December 13, 2024 | updates

Term 4: Update 1

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

December 13, 2024

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EMBRACING YOUNG PEOPLE’S CURIOSITY

Update from the Principal

As I take a moment to write this final message and prepare to step away from my role as the foundation principal of Adelaide Botanic High School, I’ve been reflecting on what an extraordinary journey it has been. It’s a highly emotional time, where I have often described the feeling of leaving behind the school as like “giving away your best friend”. The past weeks have been very special, where I have been able to celebrate so much of what we have achieved with my most awesome staff, students, families, and past colleagues.

The time has absolutely flown since I sat in an office within the Adelaide Zoo, planning and creating a vision for the school back in 2017. There was so much anticipation, excitement, and potential ahead of us but nothing prepared us for what Adelaide Botanic has become, which has exceeded our wildest plans, and our plans were pretty wild.

My vision and desire for this school has remained laser focussed and relentless throughout the planning, building, extra building, and leading of the school. It is and will continue to be a school that aspires for our students to be future-ready and have the absolute best learning experience that we can create for them. This is a school where the students are truly at the centre of all we do, and their voice, sense of agency and co-agency is a standout characteristic.

Within our recently released ‘Charter – The Next Iteration’, we state and are united and committed to, equipping our students with the skills, dispositions, and capabilities needed to adapt to future challenges while staying grounded in core human values. Our teaching and learning approaches focus on building student capacity to fully understand themselves as learners and develop their capabilities in preparation to leap into tomorrow’s world with confidence, curiosity, compassion, and social responsibility.

We set out to create Adelaide Botanic as unique and special – a school where learning feels dynamic, relevant, innovative, and connected to the world around us. I’m proud to say we’ve achieved that and more. Together, we created more than just a school; we built a vibrant community where learning, curiosity, and respect thrive. Plus, we have a lot of fun.

Being the foundation principal has been an experience that is hard to put into words, a privilege, a challenge, a joy, a crazy amount of work and long hours but above all, a collaboration.

I often think of the school as a living organism – constantly growing, adapting, and blossoming. I am proud of what we have accomplished: the innovative programs, the achievements, the culture of kindness and inclusion, and most importantly, the countless young people who have found their path here. I have a heart and head full of memories of what we have achieved together.

To our students: You are the heart of this place, and I hope you continue to embrace learning with courage and curiosity. Know that you are part of a legacy that will keep growing, long after today.

To our families: Thank you for entrusting us with your children’s education and for being partners in this adventure. Your trust and support have been vital and appreciated.

To my very special staff: Your commitment, creativity, and care is what makes Adelaide Botanic extraordinary. You are the builders of futures, and I know you’ll keep doing incredible work.

To my family: Thank you for lending me out to do this work.

I leave with a deep sense of pride, knowing that Adelaide Botanic High School is thriving, vibrant, and ready for the future. The school’s foundations are strong, and its potential is limitless. While my chapter here is closing, the story of ABHS continues, and I am so excited to see it unfold.

Thank you for the memories, the challenges, and the shared successes. It’s been an honour to lead this school, and as I head out the door for the last time, I do so with immense gratitude and optimism for what lies ahead.

Just remember – “It’s Always Day One”.

Have a wonderful Christmas!

Cheers,

Alistair on behalf of our whole team

2024 Learning Award Recipients

Thank you to all the families that were able to attend the recent Learning Awards, any families wishing to obtain the photos taken at the awards ceremony, please email grace.weber801@schools.sa.edu.au with the student name in the title.

EXCELLENCE IN LEARNING	HIGH ACHIEVEMENT IN LEARNING
Year 7	Year 7
Aaron J Aditto B Emily Z Jessica F Keyaan P Tea B	Aadvick S Alexandre T Amy N Anshika B Astrid M Bareeha A Cacia C Cynthia L Daniel H Deetya P Dominic B Enai K George G Isla J Jayden X Jorgia P Krish A Kritika K Ky E Lilliana P Lucy D Matteo T Neath H Nicholas F Ruby L Ruby P Sarah A Shreyansh J Tahia R Taya R Venuki K Zia O
Year 8	Year 8
Ashley E Grace S Hannah W Khue L Kiet N Lucia RF Mackenzie R Max M Star H	Aarchi S Amelie S Aryan K Charlie B Chloe C Elena F Elly S Han P Hugo R Jasmine H Jonas K Jordan N Julia N Kristy S Lucas W Milla B Nishtha S Palash S Patrick H Rosa L Scarlett DG Siddhanta K Vidunethu J Yehi D
Year 9	Year 9
Abby M Abigail S Angus S Daisy K Lyla J Rosa L Saanvi M Saike S Sean L Zara N	Ali K Ava H Brendon R Callum N Diya N Ellise S Emily D Eric G Erica F Gabi C Jonathan J Kentaro L Kiara B Lana N Laylah H Leo T Maeve S Michael C Nina H Richard K Sakura MP Senuli KN Vathsocheata H William C William L Ysabella L Zac G
Year 10	Year 10
Angus L Shana R Diya M Edith AK Isaac C Kelsey D Linh B Michael D Peter W Samaira G	Agrim G Alanna K Alastair M Angela A Arman W Belce B Bonnie D Emily C Grace DW Inudith J Jennifer T Nam N Nicholas M Olivia F Pradyumna K Rosa S Sidney D Sophie N Tamyen H Tilda K Victoria C Viet-Khang N Zara S
STAGE 1 SUBJECT EXCELLENCE
Alanna K Aleisha W Andrew T Angus M Bastien S Ben N Darcy F Harry M Harry S Harry WW Imogen S Issy B Lauren Q	Lilli M Lily J Linh B Lottie H Lucy W Lumi M Madison S Naila N Nicholas H Sam C Samaira G Scarlet C Toby E Vanya G Yuvraj M
STAGE 2 SUBJECT EXCELLENCE
Andrew T Basil B Byron B Dinithi RL Elliot B Emily M Georgia E Issey D Keita H Kieran W Lewis N Lily J	Madeleine P Miguel RF Mika L Mitchell M Nimratpreet K Prabul K Quinn C Rain N Rose S Sonal D Takumi A Teleah H Ziggy J
MAJOR AWARDS
VET in Schools Student of the Year Addie F, Year 12 Madeleine P, Year 12	Australian Defence Force (ADF) Future Innovators Awards Jaylah C, Year 10 Ziggy J, Year 12
Lucy Hood MP Kindness Award Shana Rajkumar, Year 10	ADF Long Tan Youth Leadership and Teamwork Awards Tilda K, Year 10 Aivi H, Year 12
Rotary Club of Adelaide Parks Community Award Georgia E, Year 12	Governor of South Australia – Civics Award Sharon R, Year 12
Award for Innovation in Environmental Sustainability, Technology and the Arts Sidney D, Year 10	ABHS All Rounder Award 2024 Charlotte E, Year 12
ABHS Sports Awards Charlotte E, Year 12 Thomas C, Year 12 Maddie W, Year 11	ABHS Dux 2023 Victor PC

Upcoming Dates - Term 4

Friday 13 December WEEK 9 (Term 4) Years 7-9 last day of school (3pm dismissal)	Tuesday 28 January 2025 WEEK 1 (Term 1) First day of school for Years 7, 11 and 12
Monday 16 December 2024 - Friday 24 January 2025 School holidays	Wednesday 29 January 2025 WEEK 1 (Term 1) First day of school for Years 8, 9 and 10 (Joining Year 7's)
Monday 27 January 2025 Public Holiday	Thursday 30 January 2025 WEEK 1 (Term 1) All Year Levels

Adelaide Botanic High School 2025 Start of Year Times

The benefits of the staggered approach experienced this year were that individual or multiple year level groups could be supported in a targeted way, along with students being able to use a greater range of spaces in the school.

The Plan for Adelaide Botanic High School 2025 Start of Year

The plan for Adelaide Botanic High School 2025 Start of Year has been endorsed and approved by the Governing Council and Education Director.

A reminder will be sent prior to Week 1 of Term 1, 2025.

The school will make arrangements on Tuesday, 28 January for students who are not required to attend school on those days, but who may attend as they are at-risk or vulnerable/or their parents are unable to provide care.

Ushiku International Homestay

Earlier this term, Adelaide Botanic High School had the pleasure of hosting 17 students and their teachers from Ushiku, Japan. This cultural exchange was a remarkable experience for both our students and the visiting group, fostering international friendships and broadening educational horizons.

The Ushiku students arrived on 4 November and were warmly greeted by their host buddies on Plane Tree Drive. This initial meeting set the tone for a fortnight filled with enriching activities and cultural immersion.

Throughout their stay, the Ushiku students participated in a variety of activities alongside their Adelaide Botanic High School buddies. Highlights included a delightful picnic at the Botanic Gardens, an educational excursion to the art gallery and museum, and a shopping trip to Rundle Mall. One of the most memorable experiences was their visit to Cleland Wildlife Park, where they had the opportunity to learn about and interact with Australian animals.

In addition to these activities, the Ushiku students attended English language classes, which significantly enhanced their language skills. Living with our wonderful host families also provided them with a unique insight into Australian culture and daily life.

The visit culminated in a heartfelt farewell party on Thursday, 14 November. This event celebrated the friendships and bonds that had been created over the two weeks, leaving everyone with cherished memories and a deeper appreciation for each other’s cultures.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the entire school community for their fantastic effort in making this visit a success. Special thanks go to the families who volunteered to host a student in their home for two weeks. Your generosity and hospitality were instrumental in providing a welcoming and supportive environment for our guests.

We are already in the process of planning for the 2025 visit and would love to hear from anyone interested in hosting a student. This is a wonderful opportunity to be part of a rewarding cultural exchange and to make lasting international connections.

For more information or to express your interest in hosting a student, please contact either Clare Achurch on clare.achurch505@schools.sa.edu.au or Julia Fisher on julia.fisher127@schools.sa.edu.au. Let’s continue to build bridges of friendship and understanding across the globe!

Amy Waters and Clare Achurch
Global Perspectives Teachers

Lights! Camera! Action!

The ABHS Staff were honoured to participate in a presentation by world-renowned educationalists Ron Berger and Gwyn ap Harri. Ron is an educator and advocate for high-quality student work, known for his emphasis on craftsmanship, peer critique, and building a culture of excellence in schools. Gwyn is the CEO of XP School Trust, a group of schools in the UK designed to support students in expressing who they are through their work.

In a unique twist, students in Years 7, 8, 10, and 12 took on the ambitious challenge of managing a multicamera filming setup for this live presentation amongst the audience of teachers observing. With less than 30 minutes of training, this team worked with precision to transform the space into a live production studio, communicating seamlessly through headsets to capture every angle and moment as it unfolded.

Equipped with a mix of wired and wireless cameras, the student team coordinated the video and audio feeds to a central live switcher. Their setup included multiple wireless cameras that added flexibility for dynamic shots, along with two strategically placed wired cameras for stable, close-up views. This blend of technology enabled the students to create a professional and engaging presentation, capturing the speakers from multiple perspectives without missing a beat.

The live switcher became Aditto’s (Year 7) ultimate tool for creativity and coordination, allowing him to transition smoothly between shots. Working under the pressure of a single take, the team demonstrated not only technical skills but also adaptability and clear communication. Their ability to manage the setup, overcome technical challenges, and deliver an engaging experience showcased their growing skills and confidence.

Our teachers, leaders, and guest presenters were thoroughly impressed, gaining firsthand insight into the impressive skill set students have developed in media production in such a short amount of time. This session highlighted the power of hands-on learning, making it a memorable and proud moment for everyone involved. We are looking forward to more opportunities to work with this team in the future!

Student Team:

Aditto – Year 7
Maddy – Year 7
Miles – Year 8
Finn – Year 8
Sienna – Year 10
Lewis – Year 12

James Almond
Arts Leader

Class of 2024 Graduation

We are delighted to extend our congratulations to the Year 12 Graduates of 2024. Their dedication and perseverance have brought them to this remarkable achievement.

The evening was truly memorable, with outstanding performances by Teleah H & Thomas G and the ABHS Big Band who captivated everyone with their talents.

We also express our gratitude to Jack Evans from Behind The News for his inspiring speech. His words of wisdom and encouragement left a lasting impression on our students and all who attended.

Families can continue to access the Class of 2024 website through the button below to download the professional photos from the evening.

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

Celebrating Excellence: Jaylah's Inspiring Journey in STEM and Sports at ABHS

DNA Achievements Beyond the school

We are thrilled to spotlight Jaylah C, an exemplary student from ABHS who embodies dedication, resilience, and leadership. Currently in Year 10 with an impressive GPA of 91, Jaylah is not only a top student but also a rising star in the medical and STEM fields.

Jaylah’s future aspirations to advance in the medical field, particularly in developing new technologies for prosthetic limbs, are well-supported by her active involvement in a range of prestigious external education programs. She is a distinguished participant in the South Australian Aboriginal Secondary Training Academy (SAASTA), focusing on STEM disciplines. Her engagement with the Young Aboriginal STEM Thinkers of South Australia (YASTA) conference, a unique platform inspiring young Aboriginal students towards STEM careers, highlights her leadership and commitment to the field.

Moreover, Jaylah’s participation in the Aboriginal Learners Congress, where she and her peers present projects that integrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage, showcases her dedication to blending cultural respect with scientific innovation. As a valued member of the Young Indigenous Women’s STEM Academy (YIWSA), she exemplifies empowerment and support for young Indigenous women pursuing STEM education and careers.

Jaylah’s accomplishments extend beyond academics. For the second consecutive year, she competed at the National Boxing Competition and secured an impressive second place in a higher weight class, holding the number two position in Australia for that category. Additionally, she is a two-time State Champion in South Australia, demonstrating exceptional skill and dedication in her sport.

Jaylah is an outstanding role model, demonstrating not only academic excellence and athletic prowess but also an inspiring dedication to her community and heritage. Her achievements and leadership qualities make her a remarkable representative of ABHS and a beacon of inspiration for others. We are proud of Jaylah’s accomplishments and eagerly anticipate the impact she will continue to make in her future endeavours.

Congratulations, Jaylah, for your outstanding achievements and for embodying the spirit of excellence in everything you do!

Amy Gray, Blake Ramsey and Nick Kimber

Aboriginal Education Team

ABHS Young Musicians

DNA Achievements Beyond the school

At ABHS, we are proud to nurture and celebrate the wonderful musical talent of our students. Their dedication and passion for music are truly inspiring, and they continue to achieve remarkable success both locally and internationally.

This year, Olivia C and Ceilidh W successfully auditioned for the Australian Girls Choir International Tour. Alongside approximately 50 other students from across Australia, Olivia and Ceilidh performed in venues and concert halls throughout Paris, Annecy, Villers-Bretonneux, Lyon, Geneva, and Singapore.

Young Composers Award

Congratulations to Thomas G for winning three categories in the South Australian Young Composer’s Awards. Thomas composed pieces for the School Ensemble, Big Band, and String Ensemble categories, which were premiered at the awards ceremony in December.

ABHS boasts many high-achieving musicians who actively participate in ensembles, orchestras, and choirs, bringing together young musicians from schools across South Australia who are passionate about music performance. Congratulations to the following students:

South Australian Schools Concert Band: Mitchell M, Thomas G, Andrew T, Robbie B, Lucia R and Joakim G.
Secondary Schools String Symphony: Mark D, George G, Abby M and Eric G.
Adelaide Youth Wind Orchestra: Mitchell M.
South Australian Super Bands: Thomas G.

Josh Cowley
Music Manager

VIVA SA All Schools Championships

DNA Achievements Beyond the school

Between the 26th and 27th of October, I competed in the VIVA SA All Schools Championships, representing our school. The VIVA SA All Schools Championships is the premier athletics carnival for school-aged students turning 12 in 2024 and up, providing a great opportunity to run, jump, and throw in an exciting and competitive environment. To compete in the VIVA SA All Schools Championships, you need to be attending a South Australian school.

I competed in the 100m, 200m, and 400m events across the two days, each event consisting of a heat and a final. In the 100m and 200m, there were two heats, where the top three in each heat and the next two fastest across both heats progressed to the final. In the 400m, there were two heats, where the top two in each heat and the next five fastest across both heats progressed to the final.

I made the finals for all the events I competed in, placing 6th in the 100m final with a time of 12.71, 3rd in the 200m final with a time of 25.95, and 2nd in the 400m final with a time of 58.06. All those times were personal bests. Because I came in the top two in the 400m, I have qualified for the National All Schools Championships in Brisbane in December. Additionally, because I came in the top three in the 200m and 400m, I have qualified for the Australian Athletics Championships in Perth next April.

I run for the Saints Athletics Club, coached by Rick Wilson, training on Tuesdays and Thursdays after school. I was invited to train with them at interschool athletics in March as part of their multicultural program, which encourages young people from multicultural communities to participate in athletics.

Matteo T
Year 7

Honour Showcase Expo at Flinders University

Students from the 8-10 Health-STEM Pathways program recently travelled to Flinders University, Tonsley to explore the final year projects from Science, Mathematics and Engineering (Computing, AI, biomedical) a part of the Honours Showcase Expo. Students were exposed to innovations driven be real-world research as well as being offered an exclusive tour of the biomedical engineering facilities. One of many future connections to Health-STEM opportunities at Flinders University.

Maylin Evanochko, Glen Arthur, and Simon Harding
STEM Leader, STEM Manager and STEM Teacher

Reminder from the Enrolments team - Leaving ABHS

Families are reminded that if their child/ren will no longer be attending ABHS in 2025, they are required to submit a Student Clearance / Leavers form which can be accessed through the button below.

Student Clearance / Leavers Form

State Opera - Lucia di Lammermoor

As part of our ongoing relationship with State Opera, students were invited to attend the final dress rehearsal for the production of Lucia di Lammermoor. Not only did we get to see a fabulous performance of the Donizetti classic, but were treated to a special backstage tour before the show. Students learned about the operations of the theatre, and well as details of the historical set, which was first used 37 years ago for Dame Joan Sutherland’s performance of Lucia at the Sydney Opera House.

Rogan Tinsley
Assistant Principal – Curriculum Innovation and Community Connections

SASTA Oliphant Science Awards Ceremony 2024

We recently had the privilege of watching some of our students, along with many others from across the state, receive their awards in the Oliphant Science Awards. Congratulations to:

Venuki K:

2nd in the Games category
3rd in the Crystal Growing category

Linh B and Maiar E:

2nd in the Scientific Inquiry category

Kieran P:

Highly Commended in the Scientific Inquiry category

Sake S:

Highly Commended in the Models and Inventions category

Moe M:

Highly Commended in the Programming, Apps & Robotics category

An appearance was also made by our past 2023 Oliphant Trophy winner, Shaya I. This is a real achievement and engagement in all aspects of STEM. Students were invited to attend a competition celebrations morning tea, it was a fantastic morning celebrating with all the students involved.
Glen Arthur
STEM Manager

Year 11 Food and Hospitality - Pizza Shop

Our Year 11 Food and Hospitality students have been hard at work, honing their culinary skills in preparation for an exciting project. This week, they made pizza dough from scratch and crafted delicious Margherita pizzas on pizza stones. This hands-on experience is part of their learning journey, it equipped them with the skills they needed to run their own pizza shop recently.

Sophia Ialeggio
Lifestyle Choices Leader

Here's the Tea!

In the “Connectivi-Tea” Studio, students dived into the aromatic world of teas, discovering how this ancient beverage connected cultures and people around the world. Students left not only with their own handcrafted tea blend but also with a deeper appreciation for the traditions that surround tea drinking globally. This studio was a ticket to unwind and forge new friendships over shared experiences, engaging stories, and most importantly, a cup of tea. Students worked together to develop essential social skills through group discussions and collaborative activities while learning about the social and cultural significance of tea around the world. They learned tea blending techniques to create their own unique tea blends and got creative as they designed labels to communicate information about their tea to others.

Danielle Weatherly
STEM Teacher

Year 7 Global Perspectives: The Art of Business

Year 7 Global Perspectives: Business and Economics Unit – A Launchpad for Future Entrepreneurs We are thrilled to share the remarkable achievements of our Year 7 students in the Global Perspectives: Business and Economics unit. Our young entrepreneurs have been tasked with developing a business model for a new venture in Lot 14, and the results have been nothing short of extraordinary. The students, working in collaborative groups, have presented their business models with such professionalism and creativity that they have left us all in awe. They have not only met our expectations but have gone above and beyond, demonstrating a level of enthusiasm and initiative that is truly inspiring. From creating engaging websites and eye-catching advertising posters to developing comprehensive business and loyalty programs, our students developed brilliant business concepts. Some groups even brought in trial baked goods such as cookies and brownies for their teachers to sample, a delicious testament to their innovative thinking and commitment. Our students have successfully utilised their numeracy skills to manage budgets and ensure profitability, demonstrating a practical understanding of the economic principles taught in the unit. Moreover, they have creatively incorporated learning from other areas, such as using the “Co Spaces” design skills learnt in their STEM classes to design their business spaces. This unit has not only equipped our students with a solid understanding of business concepts and the design thinking process, but it has also set the stage for their future endeavours in the Year 8 Business Twilight Fair Market. We are incredibly proud of our Year 7 students and their accomplishments in this unit. Their hard work, creativity, and enthusiasm have truly paid off, and we can’t wait to see what they come up with next. This experience has undoubtedly set them up for success in their future business endeavours. So, here’s to our budding entrepreneurs! Keep up the excellent work, and remember, the sky is the limit!

Jennifer Hanks and Rebecca Weber
Global Perspectives Teachers

Senior Arts Showcase - I Forgot to Mention

Our Senior Visual Arts Showcase, I Forgot to Mention, celebrated the incredible talent of our Years 11 and 12 students across the disciplines of Architecture, Art, Design, Jewellery and Photography. The showcase, held in week 7, highlighted the creativity and dedication our students have poured into their work over the past 12 months.

We were honoured to have Alex Bleckinsdale from the Adelaide Central School of Art officially open the event. Alex delivered a heartfelt speech, commending the students on their passion, perseverance, and artistry. The showcase provided a wonderful opportunity for our school community to appreciate the diverse range of projects our students created, each one reflecting a unique perspective and remarkable skill.

This year, the Arts team selected one student’s work to purchase and display in our school’s permanent collection. This initiative marks the beginning of an exciting legacy, as we look forward to seeing this collection grow in the years to come.

Congratulations to all our students for their outstanding achievements and a heartfelt thank you to everyone who supported this year’s I Forgot to Mention.

James Almond
The Arts Leader

Year 10 Rocket Science and Space - Eyes on Earth Workshop

The Year 10 Rocket Science and Space class recently took part in a workshop at the Space Discovery Centre called Eyes on Earth. The brief asked groups of 3 or 4 students to collaborate on a satellite designed to measure surface areas on Earth over Australia. Not only did they need to decide what level of orbit to use, but what components would go into the satellite and what its specific purpose would be. Students developed their understanding of how Australia’s space industry helps all Australians through Earth observation and what types of jobs they could be working in within South Australia upon graduation. We are incredibly lucky to have regular access to the Space Discovery Centre which is part of the Australian Space Agency based at Lot 14 and hopefully have inspired some space engineers of the future!

Lauren Scarfe
STEM Teacher

UN Youth Evatt Trophy National Finals

We, Isabelle B and Harry L, were chosen from 200 teams across South Australia to represent SA in Melbourne at the UN Youth Evatt Trophy National Finals, along with thirty teams from all over Australia and New Zealand. The Evatt Trophy 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.

We were given the USA for our preliminary round, where we participated in six debates across three days. The issues we debated ranged from environmental concerns in South-East Asia to foreign military bases and corporate espionage. After participating in our preliminary debates, we were selected as one of the top 15 performers and progressed to the national grand final, where we represented China. Notably, all of the SA delegation, consisting of three teams, progressed to the Grand Final, which was a significant improvement from last year when no SA teams made it to the grand final.

In the grand final, we participated in three debates on topics such as apartheid, microchip production, and referenda in breakaway regions. In addition to debating, we had the opportunity to hear from International Relations industry experts on a panel and explore the Melbourne CBD, art gallery, and Melbourne Law School. We also attended the WBBL Grand Final at the MCG.

Harry L and Isabelle B
Year 10 and Year 11 students

Exhibition Testing at MOD

As part of our ongoing relationship with MOD (the Museum of Discovery at the University of South Australia), a select group of Year 9 students was invited to preview and road test the museum’s latest exhibition, which opens to the public on 14 Jan 2025.

The exhibition, called FOREVER, explores notions of time and human identity. Visitors are invited to “traverse past, present and future by navigating the blurred lines between these states of being.”

Our students worked with the exhibition coordinator, a graphic designer, software coder and education officer to provide feedback on each of the galleries, sharing which features were engaging and which could be improved.

As an added surprise bonus, one of our own students (Jaylah in Year 9) features in our of the galleries.

The exhibition coordinator was very grateful for the input from our students, which will help to shape the final exhibition next year.

Rogan Tinsley
Assistant Principal – Curriculum Innovation and Community Connections

World's Greatest Shave

This term, Adelaide Botanic High School participated in their 4th iteration of the World’s Greatest Shave. The Leukaemia Foundation offers expert support, funds leading-edge research, and campaigns to make change for Australians facing blood cancer. The Leukaemia Foundation’s movement began in the seventies and is running stronger than ever to this day.

Blood cancer can develop in anyone, anywhere, anytime—from young infants and adolescents to adults of all backgrounds and genders. Statistically, another 53 Australians will be told today the heartbreaking news that they’ve been diagnosed with a blood cancer, joining more than 135,000 people living with the devastating impact of Australia’s second most diagnosed cancer. A range of things affect someone’s chance of surviving blood cancer, and it can be incurable. Sadly, another 16 Australians lose their life to blood cancer each and every day. The bold goal is zero lives lost to blood cancer by 2035.

We are incredibly proud of the following students (and staff member) who participated in the event this year: Charlie B, Jessica F, Eric G, Lyon H, Juliette K, Felix L, Tim M (staff), Zeke R, Aarchi S, and Aiden W. Throughout Terms 3 & 4, ABHS students were able to fundraise close to $10,000 through members participating in the event, Bubble Tea & Cookie sales, and the Sausage Sizzle at the Year 8 Global Perspectives Twilight Fair.

We are incredibly proud of the entire ABHS community, and we can’t wait to continue this incredible tradition for a great cause. A HUGE thank you goes out to Tony from Da Gianni Barbers located at 90 Melbourne St, North Adelaide, for his continued commitment to support this amazing cause through his volunteer work with the shaving/cutting of the hair.

The SYNERGY Team

KO Sport

Year 7/8 Volleyball

ABHS’s Year 7/8 Volleyball teams set out to Glenelg Beach recently for a Volleyball tournament. Our school was well-represented with one Year 7 boys team and six Year 7/8 girls teams, all eager to showcase their skills and enjoy a day of friendly competition. The tournament saw some impressive performances from our teams. Several teams were particularly successful, winning 4 out of their 5 games. Despite their strong performances, they narrowly missed out on finishing on the podium. Nonetheless, their determination and teamwork were evident throughout the day, and they should be proud of their achievements. Congratulations to all the participants for their hard work, sportsmanship and overall team organisation. The students had a fantastic time, and were incredibly well behaved throughout the day.

Callan Hammond
Lifestyle Choices Teacher

Triathlon State Championships

Recently the Triathlon State Championships were held at the Westlakes Aquatic Reserve. This exciting event saw enthusiastic participation from our students, with five individuals taking part in the ‘come and try’ category, two competing in the state trials, and three teams entering the team triathlon. The competition was very competitive, but our students rose to the occasion with remarkable performances. In the state trials, Milla B delivered an outstanding performance, finishing 2nd in her age group. Her dedication and hard work were evident as she competed against some of the best in the state. In the ‘come and try’ category, Huon G finished 3rd in the intermediate division. In the senior boys’ division, Hugo R and Angus L achieved exceptional results, finishing 1st and 2nd respectively. The team triathlon entries also demonstrated great teamwork and spirit, contributing to a successful and enjoyable day for all participants. The two intermediate teams finished in 15th and 22nd and the senior team finished in 22nd position.

Callan Hammond
Lifestyle Choices Teachers

Year 7/8 Boys and Girls Knockout Tennis

The Year 7/8 Boys and Girls Knockout Tennis Tournament took place at the Seacliff Tennis Club earlier this term. The event saw our students competing against teams from Brighton Secondary School, Seaview High School, and Adelaide High School. The girls’ team faced a challenging day, losing all their matches. Despite the results, the team showed remarkable improvement and resilience throughout the day, demonstrating their determination on the court. The boys’ team had a mixed set of results. They secured a notable victory against Adelaide High School in the first match. The match against Seaview High School ended in a draw, with Seaview winning due to winning a greater number of games. However, the boys faced a tough opponent in Brighton Secondary School and unfortunately lost that match. Overall it was a great day out for the students who will have a chance to compete in the same tournament next year as Year 8 students.

Callan Hammond
Lifestyle Choices Teacher

Year 9/10 Boys Knockout Basketball

After a successful qualifying round in Term 3, where the boys went undefeated in their group, the Year 9/10 Boys Knockout Basketball team advanced to the Division 3 State Finals at the State Basketball Centre in Wayville. The team started the day strong against Underdale High School, taking a commanding 13-4 lead into halftime and finishing with a 22-9 victory.

In the second game of the group stage, the team faced Hallett Cove in a decisive match to top the group. Demonstrating their strength once again, Adelaide Botanic High School secured a 30-14 win, concluding the group stage with a perfect 5-0 record across both matchdays.

In the Knockout stage’s most crucial game, ABHS faced Whyalla Secondary College in the Semi-Final, with a spot in the Division 3 Grand Final at stake. After a hard-fought first half, ABHS trailed 11-13 at the break. In a closely contested second half, ABHS briefly took the lead 16-15 but was eventually overtaken, finishing with a 24-16 loss in a valiant effort.

The team ended the tournament in 3rd place after defeating Hallett Cove once more in the 3rd vs 4th place playoff. A huge congratulations to the following ABHS students for their incredible effort and sportsmanship throughout the competition: Will G, Angus L, Enesi E, Jackson S, Hugo M, Mason W, Hudson E, Prady K, Ethan H, and Ethan M as Team Manager. We look forward to these students continuing to represent ABHS at future school events.

Peter Bouzalas
Lifestyle Choices Teacher

Ekiden Relay

This term, the Ekiden Relay took place along the picturesque Karrawirra Pari, drawing in 21 different schools for a day of competition. Adelaide Botanic High School proudly fielded multiple teams, including Open Boys, Open Girls, 7-9 Girls, and two 7-9 Boys teams.

The relay course was a challenging 20.6 km, divided among 8 runners per team. Each runner tackled individual distances of either 5.4 km, 2.8 km, 1.5 km, or 1 km. The ABHS teams demonstrated remarkable endurance and teamwork, completing the race with competitive times.

Standout performances were noted from several ABHS athletes. Connor D impressed with a 2.8 km run in 11.18 minutes, while Milla B managed a time of 11.54 minutes for the same distance, which was the fastest time for her age group and distance. Dylan Q showcased his speed by completing the 1 km segment in just 3.58 minutes. Additionally, Matteo T and Jackson S both excelled in the 5.4 km run, each clocking in at 21.55 minutes.

The Ekiden Relay was a testament to the dedication and resilience of all participants, and ABHS is proud of the outstanding efforts and sportsmanship displayed by its students.

Callan Hammond
Lifestyle Choices Teacher

Year 7/8 Boy's Knockout Cricket

The year 7/8 Knockout Cricket Boys team have moved through to their third round of the competition defeating Unley High School. The students showed great teamwork and determination to win and achieve moving through to the next round. Each team member presented their strengths throughout the game consistently putting in effort to get us across the line. Aadvick Singh, captain, showed great leadership and contribution to the game. Dinidu Kaluarachchi was outstanding both fielding, batting and bowling and Zavier Murdoch was a great wicket keeper, both acknowledged by their team mates.

Holly Cunningham
Lifestyle Choices Teacher

Year 7-9 Boys Baseball

In Term 4, our school’s baseball team took to the field on Tuesday for an exciting day of competition. The boys played two intense games, showcasing some impressive home runs, great hits, and remarkable catches. Despite some of the players having very little experience, the team performed admirably, thanks in large part to the guidance and support of Charlie L and Luca H, who stepped up to help coach. Their dedication and expertise were instrumental in the team’s development. Well done to all the players for their hard work and enthusiasm and hope to see you try again next year.

Sam Ball
Lifestyle Choices Teacher

Year 7/8 KO Volleyball

Our Year 7-8 boys participated in a round-robin volleyball tournament at Pulteney Grammar School as part of the KO sports competition. The boys displayed exceptional skill and sportsmanship, narrowly losing each set by just 2 points against two of the three competing schools. A special thanks goes to Jackson S. and Sam C. for their invaluable assistance in coaching and umpiring. The entire team performed admirably, with standout performances from Leo F, Ken T, and Pertho D. Their dedication and effort are commendable, and we are proud of how they played. Well done, boys!

Sam Ball
Lifestyle Choices Teacher

Year 7/8 T20 Knockout Cricket

The ABHS Year 7/8 T20 Knockout Cricket Team faced Ngutu College in the opening round of the competition. Winning the toss, we elected to bat first, kicking off with a strong opening partnership that reached 57 runs without loss. To provide more players with the opportunity to contribute, we retired our two openers in the tenth over. Our batting lineup maintained momentum, losing only one wicket in the innings to a well-executed catch in the outfield off a high shot. At the close of our 20 overs, ABHS posted a solid total of 1/120. With the ball, our team began confidently, restricting Ngutu College to just 22 runs in the first five overs. Ngutu College demonstrated impressive determination, fielding some talented younger players, including Year 5/6 students, who showed great courage in facing our faster bowlers. Despite their resilience, Ngutu College was limited to 6/65 at the end of their 20 overs. This strong all-around performance means ABHS progresses to the next round. A great team effort, and we look forward to the next round!

Jack Ward
Lifestyle Choices Teacher

Year 7/8 Girls KO Volleyball

The Year 7/8 knockout team travelled to The Lights Arena to play in the Division 2 Volleyball Knockout competition against various schools across South Australia. The team were challenged with competitive opponents but took on each game by working together and developing their communication and collaborating with each round throughout the day. The team finished the day with two good wins and multiple close games. Sam and Leo (Year 9) were awesome support for the girls providing helpful feedback and consistent encouragement across the day. Sofia Mallios and Zia Oliyath were standouts across the day with their skill ability and commitment to building the cohesion of the team.

Holly Cunningham
Lifestyle Choice Teacher

Year 7 Japanese Sato Restaurant Visit

As part of their focus on Japanese food this term, Year 7 students visited Sato Restaurant on Melbourne Street North Adelaide for a lunch. Students walked from Adelaide Botanic on a warm day in Week 6 to arrive at the start of their lesson time. We enjoyed practising using chopsticks (some of us for the first time!), using traditional Japanese phrases such as ‘itadakimasu’ and ‘gochisousama’ to show appreciation for the meal, and a couple of intrepid souls chatted with the friendly staff in Japanese using short phrases they had learned. It was great to see students stepping outside of their culinary comfort zones and enjoying themselves over a meal of miso soup, gyoza (dumplings), rice, their selected main course, ice-cream AND a ramune soft drink if they had a couple of coins . We had a wonderful time and it was great to see ABHS engaging in a different aspect of our intercultural understanding outside of a school context. Sato Restaurant, ありがとうございました！(Thank you!)

Amy Waters
Global Perspectives Teacher

Twilight Fair

Under the guidance of their Global Perspectives teachers, the Year 8 students at Adelaide Botanic High School successfully hosted the 2025 Twilight Fair. This event highlighted the students’ creativity and entrepreneurial spirit as they sold their carefully crafted products and well-thought-out games to the community.

This year, the fair included a special collaboration with the World’s Greatest Shave, featuring a sausage sizzle to raise funds for a great cause. The Arts team also provided live music, creating a vibrant atmosphere for the evening.

The Twilight Fair was a fantastic opportunity for teachers, parents, and students to come together and enjoy a relaxed environment. The event not only showcased the students’ hard work and dedication but also strengthened the sense of community within the school.

Over $3000 was raised for The Wilderness Society, Trees for Life, and World’s Greatest Shave. We extend our gratitude to all the families who attended and special thanks to the Governing Council for their expert BBQ cooking skills. We look forward to seeing you next year!

Overall, the 2025 ABHS Twilight Fair was a tremendous success, leaving everyone eager for next year’s event.

Pei-Chi Wang
Global Perspectives Teacher