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COLLEGE PRINCIPAL

Mr James Tamblyn

On 11 November each year, Australians pause to reflect on the lives lost in war and the sacrifices made by those who served in the armed forces. Remembrance Day, a time of solemn tribute, is a significant occasion for the nation, providing an opportunity to honour and remember those who fought for the freedoms we enjoy today.

Remembrance Day marks the anniversary of the armistice signed on November 11, 1918, which ended the First World War. WW1 was one of the deadliest conflicts in history, and its impact was felt deeply in Australia. More than 400,000 Australians enlisted to fight, and of these, over 60,000 lost their lives. The end of the war was a time of great relief, but also of deep sorrow and reflection, as families and communities mourned their lost loved ones.

Over time, Remembrance Day has become a day to honour all those who have served in times of war, including later conflicts such as the Second World War, the Korean War, the Vietnam War and more recent peacekeeping missions. The significance of the day extends beyond the First World War, as Australians continue to recognise and remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the name of duty and country.

One of the most recognisable symbols of Remembrance Day is the red poppy. The tradition of wearing poppies began after the First World War, inspired by the famous poem In Flanders Fields by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae. The poem speaks of the poppies that bloomed on the battlefields of Belgium and France, where so many soldiers had died. Today, the red poppy is worn as a symbol of remembrance, and funds raised through the sale of poppies support veterans and their families.

At 11:00am on 11 November, Australians observe a minute’s silence to reflect on the sacrifice of those who died in war. This pause is not just a moment of quiet, but a chance for each individual to consider the cost of war, the lives affected and the values of peace and freedom that underpin our society.

For schools, Remembrance Day provides an important opportunity to teach younger generations about the history of Australia’s military involvement and the importance of peace. It’s a day to reflect with students on the value of service, resilience and respect for those who have contributed to the nation’s safety and security. By understanding the significance of Remembrance Day, students are reminded that the freedoms they often take for granted come at a price, and it is our collective responsibility to honour and remember those who have made this sacrifice.

This year, ��������, Golden Grove High School and Gleeson College will come together and mark Remembrance Day with a Combined Service on the Jackson Oval. We very much look forward to this significant event. �������� students from Years 4-11 will be involved. Our youngest students (R-3) will gather separately for a Junior School service to mark the day. We continue to offer our prayers to those around the world currently impacted by conflict. We pray also for those diligently serving our nation, both at home and abroad.

DEPUTY PRINCIPAL / HEAD OF SENIOR SCHOOL

Mrs Mandy Hore

Each week, our College staff come together for devotion. Last week, it was a privilege to lead and we began with a simple question:

Is the glass half empty or half full? Responses were varied…

• The optimist says the glass is half full.
• The pessimist sees the glass as half empty.
• The project manager will say that the glass is twice as big as it needs to be.
• The realist believes the glass contains half the required amount of liquid for it to overflow.
• The cynic wonders who drank the other half.
• The worrier frets that the water will evaporate by next morning.
• And finally, the fanatic thinks the glass is completely full, even though it isn’t.

It’s easy to see the challenges and obstacles that lie ahead. Our glass can often appear half empty, weighed down by the demands of our responsibilities and the stresses of our tasks, especially when we’re tired or facing an endless to-do list. Yet, even on our busiest days, if we reframe our thinking, there is much to be thankful for.

Seeing the glass half full isn’t about ignoring the challenges we face; rather, it’s about approaching them with faith and gratitude. If we embrace this mindset, we’ll find that even the smallest joys become reasons for celebration, and every trial becomes an opportunity for growth.

As we enter a busy time of the term and year, I challenge you to take another look at your ‘glass’ and find something that brings you a smile each day.

End of Year – Key Diary Dates

• Year 10 and 11 Examinations:
  Semester Two exams for Year 10 and 11 students begin in Week 6. You can find the schedule in the following link:
  Please note: Students are not required to attend the College unless they have a scheduled exam. However, study spaces will be available for those who wish to study at school.
• 2025 Orientation Day for Year 11 Students:
  All 2024 Year 11 students will return to the College on Monday, 2 December for their 2025 Orientation Day. On this day, students will learn about the requirements for their Year 12 subjects and may receive holiday preparation work to support them in the year ahead.
• Year 6-11 Thanksgiving Service:
  We look forward to celebrating with families at the Year 6-11 Thanksgiving Service on Tuesday, 10 December, from 11:35am to 1:05pm.

HEAD OF JUNIOR SCHOOL

Ms Lisa Daws

Community & Connection – Learning Journeys

This week’s Student-Led Learning Journeys were a wonderful success! Students confidently guided their families through reflections on their growth, achievements and challenges. It was heartwarming to see families engaged, asking questions and celebrating the progress of their child’s learning, strengthening the connection between home and school.

Teachers warmly welcomed families, providing support while stepping back to let our young learners shine. These Learning Journeys underscored the value of student agency, fostering pride and ownership in learning. Thank you to our students, families and teachers for making this experience so meaningful!

HEAD OF MIDDLE SCHOOL

Mrs Eliza Buckoke

Congratulations to all our VEX teams on their accomplishments this year, and a special shoutout to those who participated in the State Championships last Monday, 28 October! Several Middle School teams have qualified for the National Championships in Sydney this December—a fantastic achievement. Last week, we also hosted the Girl Powered VEX event, welcoming teams from various schools around SA.

Year 9 Film & Media Channel 9 Excursion – Tuesday, 29 October

STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS

Premier’s Reading Challenge

The annual Premier’s Reading Challenge finished up in September, and I was delighted to hand out medals and awards this week to those students who participated. A total of 411 students from R-12 completed the challenge this year, each reading at least 12 books over the year, adding up to over 4900 books read in total. Congratulations to Lainie E (Year 8) for being Catford Library’s lucky recipient of a special prize draw.

Thank you to all of the teachers and parents who supported our students in achieving these awards, and a huge congratulations to all participants.��

Ms Sarah Mossel

Year 1 Excursion

Year 1 classes visited Gorge Wildlife Park as part of the ‘Sharing the Planet’ Unit of Inquiry, exploring the connections between animals and their environments. Students had the chance to get up close to a variety of animals, including a koala, snake and tortoise. Together, we observed the animals’ habitats and discussed how each one supports the survival of its inhabitants Using these observations, students later created habitat dioramas and wrote informational books about their chosen animals, which they proudly presented to the class.

Mrs Rikki Hendry

Year 3 Sleepover

Last Friday, 1 November, Year 3 students gathered at the College for an exciting sleepover. The evening kicked off with team-building games, followed by an entertaining Bubble Show from Marty McBubble and a delicious Paella dinner. Later, students enjoyed a cosy movie night with popcorn, creating a wonderful atmosphere for bonding and fun.

This experience provided students with a valuable opportunity to spend a night away from home, and many are already looking forward to the adventures of Year 4 Camp. A heartfelt thank you to all the dedicated teachers who helped make the Year 3 Sleepover a memorable success!

Ms Kayla Gyles

Year 6 Outdoor Education Experience

Year 6 students had an unforgettable camp at Roonka Water Activity Centre in Blanchetown, engaging in canoeing, raft building, fishing and water ecology studies. A standout was their scenic canoe journey down the Murray River—a true adventure!

Free time offered fun on the waterslide, flying fox and lagoon swimming. Evenings around the campfire were filled with games, stories and bonding under the stars.

For many, it was a first camping experience, with highlights like cooking on a Trangia and friendly competition during the Mini Olympics. Special thanks to Mrs Dutch, Outdoor Education Coordinator, for making it all possible!

Mrs Karen Zerner

Student Testimonials

Creative with Clay

Year 9 3D Visual Art students were provided with an immersive experience in working with clay, exploring its different stages and practising a variety of hand-building techniques. In the latter part of the course, students drew inspiration from themes of nature, guided by the short film Back to Nature, which highlights First Nations’ deep connection to the land.��

This perspective enhanced students’ understanding and appreciation of clay as a natural medium. We were delighted to see the creativity and enthusiasm students brought as they engaged with the tactile and expressive possibilities of clay.

Mrs Emily Kenny & Mrs Allison Fairey

Year 10 & 11 Drama Production

Year 10 and 11 Drama students presented an incredible Theatre Showcase for their AT1 Task – Performance on Tuesday, 5 November,

The evening was divided into two halves: a selection of Shakespearean monologues, followed by scenes from a variety of plays. In total, 11 monologues and 7 scenes were performed, showcasing the exceptional talent of the students.

Students took on multiple roles, collaborating as performers, directors, lighting designers, costume designers, sound designers, stage managers and hair and make-up artists—each contributing their creative and technical expertise to the success of the showcase.

With only six weeks to prepare, this production highlighted the rigour and dedication of our performing artists. Congratulations to all involved.

Mr Christopher Bond

Stage 1 Surfing Camp

Stage 1 Outdoor Education students enjoyed a memorable Surf Camp from Thursday, 31 October to Friday, 1 November. Sunny weather set the stage for an active first day of surfing, beach cricket, swimming and sand games, before students returned to the Caravan Park for a peaceful break.

The campsite was ideal, with a grassy tent area and camp kitchen. Dinner was a highlight as students prepared a variety of dishes and reflected on their day in journals before settling in for a restful night.

Friday’s second surf session brought cloudy skies, but students embraced the challenge, many staying in the water longer than before. Each day wrapped up with a popular bakery lunch.

Special thanks to Mr Bruse and Mrs Dutch for their support in making this experience possible.

Mr Damien Hutchings

NEWS, UPDATES AND RESULTS

The �������� Extra-curricular Team are excited to bring you a new portal, containing information and links all in one location to our Sports and Clubs program.

The Portal is updated regularly to bring you the latest news, announcements, updates, results and more of �������� Extra-curricular activities and events.

Please click here to visit the College Calendar for a full list of College events