 (TERM 4) Student Free Day
Wednesday 25 October WEEK 2 (TERM 4) NAWIC Forum held at ABHS		Tuesday 5 December WEEK 8 (TERM 4) Yr10 Big Day Out
Thursday 26 October WEEK 2 (TERM 4) Music Showcase		Wednesday 6 December WEEK 8 (TERM 4) Student Excellence Awards (morning)
Wednesday 1 November WEEK 3 (TERM 4) Yr12 Good Luck Breakfast		Wednesday 6 December WEEK 8 (TERM 4) Last Day of Year 10
Mon 6 - Fri 17 November WEEKS 4-5 (TERM 4) Yr12 SACE Exam Period		Thurs 7 - Fri 8 December WEEK 8 (TERM 4) Yr7 2024 Transition Days
Wed 15 - Fri 17 November WEEK 5 (TERM 4) Yr10B Outdoor Ed Camp		Monday 11 December WEEK 9 (TERM 4) Yr7 Big Day Out
Mon 20 - Wed 22 November WEEK 6 (TERM 4) Yr10C Outdoor Ed Camp		Tuesday 12 December WEEK 9 (TERM 4) Yr8 Big Day Out
Thursday 23 November WEEK 6 (TERM 4) Yr7 Immunisations		Thursday 14 December WEEK 9 (TERM 4) Yr9 Big Day Out
Thursday 23 November WEEK 6 (TERM 4) Senior Arts Showcase		Friday 15 December WEEK 9 (TERM 4) Last Day of Term 4 (3pm finish time)
Wednesday 29 November WEEK 7 (TERM 4) Last Day of Year 11

Yr11 Outdoor Education - Sand Dune Restoration at West Beach

On 31 August, the students undertaking Stage 1 Outdoor Education worked with the council of West Torrens to help restore the sand dunes at West Beach. The students helped plant, water and fertilise a range of local and native plants. They were also taken on a tour through the sand dunes at West Beach, learned how to identify Indigenous flora as well as seeing baby Hooded Plovers who were only a few days old. A great day had by all!

Tom Starkey
Lifestyle Choices Teacher

Stage 2 Chemistry - Participation in RACI Titration Competition

Throughout the year, members of the Stage 2 Chemistry classes have participated in the Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI) Titration competition. A practical based competition using skills from the course to determine very accurately the concentration of unknown compounds provided by RACI. 7 teams from the Year 12 Chemistry cohort participated in the School phase of the competition in Term 1 for our Open Night, with 4 ABHS teams successfully making it through to the State round with less than 3% combined team error. The 4 teams competed at the Basil Hetzel labs of UniSA on Saturday, 5 August, with one team, comprising of Jasmine C, Jaime C and Sofia D, demonstrating immense skill to qualify for the National round achieving less than 2% combined error. On Saturday, 16 September the team returned to UniSA to compete against teams from across South Australia and across the nation representing all the sectors. This can be thought of as the “Olympics” of Chemistry, with the students pitting their skills against the best in the country. We are proud to announce the 3 gold medals achieved and an overall “Excellence” award for their combined performance. In only our second year of senior competition, the school has been recognised amongst its peers both locally and on the national stage. A fantastic achievement and a rewarding extra-curricula activity in our local precinct. A great success for the Chemistry Team!

Kylie Minge and Glen Arthur
STEM Teachers

Celebrating Staff Excellence with 'Staff Positive Recognitions'

The SYNERGY team has supported a wave of appreciation with the introduction of ‘Staff Positive Recognitions’. This initiative was presented earlier in the year to our Executive Leadership team and has quickly gained traction within our school community. This project gives students a platform to share their gratitude for the exceptional work of staff members, offering a simple yet powerful way to brighten their day. Since its launch at the start of Week 9, the response has been amazing. A total of 152 staff positive recognitions have already poured in, with recognitions thoughtfully aligned with our school’s DNA, focusing on Community, Curiosity, and Excellence. As we set our sights on the end of Term 4, our students have set an ambitious goal of reaching 400 staff positive recognitions, aiming to further celebrate the incredible work of our staff members. To contribute to this culture of appreciation, we encourage all students to submit their recognitions through the provided form HERE and take the opportunity to make a positive impact on a staff member’s day by simply saying, “Thank you for all that you do.” Here are just a few examples of the heartfelt recognitions that have already been shared: “It was great working with you on the virtual reality project. You are always so eager to help and interact with students.” “Your teaching in Legal Studies introduced me to an entirely new subject, which has now become one of my favourite classes of all time. I enjoyed the constant conversation you brought on in class, and your interest in law made it so much more fun to learn. I hope to be in a class with you again in the future :)” “Thank you so much for your commitment toward helping students strive for excellence. The time and effort that you invest in creating lessons and assessment tasks is truly commendable. Most importantly, I believe that the genuine care, empathy, and support you provide make a significant difference in the lives of every student you interact with, one of them being me. Thank you for all that you have done, are doing, and continue to do for our school community.”

Submit Staff Positive Recognition

Yr11 Psychology Inside and Out

Earlier in the term, our Year 11 Psychology Inside and Out students delved deep into the intricate world of neuropsychology through a hands-on brain dissection experience! In a truly immersive educational adventure, our students had the unique opportunity to explore the inner workings of the human brain. Guided by their teacher, they dissected brains to gain a deeper understanding of how different parts of the brain contribute to our thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. Students carefully examined brain structures, from the frontal lobes responsible for decision-making to the hippocampus linked to memory formation. As they uncovered the mysteries hidden within the human brain, our students gained valuable insights into the incredible complexity of neuropsychology. It was a journey of scientific discovery that left them with a profound appreciation for the brain’s power.

Tania Zebian
Global Perspectives and STEM Teacher

Award for Most Valuable Debater: Senior A Grade, South Australian Debating Association

Olivia has been involved in the debating competition at ABHS since she was in Year 8. In that time she has coached a Year 7 team in 2022 attending all their debates and working with the students in her free time. This year Olivia has gone above and beyond. We started the year with eleven teams and we needed coaches to work with them. Olivia offered to coach the two Intermediate A teams and she has done an amazing job.

She set up a TEAMS group so that the teams could regularly communicate with each other, she meets with the teams in one of her Study periods as well as during a Break One session each week. She has been selfless in her commitment to debating all while managing the competing demands of Year 12 and being a member of our Senior A debating team. The growth in the Intermediate A team’s performance is evidence of her success in working with them. She has attended all of their debates and provides detailed feedback to the students.

Jean Rogers
Global Perspectives Leader

Construction Industry Careers Forum Event with NAWIC and Lendlease

Adelaide Botanic High School is excited to announce its upcoming event in collaboration with the National Association for Women in Construction (NAIWC) and Lendlease. This event is designed to foster connections and provide insights into the diverse career opportunities within the Construction Industry. These opportunities encompass Management and Professional Roles, Technical Trades, and essential support roles.

Participants will have the chance to engage in discussions led by industry experts who will share their experiences and career journeys.

Additionally, students will have the opportunity to participate in a guided tour of the ABHS expansion site. Please be mindful that wearing enclosed shoes is mandatory for this tour, and high-heeled footwear will not be permitted.

Event Details
Date: Wednesday, 25 October 2023
Time: 4:15pm – 6:00pm
Location: Adelaide Botanic High School, 2 Frome Road, Adelaide

If you are interested in attending this event, please complete the registration form HERE

It’s important to note that while this event is hosted by the National Association for Women in Construction, it is open to all students who have an interest in exploring career opportunities in the construction industry. We encourage all interested students to participate.

Yr1 English Pre-literary Studies - TED Talks

Four of our Year 11 English literary students took to the stage and displayed courage and eloquence by presenting their inspiring TED talks before a live audience! Their TED talks weren’t just presentations; they were captivating narratives that explored profound themes, showcased their creativity, and sparked thought-provoking discussions. Stepping into the spotlight, our students demonstrated exceptional bravery as they shared their unique perspectives on topics close to their hearts.

Their courage in addressing diverse literary themes inspired their peers and teachers alike. It was heart warming to witness the powerful connection our students forged with the audience. Their ability to engage and provoke thought left a lasting impact, fostering an appreciation of the small things in life.

Tania Zebian
Global Perspectives and STEM Teacher

Year 11 English - Food for Thought: Students Discover Inspiration at Adelaide Central Markets

Year 11 English students embarked on a field trip during Week 8 to the bustling Adelaide Central Markets. This excursion wasn’t just a culinary delight; it was a crucial part of their preparation for the upcoming Writing for Publication task. As they roamed the vibrant market stalls, our students gathered valuable research material for their forthcoming articles. In such a busy place, the students had a wide range of options, including reviews of diverse cafés, stalls and cuisines, and could conduct face to face interviews. The students prepared carefully for the excursion to ensure they had clear plans and were ready to take all the necessary notes and photographs. We’re pleased to report that their conduct was nothing short of impeccable, reflecting their dedication to learning beyond the classroom. This outing wouldn’t have been possible without the invaluable support of Julia Fisher, who generously spared her time from her demanding Front Desk duties to accompany our students. Overall, it was a memorable and enjoyable day for all involved, blending education with gastronomic exploration. We look forward to reading their published works!

Alison-Jane Hunter and Molly Hardman
Global Perspectives Teachers

ABHS Chess Club Update

Congratulations to Max P. on winning the 2023 Chess House Blitz Tournament as well as to runner up Hamish B!

An additional thanks goes to these boys as they took on the positions of Chess President (Max) and Vice-President (Hamish). Thanks boys not only for your wonderful contribution to chess culture at ABHS over the years, but also for demonstrating our ABHS values of community, curiosity, and excellence, within and beyond the school community.

Another congratulations is also in store for our new 2024 Chess President, Nam V, and Vice-President Max M. We are looking forward to your contribution in building upon the wonderful chess culture at ABHS!

Tania Zebian
Chess coordinator

South Australian Junior Chess League (SAJCL)

Over the course of Term 2 and 3, five students represented ABHS by participating in our third year of the South Australian Junior Chess League (SAJCL), a competitive inter-school chess tournament played against other schools across South Australia. They were selected to compete in Division 1, the top league, and played Classical Games (1 hour per player +10 increments per move) on a fortnightly basis on Friday nights at the Chess Centre. Despite drawing in 5th place out of 14 Schools, the students were grateful for the opportunity to take their chess skills to the next level and build connections with like-minded students in the wider chess community.

Nam V, a new Div 1 chess player, reflecting on his experience participating in the competition for the first time:

“As my first time participating in the SAJCL chess tournament, it was a terrific experience. It not only allowed me to learn and improve my skills in chess, but it was also a great way for me to experience professional chess matches. This was also a great opportunity for me to connect with many people and get to know not only the chess team but also the various opponents I’ve played. I strongly encourage everyone, whether you are new to chess or a veteran player, that the SAJCL would be a fantastic experience.”

Tania Zebian
Global Perspectives and STEM Teacher

DNA Achievements beyond the school - YMCA SA Youth Parliament - Ethan G.

DNA Achievements beyond the school celebrates our student achievements outside of ABHS. If you know of someone achieving beyond ABHS, please tell us about it! You can submit via the form on the Parent and Student FROG pages.

Ethan G. has been accepted into this year’s YMCA SA Youth Parliament. The YMCA SA Youth Parliament is a non-partisan program that empowers young people to be advocates for their community. It is about personal development, youth leadership and connecting politicians and decision makers with youth voices and opinions. The program is for 15-25 year olds and Ethan is part of the Recreation, Arts & Culture Committee. He participated in debates in Parliament House in July.

Year 7-9 Knockout Indoor Cricket

The Year 7-9 Knockout Indoor Cricket Team had a great day out at ICA Stepney on Wednesday, 6 September. The boys represented themselves and our school with pride. They worked cohesively as a team and had some great moments in the nets! Some of the highlights included Eddie’s 27, Ashish’s 20 and Aryan’s 17 vs Adelaide High 1. Additional to this, we saw excellent bowling figures against Mt Barker Waldorf, from Harry (4 wickets for negative 8 runs off 2 overs) and Zavier (3 wickets for 2 runs off 2 overs). Well done to all on an a great day out.

Tom Starkey
Lifestyle Choices Teacher

SchoolTV Updates

Nina Tanner, Justin Mitchell and Jeeves Dunn - Student Engagement and Wellbeing

Respectful Relationships

Fostering a nurturing environment of respectful relationships within your family holds the key to not only harmonious living, but also improved academic outcomes for your children. As parents and caregivers, embracing the art of teaching children about respect at a young age sets the stage for a lifetime of healthy interactions and empathetic understanding. It will help cultivate a positive environment where communication flourishes, conflicts are resolved constructively, and bonds are fortified.

Teaching children to respect themselves and others will open up avenues for both personal growth and academic achievement. Fostering an environment where respect is not just a word, but a practiced behaviour, will empower young people with essential life skills. Effective communication, active listening, and the art of compromise will provide your child with a solid foundation that will transcend family interactions and help them collaborate effectively with peers, teachers and the broader community.

Equipping children with an understanding of healthy versus unhealthy relationships is an important aspect of their development. It will guide them to make informed choices, foster positive connections, and set boundaries that contribute to their emotional wellbeing. Understanding the nuances between healthy and unhealthy relationships provides children with the essential tools to navigate their social world, build self-esteem, and cultivate meaningful relationships.

In this edition of SchoolTV, learn how to empower young people in healthy interactions to embrace differences and forge connections that honour their self-worth. We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this month’s edition, and we always welcome your feedback.

If you do have any concerns about the wellbeing of your child, please contact the school for further information or seek medical or professional help.