September 27, 2024 | 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 27, 2024

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EMBRACING YOUNG PEOPLE’S CURIOSITY

Update from the Principal

Adelaide Botanic High School is proud to play a key role in the national research project, Thriving in Vertical Schools, led by the Queensland University of Technology (QUT). This initiative aims to understand how urban vertical schools affect student wellbeing, personal growth, and academic success.

In collaboration with two other pioneering schools—Fortitude Valley State Secondary College in Brisbane and Prahran High School in Melbourne—Adelaide Botanic High School has been exploring the unique experiences of students in newly built vertical schools across Australia. The project brings together insights from educators, students, and designers to examine both the opportunities and challenges of vertical schooling, with a focus on how these environments can best support students to thrive.

Through the use of student maps, surveys, videos, and group discussions, along with interviews with educators, the project aims to rethink how we design educational spaces and practices. These efforts provide schools like ours with valuable insights into how thoughtful design and learning spaces can enhance the student experience in vertical environments. You can learn more about this exciting project by watching the short video: Thriving in Vertical Schools.

I recently had the opportunity to visit QUT to explore some of the early findings from this research and to share insights from Adelaide Botanic High School’s journey. One key element I discussed was the accumulated sensory impact students experience over the course of a school day. To deepen our understanding of this, we’ve introduced a new initiative where school leaders shadow a student from each year level for a full day, observing their interactions, environment, and overall experience from the moment they arrive until they leave. By adding a focus on the environment as well, this allows teachers to understand how much the physical setting contributes to or detracts from the student’s daily experience, providing actionable insights for improving learning and wellbeing spaces at Adelaide Botanic High School.

I would like to acknowledge and thank the students and staff who have been prepared to be involved in this initiative and look forward to sharing some of the learning and actions that come out of it.

It has been an epic term with so many amazing things happening, along with our move into the new building. Our recent abundance of space has created not only new possibilities for what we do but also a lovely sense of calm as well. I am sure as you talk with your children, they will be able to share how good it feels.

Have a safe and enjoyable break and look forward to seeing everyone next term.

With gratitude,

Alistair

Upcoming Dates - Term 4

Monday 14 October WEEK 1 Start of Term 4	Tuesday 26 November WEEK 7 Last Day for Yr11's
Tuesday-Friday 15 October - 1 November WEEK 1-3 Yr12 Nationally Assessed Language Exams	Thursday 28 November WEEK 7 Twilight Fair
Monday 28 October WEEK 3 Yr12 Farewell Assembly	Friday 29 November WEEK 7 Student Free Day
Wednesday 30 October WEEK 3 Yr12 Gratitude Breakfast	Tuesday 3 December WEEK 8 Last Day for Yr10's
Monday-Friday 4-15 November WEEK 4-5 Ushiku High School visit	TBC Wednesday 4 December WEEK 8 Subject Excellence Awards
Monday-Friday 4-15 November WEEK 4-5 Yr12 Exams	Thursday-Friday 5-6 December WEEK 8 Yr6 into Yr 7 Welcome Days
Wednesday 20 November WEEK 6 Yr12 Graduation	Friday 13 December WEEK 9 Last Day of Term 4

Yr10 Rocket Science and Space

Students in the Year 10 Rocket Science and Space class designed and launched paper rockets aiming to reach the highest point. They measured the angle of elevation with the use of clinometers then found the flight height using trigonometry. Two rocket designs will be compared and justified in a report that uses all of their previous learning about aerodynamics, fin and nose cone design. Lots of people have stopped to enjoy the sight of our rockets flying high in the sky!

Lauren Scarfe
STEM Teacher

Yr7 2024 Canberra Trip

In Term 3, 44 enthusiastic students and 4 dedicated teachers embarked on a 15-hour overnight bus journey from Adelaide to Canberra for the 2024 Year 7 Canberra Trip. The trip was a resounding success, filled with educational experiences, personal growth, and fun-filled activities. We are incredibly proud of our students, who demonstrated exemplary behaviour throughout the trip. Their politeness and respectfulness did not go unnoticed, as we received numerous compliments from the public.

At the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS), students had the opportunity to explore the world of elite sports. They participated in interactive activities that simulated the training routines of professional athletes. The experience was both inspiring and educational, providing insights into the dedication and resilience required to excel in sports. This visit sparked curiosity about the science of sports and the commitment needed to achieve excellence.

Questacon, the National Science and Technology Centre, was a hit with all students, offering hands-on exhibits that made learning about science and technology fun and engaging. From the thrilling free fall slide to the earthquake simulation room, Questacon sparked curiosity and encouraged a love for learning in the fields of science and technology.

At the National Museum of Australia, our students participated in the Living Culture program, which provided an immersive experience into the diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, culture, and life in Australia. They examined traditional tools, artworks, and ceremonial items, gaining insights into the daily lives and spiritual practices of Indigenous communities. This program not only deepened their understanding of Australia’s diverse cultural landscape but also fostered a sense of respect and appreciation for Indigenous communities.

A visit to Parliament House offered students a firsthand look at Australia’s political system. They toured the chambers where laws are debated and passed, and even had the chance to participate in a mock parliamentary session. This interactive experience helped students understand the importance of civic engagement and the workings of democracy, fostering a sense of community and responsibility. After our session at the National Electoral Education Centre, students chose to hold their own election in their free time. It was a close election but it was the promise of daily ice cream for all citizens that really swayed the voters minds.

In addition to the above, our itinerary included orienteering at the National Arboretum, a tour of the Royal Australian Mint, an Australian War Memorial program, exploration of the National Archives, debating at the Museum of Australian Democracy, and learning about Australia’s voting system with the Australian Electoral Commission. Each visit was carefully selected to provide a well-rounded educational experience, enriching the students’ understanding of Australian history, culture, and governance.

Our accommodation was not just a place to rest but also a venue for team challenges that fostered camaraderie and fun. Students participated in various team-building activities that helped them develop essential skills such as teamwork, resilience, and leadership. These activities were a highlight of the trip, as they provided a balance between learning and leisure, strengthened our sense of community and crowned the trip’s Rock, Paper, Scissors champion.

Throughout the trip, students demonstrated remarkable growth in their ability to work together, face challenges, and take on leadership roles. The experiences and lessons learned during this trip will undoubtedly contribute to their personal and academic development.

The Australian Government recognises the importance of all young Australians being able to visit the national capital as part of their Civics and Citizenship education. To assist families in meeting the cost of the excursion the Australian Government is contributing funding to our school in the amount of $90 per student under the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate program towards those costs. The rebate is paid directly to the school upon completion of the excursion.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the teachers who accompanied the students and ensured the trip was both safe and enjoyable. We also appreciate the support of parents in making this trip possible.

Jennifer Hanks
Middle School SAS Leader on behalf of the Year 7 Canberra Trip team

Yr12 Outdoor Education - Mount Remarkable Camp

Year 12 Outdoor Education embarked on their final camp of the year to Mount Remarkable National Park! It was fantastic to see the camp come to life, with students taking full responsibility for planning—from booking campsites and planning routes to writing EdSmarts. The adventure began at Mambray Creek and concluded amidst the breathtaking scenery of Alligator Gorge. Despite the unusually warm weather, students showcased their resilience, leadership, teamwork, and collaboration skills. Overall, it was a wonderful way to finish our camps for the year!

Amelia Redman
Lifestyle Choices Teacher

Learner Pathway Conference

On Thursday of Week 8 the ABHS community came together for the Learner Pathway Conferences. This opportunity allowed for students from across Years 7 to 12 to share their progress in Term 3 and their future pathways. For our Year 12’s they talked about their hopes and aspirations for their life after school, Year 10 and 11 students confidently talked about how the SACE subjects they want to study next year will equip them with the knowledge and skills to be successful in the future. Students in Years 7,8 & 9 shared their progress with the Behaviours for Learning and development of their capabilities in the Studio program. All of the students should be proud of the way that they were able to share their journey in learning whether this is just beginning as a Year 7 student or coming to a close for our senior students.

Justin Kentish
Assistant Principal- Innovation and Equity in Conditions for Learner Success and Agency

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

2024 Chess at ABHS

2024 South Australian Junior Chess League

Over the course of Term 2 and 3, four students represented ABHS by participating in our fourth 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 competing against elite students in year 11 and year 12, our year 7-10 students came 11th place out of 12 Schools and were grateful for the opportunity to take their chess skills to the next level by building connections with like-minded students in the wider chess community.

Here is a testimonial from Max M, a new Div 1 chess player, reflecting on his experience participating in the competition for the first time:

“I really enjoyed this year’s interschool chess competition. I got to see friends from my previous chess clubs and try to improve my chess skills. Through this experience I got an incentive to practice more chess as well as putting this practice into action. My highlight this year was being in the comp because I could play opponents at my level and learn from them. I would definitely recommend this to all chess players.”

2024 Chess House Blitz Tournament

During Term 3, students at ABHS participated in our annual Chess House Blitz Tournament which took place during chess club on Tuesdays for the past 8 weeks. Students and teachers competed on a weekly basis against other students in different houses to determine which winning house and champion will be crowned the 2024 winner of the fun, yet competitive tournament. Khue L in year 8, not only won the tournament for Orange house, but also was the first female chess player to ever win at ABHS since 2019. Congratulations Khue and to all those who got involved in the wonderful game of chess!

Here is a testimonial from Khue L on her experiences participating in both the Chess House Blitz Tournament and SAJCL for 2024:

“Overall, I enjoyed participating in the Chess House Blitz competition a lot. It was a good opportunity to practice and test my skills in chess and I thought everyone was a good sport and very friendly. I felt quite bad for Yellow though, since I knocked three of their players out. If you’re interested in chess, it’s worth trying out the blitz competition next year, it’s a good way to win some house points and meet new people too. It could seem daunting getting into chess, but a lot of it is pattern recognition, the more you play, the more you spot elements of positions that you’ve seen before and know how to exploit.

If you’re a female player and it feels more daunting as there are less of your peers in the hobby, I think Adelaide chess clubs are very friendly towards girls and women. It is possible to get very good, many competitions here scholastic and above features female players at the top level.

I wouldn’t recommend going into SAJCL’s Interschool Competition right away though, it’s a big commitment, quite challenging, and most likely will give you burnout, maybe give it a try after a year or two.”

Tania Zebian
Global Perspectives Teacher

Zoo Walk Club

Students can join Donna and Amy every Friday during break 1 from 11.15-11.55 for the Zoo Walk Club!

Grab your lunch and meet in the atrium for a fun morning break at the zoo. Encourage your friends to buy a zoo pass. At the zoo, walk with friends in pairs or small groups, go to the zoo Café, visit the animals, and meet back at the gates in time to walk back to school. We keep a record at the front reception of the students joining us each week so the school knows who is off-site at that time.

Donna Mason and Amy Waters
Zoo Walk Club hosts

Purchase a Zoo Membership Here

Yr12 English Accelerated - TED Talks

Three of our Year 12 English Accelerated students took to the stage and displayed courage, curiosity, and passion 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, which illustrated their creativity, and sparked thought-provoking discussions. Students shared their unique perspectives on topics close to their hearts, ranging from the power of music in healing, to the importance of language learning, as well as the safety precautions in Formula 1 driving. It was heartwarming 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 music, language, and simply, in being alive!

Donald T – Mindcrafting: The Transformative Power of Healing through Music

Andrew T – The Linguistic Crisis: Saving the world’s Languages one Learner at a Time.

Wilbur O – The Fast and The Furious: Formula 1 Safety Precautions behind the Need for Speed

Tania Zebian
Global Perspectives Teacher

International Science Seminar 2024 – Science and Cultural Exchange

Year 11 and 12 students from Health-STEM Pathways, Stage 1 and 2 Chemistry and Synergy, recently took part in an international science and cultural exchange with students from schools across Okinawa. The schools were all associated with University of the Ryukyus one of the largest national universities in Japan. Academics from the science faculty of the university supported students to undertake science investigations in schools. Students from ABHS and Tyndale in Adelaide started the session sharing images of their schools and school day. The students from Okinawa were in awe of our facilities and picturesque setting nestled in the gardens, river, university sector, and Lot 14. After a fun cultural exchange of our school days, including snacks from the canteen, and interests beyond class, Lily Jacobs and Bella Toubia presented Deconstruct and Design investigations from Stage 1 and 2 Chemistry respectively. Once again, the students, and academics in particular, were stunned by the level of complexity of our investigations and reports, worthy of publication in their own right and drawing from our strong tertiary associations. Our students were on show on the international stage and truly showcased how we leverage our location and relationships. It was a hugely valuable activity for all involved.

Glen Arthur
STEM Teacher and Health STEM Pathways Manager

Global Perspectives - Bushfire Simulation

“These past few weeks in global our class has been learning about bushfires and how they have affected many regions in SA and Victoria. We have role played a fire simulation with 2 state premieres for SA and Victoria and a team supervising the other regions in each state, helping to find the best solutions to lessen the impact of the unpredictable fire. By participating in this task we have been able to build our cooperation skills, quick thinking and adapt to a team building mindset with our class mates.
To finish of this term we are in groups of 4 and creating a video of our individual groups, role playing a news report. Through this activity we learn to improve our public speaking skills and creativity skills as we have to come up with all the different people that would be shown in the news if there was a fire emergency.”

Alisha V
Yr8 Global Perspectives Student

“In our Global studies, we studied the impact of bushfires on Victoria and South Australia as a foundation for our final assignment. We assumed the roles of supervisors in assigned regions and collaborated with the premiers of both states. Our responsibilities included making strategic decisions to effectively combat the fires and adapting our approaches as situations evolved. This experience significantly enhanced our communication skills, as we negotiated with other regions for resources like fire trucks and helicopters. Additionally, we improved our note-taking abilities to gather essential information for our assignment. The most challenging aspect was developing effective fire mitigation strategies, underscoring the importance of teamwork and communication for achieving the best outcomes.”

Han P
Yr8 Global Perspectives Student

Studio - Is it cake?

Throughout the term, students crafted cakes testing their artistic skills and imagination. Students experimented with different ingredients and techniques, creating visually stunning and delicious cakes. In addition to baking, students developed skills such as creativity, attention to detail, teamwork, and problem-solving. They enhanced their critical and creative thinking by solving design challenges and innovating with ingredients. The class also fostered personal and social skills through collaborative group activities. Each session was filled with surprises and challenges, encouraging innovation and collaboration. By the end of the term, students had improved their baking and decorating skills and gained a deeper appreciation for the art of edible deception. “Is It Cake?” was a delightful blend of creativity, learning, and fun!

Sally Rollo and Ash Whan
Lifestyle Choices Teachers

Yr8 Global Perspectives: Socratic Seminar Sparks Thoughtful Discussion in Bushfire Unit

In an engaging and thought-provoking activity, our Year 8 Global Perspectives classes recently delved into the topic of bushfires using a Socratic Seminar. The seminar provided a platform for students to not only deepen their understanding of bushfires but also build crucial communication skills.

The seminar was centred around two key texts related to bushfires, which the students studied in preparation. These texts explored the causes, effects, and broader implications for of bushfires for communities and ecosystems. The seminar took place in a circle, fostering an open and inclusive atmosphere where students could freely exchange ideas and engage in respectful dialogue.

In a unique twist, only half of the class participated in the initial conversation, while the other half observed and assessed their peers. This gave the observing students the chance to critically evaluate communication strategies such as clarity, active listening, and the ability to respectfully challenge ideas. Each student set themselves specific communication goals before the seminar, which were used as the basis for peer assessment. This added a reflective layer to the learning process, encouraging students to think not just about what was being said, but how it was communicated.

Halfway through the seminar, the roles were swapped. Those who had observed became the speakers, while the first group stepped back to assess. This ensured that every student had the opportunity to both contribute their ideas and reflect on their own communication skills.

Overall, the Socratic Seminar was a great success, providing students with a platform to critically engage with complex ideas about bushfires while honing their communication and peer assessment skills. It’s clear that through activities like these, our Year 8 students are developing a deeper understanding of global issues and becoming more confident communicators.

Nick Kimber and Jenny Hanks
Global Perspectives Teachers

ABHS Shines at the YASTSA STEM Aboriginal Learners Congress 2024

This year, a group of talented students from Adelaide Botanic High School proudly participated in the YASTSA program and the prestigious STEM Aboriginal Learners Congress. Our student representatives – Jaylah Coyne, Celestina Kartinyeri, Monica Jones, Hunter McLean, and Samson Swift – demonstrated exceptional leadership, creativity, and collaboration throughout the event, showcasing both their cultural heritage and their innovative approach to STEM education.

In Term 1, Celestina and Samson embarked on this exciting journey by participating in a half-day workshop led by Jacky Smith and Chloe Allen from the Department for Education. This workshop set the foundation for a three-term experience that focused on enhancing their STEM and leadership skills. As part of the Congress Roadshow, students also honed their public speaking abilities and began planning their Congress workshops.

In Week 8 of Term 2, Monica, Celestina and Samson attended the YASTSA camp at West Beach Caravan Park. The first day kicked off with an “Amazing Race” scavenger hunt across the city, allowing participants to explore Adelaide while working in teams. Day two was a dedicated Adelaide University Experience, where students engaged in hands-on STEM activities. The camp wrapped up with an inspiring presentation day, including public speaking workshops and student-led sessions. At camp, our students connected with like-minded peers from other schools, forming lasting friendships while deepening their passion for STEM.

In Week 6 of Term 3, our students took centre stage at the STEM Aboriginal Learners Congress, leading workshops for peers from across the state. Their workshop, Karrawadlu Turrunthi, taught participants how to make healing bush balms, inspired by the practices of Aboriginal healers (Ngangkari). These healers traditionally balance body, mind, and spirit through techniques that have been passed down through generations. Our students guided other schools through the process and crafted over 100 samples of bush balm, combining modern science with traditional knowledge. As part of their workshop, the team also created a game called Padni’adli (“Let’s go!” in Kaurna language) to engage participants.

To prepare for Congress, the students first ran the workshop with their peers during a SAASTA Connect session at school and then presented it to students from Flinders Park Primary. The confidence and leadership skills they gained from these experiences were clear to see when they spoke in front of over 1,000 attendees at the Congress. Jaylah and Celestina went above and beyond by stepping in for another school to introduce South Australia’s Minister for Education, Blair Boyer, to the Congress audience. Joined by Monica, they also introduced DEM MOB, an Aboriginal hip-hop group from the APY lands, and even collaborated with the group to create a new track in front of the Congress crowd. We might be biased, but we think they should receive royalties for their contribution!

Our students also hosted a spotlight session featuring Tiahni Adamson, a Kaurareg woman and passionate Wildlife Conservation Biologist. Tiahni’s inspiring journey as a STEM leader and advocate for First Nations women in STEM was a highlight of the Congress. Her experiences, including being recognised as one of Science and Technology Australia’s Superstars of STEM and the 2024 Young Australian of the Year for South Australia, left a profound impact on all who attended.

The dedication and leadership shown by Jaylah, Celestina, Monica, Hunter, and Samson throughout YASTSA and the Congress have made our school incredibly proud. Their contributions will earn them SACE credits, and we are confident their achievements will inspire others to follow in their footsteps. Adelaide Botanic High School is proud to have been part of these fantastic events, celebrating both cultural heritage and STEM excellence. We look forward to seeing what these students accomplish next!

Amy Gray, Nick Kimber and Blake Ramsay
Aboriginal Education Team

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

Knockout Sport

Year 9/10 Girls Knockout Basketball

The Year 9/10 Girls Knockout Basketball team participated in a basketball knockout tournament at the St Clair Recreation Centre. The team played two matches which were both very contrasting to each other. The first game was a thrilling triple overtime win against Temple Christian College, with eventually ABHS winning 34-35 and this was really the highlight of the day. The next match was unfortunately very one sided with Woodville High School winning 52-13. The team displayed great enthusiasm, persistence and courage throughout the day and it was clear during the second game that their skills and understanding of basketball had already improved a lot.

Oliver J
Year 12 – Community Connections Student

Orienteering Team Championships

We are excited to share the highlights from our recent team orienteering event! Ten enthusiastic students participated, working diligently in pairs to complete 21 challenging stations. Each pair ran between 3-4 km, navigating through diverse terrains and honing their map-reading skills. The event provided a fantastic opportunity for students to experience the thrill of orienteering, including the occasional challenge of getting lost and finding their way again. A special congratulations to Jackson and Leo, who showcased exceptional teamwork and determination, securing 3rd place in their age group. This achievement is a testament to their hard work and perseverance.

Well done to all participants for their incredible effort and sportsmanship. We look forward to seeing everyone at our next orienteering adventure! Keep up the great work!

Sam Ball
Lifestyle Choices Teacher

Yr9/10 KO Basketball

A group of nine Yr9/10 students attended the first group stage of the Division 3 Statewide Basketball tournament. ABHS opened the day with an emphatic 40-20 win against Playford International, before keeping up the momentum in game 2 against Birdwood College winning by 15pts. Going into the final game against Heritage College, both schools were 2-0 on the day with the winner progressing on to the Finals in Term 4. ABHS started the game on fire, taking a 27-7 point lead into halftime, before eventually moving on to the Finals with a final score of 37-13. The group that attended deserve unlimited recognition for their structure to game plans, effort and participation, and respect to all players and umpires throughout the day. We are looking forward to representing the school in Term 4 to hopefully bring back the Division 3 title!

Peter Bouzalas
Lifestyle Choices Teacher

Graduation Ceremony for Women’s and Children’s Health Network Volunteers

We are thrilled to celebrate the graduation of three exceptional students—Aivi, Sharon, and Tiffany—from the Women’s and Children’s Health Network (WCHN) Volunteers program. This unique initiative for our Year 12 students offers them the opportunity to volunteer in various roles at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital. Over the past six months, from April to September, including school holidays, these dedicated students have committed to volunteering once a week for 3-4 hours. Their unwavering dedication and hard work have not only provided invaluable support to the hospital staff but have also enriched their own personal and professional development. They have shown exemplary commitment, balancing their academic responsibilities with their volunteer duties, and have made a significant impact on the community. At the ceremony, it was clear that their contributions have been greatly appreciated by the hospital staff and have set a high standard for future participants.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to these remarkable students for their achievements and thank the WCHN Volunteer Unit for offering such a meaningful opportunity. We are immensely proud of their accomplishments and look forward to witnessing their continued success.

Rogan Tinsley
Assistant Principal: Curriculum Innovation and Community Connections

Editors Note - Science Alive

In our previous update, we celebrated the outstanding achievement of our Science Alive team. However, it has come to our attention that one of our talented students, Parthiv, was inadvertently left out of the feature. We sincerely apologise for this oversight.

Parthiv, along with his teammates Hrishi and Naresh, showcased hard work, dedication, and innovative thinking to succeed. We are incredibly proud of all three students and their remarkable accomplishments.

We are pleased to add a photo of Parthiv with the winning design, which is currently being showcased in our library. Let’s give them all the recognition they deserve for their exceptional achievement.

Congratulations once again to Parthiv, Hrishi, and Naresh!

R U OK? Day

This year’s focus is “Ask R U OK? Any Day because life happens every day.” A lot can happen in a year, a month, a week. Whether it’s your friend, family member, colleague, partner, or teammate, the people you care about go through life’s ups and downs every day. The ABHS Student Wellbeing team and Wellbeing staff hosted a photo booth, writing a note of gratitude and playing games together helping promote supported the community around you.

The Wellbeing Team

Native Plant Tour

A group of Aboriginal students braved the rain for a native plant tour of the Adelaide Botanic Gardens. We were guided through the gardens by Iteka from Kumarninthi who taught us about the various ways in which native plants are used in Aboriginal culture. Students loved getting out in nature and gained a deeper understanding of their culture.

Amy Gray, Nick Kimber and Blake Ramsay
Aboriginal Education Team

UN Youth National Conference

We had the opportunity to represent South Australia at the UN Youth National Conference held in Brisbane. We were selected for the group of 10 delegates based on our attendance and participation in the SA State Conference, a similar state-level event held in March. We spent a week with like-minded students from across Australia and New Zealand. Our schedule comprised of workshops, model UN Committee and General Assembly debates in venues such as the Queensland parliamentary chamber, and consultations with UNICEF and Australian Youth Rep to the United Nations. This year’s theme was ‘Critical Technologies in a Critical Times’, around which discussions revolved, ranging from AI in schools to nuclear weaponry and healthcare advancements. A highlight was the ability to have meaningful and respectful conversations about important issues with people our age who cared. Our experience enabled us to explore Brisbane while bonding with students who shared our love for all things diplomacy. We really recommend anyone with an interest in international relations, law, politics, public speaking, or related areas look into the SA State Conference and other UN Youth SA events. They allow a great opportunity to meet more like-minded young people in Adelaide, and develop skills in problem-solving, collaboration, and innovation.

Edith AK, Kelsey D, Madison S
Global Perspectives Students

Evatt Trophy Model United Nations Debating Competition

Since August, four teams of young diplomats from Adelaide Botanic High School have been competing in the Evatt Trophy Model United Nations Debating Competition. These teams were made up of Edith AK and Kelsey D (Yr10), Harry L (Yr10) and Isabelle Bailes (Yr11), Rachel H and Madison S (Yr11), and Lumi LM and Daniel S (Yr11).

The competition places students in teams of two in a simulation of the United Nations Security Council. Teams are allocated a country to represent and must debate a series of resolutions from the perspective of their allocated nation. Students must address the assembled chamber of nations to present their views on a series of resolutions, and must think on their feet to negotiate changes and additions to the resolutions so that they will be supported by all member states of the UN Security Council.

The ABHS teams are to be congratulated for their hard work and exemplary skills, which resulted in outstanding results across the board. All four teams were selected from their preliminary rounds to continue to the semi-final, and again all four teams placed in the top ranks in their semi-final rounds in order to win a place in the South Australian final of the Evatt Trophy. This is a truly impressive result and we are incredibly proud of the students’ exceptional achievement.

Special congratulations must be offered to Isabelle and Harry, who were awarded second place overall and will proceed to represent South Australia in the Evatt Trophy National Finals at the end of the year in Melbourne. In addition to this, Harry L was awarded the individual prize for Best Negotiator. We congratulate Isabelle and Harry on their achievement and wish them all the best for nationals!

Matilde Wiese
Global Perspectives Teacher

South Australian Schools Constitutional Convention at Parliament House

Year 11 students Ella R, Madison S and Isabelle B represented Adelaide Botanic High School at the South Australian Schools Constitutional Convention at Parliament House. The theme for this year’s convention was “A new preamble for the Australian Constitution?” The students learnt about the origins and importance of our constitution and debated what a new preamble might look like. The students heard a keynote address by Dr Joe McIntyre, Associate Professor of Law at the University of South Australia, participated in group discussions with representatives of other schools from around the state, took part in a Q&A session with constitutional experts, and spoke in a formal debate in the House of Assembly. The students’ hard work on drafting a new preamble concluded with an exciting model referendum vote and a tour of Parliament House. Our students were exemplary representatives of the school’s values of “curiosity, community and excellence”, participating with enthusiasm and skill to debate and explore diverse views and cooperate with their peers to better understand the Australian Constitution and to investigate opportunities for its improvement.

Matilde Wiese
Global Perspectives Teacher

Backpacks4SAKids… More donations needed!

Firstly, we would like to thank everyone that has donated so far! Your efforts are truly appreciated.

However, we do require more donations and therefore request all parents, students and teachers to keep the donations coming.

Backpacks4SAkids is a non-profit organization that aims to provide resources to children and young people during periods of dislocation, drug issues, and family violence.

To ensure we receive the most amount donations possible, we have extended the due date to Tuesday Week 3 Term 4.

There are three locations open to collect donations: Student Services Level 1, Student Services Ground and, the Library.

Please ensure that your donations fit the requirements (you can check this on the list provided).

In Australia, nearly 40,000 young children end up homeless, 24% engage in illicit drug use and countless undergo family violence. Therefore, receiving as many donations possible to help our community would be greatly appreciated. We strongly encourage you to donate.

Thanks again!

SYNERGY Backpacks4SAKids Team

Learn More about BackpacksforSAKids

Red Nose Day Fundraiser

Turns out, our school community can really put their money where their mouth is for donuts! The 2024 Red Nose Day annual fundraiser was a success. Selling out all 425 delicious red donuts, we raised an amazing amount. This money is being donated to Red Nose Day South Australia, to fund research into SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). Thank you to everyone who participated in this yearly tradition to support such a wonderful cause. We hope to see more red donuts in hands next year!

SYNERGY Red Nose Day Team

A truly out of this world experience!

Students had the extraordinary honour of meeting Katherine Bennell-Pegg, Australia’s first female astronaut. Katherine, who has made significant strides in the aerospace industry, shared her incredible journey and experiences from her time at the European Space Agency. Her presentation was an inspiring call to action for students to pursue careers in STEM. Students asked questions and engaged with Katherine, eager to learn more about the vast possibilities that lie beyond our planet.

In addition to meeting Katherine, students had the opportunity to explore the Space Discovery Centre. This hands-on experience allowed them to delve into the wonders of space exploration and engage with interactive exhibits.

During the visit, two senior students, Aivi and Adelyn, had the opportunity to be interviewed by the media. The students were very professional, representing their school and peers with poise and enthusiasm.

Katherine’s mission is clear: to ignite a passion for space exploration and scientific discovery in everyone who hears her story. She spoke about her early dreams of space, the challenges she faced, and the barriers she broke through to achieve her goals. Her journey is a powerful reminder that with determination and hard work, anything is possible.

A huge thank you to the Australian Space Agency and Katherine Bennell-Pegg for making this unforgettable experience possible.