December 15, 2023 | updates

Term 4: Update 2

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

December 15, 2023

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EMBRACING YOUNG PEOPLE’S CURIOSITY

Update from the Principal

As we farewell what can only be described as a fantastic and highly successful year at Adelaide Botanic High School, I can honestly say my team and I are exhausted, but in a nice way, knowing that we have given the students our best throughout 2023.

The absence of disruptions and restrictions from the unwelcome guest named Covid has been both a relief and a highlight. We’ve at last been able to dive headfirst into a multitude of events and activities that were previously put on hold. Engaging in activities that connect the school and students to the community has been refreshing, as events, camps, sport competitions and activities unburdened by constraints allowed us to amplify our commitment to community. An insatiable demand for these has challenged and stretched our people to the limit, but witnessing how much our students and families have enjoyed and valued this reconnection has made it all worthwhile.

Our sense of community, deeply embedded in the ABHS DNA, has thrived and evolved this year, but we have not neglected our DNA of Excellence and Curiosity.

A growing number of students have achieved high-level success, prompting us to seek a larger venue than the Braggs Theatre to celebrate these accomplishments. It’s a good problem to have. The University of Adelaide Scott Theatre became our new venue, packed to capacity at our recent ‘Learning Awards Ceremony.’ Families joined the students being presented with Excellence in Learning and High Achievement in Learning Awards, along with a number of special awards. With just over 250 students receiving high-level awards, it highlights that the elements of excellence and curiosity in our DNA are thriving at Adelaide Botanic High School. The recipients of these awards can be found further down in this Update. We hope to continue this trend of potentially needing yet another larger venue for next year!

I also want to express my deepest appreciation to our dedicated and hardworking staff. Their commitment to providing a nurturing and inspiring learning environment has been an essential element of our students’ achievements and their enjoyment of school. Thank you for your exceptional work, unwavering dedication and being exceptional humans for our students.

As we approach the well-deserved holiday break, I encourage our students to take a moment to reflect on the accomplishments of the past year and appreciate the unique learning experience that they have been a part of. Amidst the festivities and celebrations, it is important that they find time for rest and rejuvenation and less timetabled days. The holiday season is an opportunity to recharge, spend quality time with loved ones, and indulge in activities that bring joy to your life.

In closing, I wish each and every one of you a joyful holiday season filled with love, laughter and good times with family and friends.

May the new year bring new opportunities for growth, learning, and shared success.

Thank you, Adelaide Botanic High School community for making this year an exceptional one.

Merry Christmas and Ho,Ho,Ho

Alistair on behalf of our whole team

2023 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
Max M Mackenzie R Aarchi S Palash S Grace S Lucas W	Claire A Charlie B Chloe C Niamh C Scarlett D Shahjaad SD Sebastiaen D Ashley E Elena F Ilario G Jasmine H Star H Rosa L Autumn L Flynn M Julia N Kiet N Han P Nishtha S Philip S Amelie S Prabhjot S Kristy S Elly S Lenard T Alisha V Hannah W Annabella Y
Year 8	Year 8
Kiara B Michael C Emily D Olive G Daisy K Sophie K Evelyn L Rosa L Kentaro L Sean L Sophia M Saanvi M Brendon R Surali S Saike S Abigail S	Tessa B Gabi C Jasmine C William C Tamiah C Jaden E Lily-Rose E Clara E-L Erica F Zac G Joakim G Giselle G Hannah G Vathsocheata H Rajwa H Harry H Ava H Shaya I Lyla J Oliver J Seth J Omar K Senuli K-N William L Felix L Ysabella L Abby M Lila M Callum N Lana N Diya N Anna P Adiraj P Angus S Maeve S Ellise S Edie S Leo T Tien T
Year 9	Year 9
Edith A-k Linh B Isaac C Sidney D Michael D Samaira G Alanna K Jasmine P Darshana Sahasra R Rosa S Peter W Cate Z	Angela A Belce B Robbie B-N Jack C-G Calvin D Carla D Sarah D Kelsey D Grace D-W Maiar E Olivia F Tamyen H Claire H Inudith J Aditya K Maple K Pradyumna K Tilda K Angus L Eloise L Nicholas M Diya M-D Alastair M Sophie N Viet-Khang N Nam N Zara S Jennifer T Lam V Arman W
Year 10	Year 10
Isabelle B Catie B Sarah C Kavindu D Lily J Yuvraj M Bastien S Imogen S Andrew T Sucre W Andrew W	Bahar A M Nahiyan A Claude B Minh B Olivia C Kieley C Piper C Athena D Sebastian D Reiner G Kaleb G Arabella G Mohammad H Rachel H Oscar H Aiden H Minhong K Eugene K Lumi L M Oliver M Alex N Wilbur O Lachlan Q Lauren Q Sophie R Liana R Yuvraj S Madison S Donald T Irfan T Sanuka W Maddie W Riley W
Year 11	Year 11
Basil B Elliot B Karndeep G Keita H Nimratpreet K Prabul K Mika L Mitchell M Andie M Sharon R Dinithi RL Anita T Wendy T	Finn A Juan Pablo B Garry B Arabella B Zac C Charlotte E Charlotte F Thomas G Addis G Lukia G Teleah H Maddie H Aivi H Max K Joannah K Gala K Jack L Rain N Zaid O George P Tijana P Callum P Jeremy P Raina R Miguel R Rose S Delta T Isabella T Hayley T Ella W Sam W Kieran W
YEAR 12 SUBJECT EXCELLENCE
Amy Z Ronnie R Torin B Shayne T Dan M Zoe F Victor C Jai M Lara D Jasmine R Mackenzie H-L Finn P Leyla N	Kristian P Jay H Athene H Nic L Black M Saskia L Nhi A Olivia T Mitch P Paul K Kiara L Wil D Zoe D
MAJOR AWARDS
VET in Schools Student of the Year Mahmood A, Year 12	Australian Defence Force (ADF) Future Innovators Awards Sebastian D, Year 10 Chloe H, Year 12
School Based Apprentice of the Year Alex B, Year 12 Massimo C, Year 12	ADF Long Tan Youth Leadership and Teamwork Awards Lily J, Year 10 Datson H, Year 12
Lucy Hood MP Kindness Award Georgia E, Year 11	Governor of South Australia – Excellence Award (ABHS 2023 Nominee) Olivia T, Year 12
Rotary Club of Adelaide Parks Community Award Olivia T, Year 12	ABHS All Rounder Award 2023 Lara D, Year 12
Award for Innovation in Environmental Sustainability, Technology and the Arts Riley W, Year 10	ABHS Dux 2022 Kriti K, Year 12
ABHS Sports Awards Grace W, Year 12 Toby E, Year 10

Upcoming Dates - Term 4

Friday 15 December WEEK 9 (Term 4) Years 7-9 last day of school (3pm dismissal)	Monday 29 January 2024 WEEK 1 (Term 1) First day of school for Years 7, 11 and 12
Monday 18 December 2023 - Friday 26 January 2024 School holidays	Tuesday 30 January 2024 WEEK 1 (Term 1) First day of school for Years 8, 9 and 10

Adelaide Botanic High School 2024 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 2024 Start of Year

The plan for Adelaide Botanic High School 2024 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, 2024.

The school will make arrangements on Monday, 29 January and/or Tuesday, 30 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

Adelaide Botanic High School had the pleasure of hosting its inaugural international exchange program. Sixteen enthusiastic students from Toyo University Ushiku High School journeyed all the way from Japan to spend 11 days with their ABHS counterparts in October.

The warmth of our caring community was evident as 14 families opened their homes to the Ushiku students, ensuring they felt right at home and experienced the best of Adelaide as if they were locals.

Throughout their stay, the Ushiku students actively participated in various activities; attending school alongside their host buddies, exploring local attractions, learning the ways of AFL, experiencing the ABHS Virtual Reality suite, and participating in an intensive English program with Clare Achurch. The immersive experience within the ABHS community not only fostered remarkable growth in the Ushiku students’ confidence and English proficiency but also proved to be a mutually beneficial experience for our ABHS students.

One standout moment occurred during the Year 7 assembly, where the Ushiku students captivated the audience by introducing themselves and showcasing unique talents, such as beatboxing, which received a thunderous applause. The final night was celebrated with a heartfelt farewell party where the Ushiku students, expressing their gratitude, showcased their enhanced English abilities.

The feedback from our Adelaide Botanic hosts has been overwhelmingly positive. Callum K a Year 7 host buddy, shared that despite occasional communication challenges, the experience proved to be a valuable learning opportunity, especially for those studying Japanese or exploring a new culture.

Over the weekend, our students went above and beyond, treating their Ushiku counterparts to the best of local experiences – from tree climbing in Kuipto and holding koalas in Cleland to strawberry picking at Beerenberg farm and engaging in family tennis tournaments. Such experiences left a lasting impression, with feedback from Japan echoing sentiments of gratitude and praise for the “fantastic host families” entrusted with their students.

The success of this international exchange program reflects the global spirit of Adelaide Botanic High School, we look forward to more enriching experiences in the future.

Amy Waters and Clare Achurch
Global Perspectives Teachers

Global Perspectives - History Competitions

Throughout the year we have had a range of very successful competitors in the National History Challenge and also the Australian History Competition. The National History Challenge sees students complete an individual research task. This year it was responding to the historical concept of change and continuity. Olivia T (year 12) completed an excellent study comparing the wartime experience of women during the First World War and Vietnam – and was the State Winner for Australia’s Wartime Experience category, receiving a prize of $200!! The Australian History Competition is a short multiple choice test open to students from year 7 – 10. This year we had 10 students complete and receive a range of recognitions Distinction Claude B (Year 10) Abigail S (Year 8) Merit Alexander G (Year 7) Nick T (Year 7) Credit Angus M (Year 10) Imogen S (Year 10) Max W (Year 10) Fletcher M (Year 7) Hannah G (Year 8). We would also like to recognise Clara E-L (Year 8) for participating.

Thank you to all the participants, we’re looking forward to facilitating these competitions again next year.

Ben Tymukas
Global Perspectives Teacher

Class of 2023 Graduation

We would like to extend our warmest wishes to our recent Year 12 Graduates. Their hard work and dedication have brought them to this significant milestone.

We’d like to shine a spotlight on the incredible performances that graced the evening. Kiara L and Paul K and his Orchestra, showcased their talents and made the event truly unforgettable.

A special thanks to Dr. Tim Mahlberg Sie from Stone & Chalk for his inspiring speech. The wisdom and encouragement he shared have made a lasting impact on both our students and all attendees.

Families still have access to the Class of 2023 website via the button below, where they can obtain the professional photos from the evening.

Class of 2023 Page

Knock Out Volleyball

This term 96 Year 9 and 10 students competed in a Beach Volleyball carnival at Glenelg Beach. The weather was amazing and the students demonstrated great independence throughout the day by being organised and punctual to games as well as performing their duty roles. There was a total of 10 boys teams and 8 girls teams who all experienced varying levels of success during the day. At the end of the carnival, ABHS teams managed to win the Year 10 Boys Division 2, Year 9 Boys Division 2 and the Year 9 Girls Division 1, as well as placing second in the Year 10 Boys Division 2 and Year 9 Girls Division 1 competitions. The day required a huge amount of organisation by Lifestyle Choices Teacher Sam Ball as well as the support from supervising teachers. We would also like to thank Amy Day for volunteering her time to help on the day also.

Callan Hammond
Lifestyle Choices Teacher

Reminder from the Enrolments team - Leaving ABHS

Families are reminded that if their child/ren will no longer be attending ABHS in 2024, they are required to submit a Student Clearance / Leavers form which can be accessed through the button below.

Student Clearance / Leavers Form

Year 7 Future Feasts!

Our Year 7 Media Arts students engaged in a Future Foods Feast this term as part of their Flourish learning experience. This included a banquet of bugtastical delights such as cricket protein shakes, mealworm chocolate and cricket and chocolate brownies. We were so pleased to see our students embrace the future concept of eating bugs as part of a regular diet as they learn that regular foods today may no longer be produced. This learning task enabled our students to experience an empathy phase of their design process as they design their future food and poster campaign. We are very proud of all our students and how they approached this task as a supportive community, with a wonderful balance of intrigue, excitement confidence and resilience, well done Year 7’s.

Trish Larkin and Eden McEwen
The Arts Teachers

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

Mars the Musical

Middle schools students have been working on writing and performing Mars the Musical this semester using a grant from the Andy Thomas Space Foundation. They challenged schools to use a giant Mars map to inspire interest in the STEM and space industries. Students in the Space studio wrote the script during Term 3 and a second group have been working hard to direct, choreograph, publicise and design sets, props, costumes and technical elements to bring the performance together. Well done to the Mars the Musical team on bringing together this unique performance.

Lauren Scarfe
STEM Teacher

Year 9-10 Knock Out Tennis

Our Knockout Year 9-10 tennis team delivered a commendable performance in the recent Grand Final, securing a second-place finish amongst stiff competition from three other teams. Despite falling short in the final matches against Brighton, the team’s perseverance, teamwork, and dedication were inspirational. We are optimistic for next year’s tournament, especially with the potential return of a few absent players, and we believe our team will come back stronger. Thank you to those boys who were called up the week of to fill in for the team.

Sam Ball
Lifestyle Choices Teacher

Senior Arts Showcase CHAOS

This Term we hosted our 2023 Senior Arts Showcase, ‘Chaos.’ The evening centered around the acknowledgment that, as creatives, it is essential to embrace chaos as an integral part of the creative process to avoid overlooking remarkable aspects. Students in Stage 2 Visual Arts: Art, Visual Arts: Design, Photography, and Architecture, proudly exhibited their year-long endeavors for friends and family to witness.

Kylie Neagle, a special guest speaker from the Art Gallery of South Australia, emphasized the exceptional quality of the displayed work. The pride emanating from both staff and students filled the room. Throughout the year, students demonstrated courage by taking significant creative risks, resulting in a diverse array of artistic expressions, including paintings, sculptures, design solutions, fashion designs, prints, and more.

We take pride in the accomplishments of our Stage 2 students this year and eagerly anticipate the promising future of the Arts in 2024.

Hannah Darling
The Arts

Aboriginal Education Update

The Aboriginal Education Team have had a busy and successful year with promoting and supporting Aboriginal students’ strong sense of identity, belonging and connection to their community. Students have been involved in the Karnkanthi Indigenous Education Program, the Young Indigenous Women in Stem, and the Young Aboriginal Student Thinkers of S.A. Congress where a group of students presented a workshop on making a Possum Ball. Senior students studying the SACE have been involved in the SAASTA school-based academy with Sam Camilleri taking out a High Achiever Award.

Students in the Culture Connect Studio learnt directly from people in their community: Trent Hill, Jack Buckskin, Aunty Ros, Aunty Madge, and Cox Architects. Through interactive workshops they made positive contributions to the design and environment of the new Botanic High School building.

This year the school received a grant from the Aboriginal Language Program Initiative (ALPI) and ran a Kaurna Language Studio for a term with the ASETO and Kaurna Language provider working as a dynamic team in delivering engaging workshops to enthusiastic students. It is anticipated that this workshop will be part of the Studio offerings next year as the school has received further funding from ALPI to support the engagement of a certified Kaurna Language provider.

The Aboriginal Education Team have worked closely with the ABHS Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) working group to provide connected leadership in implementing Aboriginal Perspectives Across the Curriculum (APAC). A Project Officer, Aboriginal Education, has been providing professional development workshops for staff to engage with Australian First Nations Peoples’ knowledges, experiences, values, and perspectives. The priority for next year is for students and Community members to be invited to join the RAP working group to provide important input towards actions needed on the path of Reconciliation.

Barbara Gillis
Aboriginal Education Teacher