ÑÇÖÞÎÞÂë

COLLEGE PRINCIPAL

Mr James Tamblyn

Last week, we received correspondence from the Premier of South Australia, Peter Malinauskas, about new federal laws that will implement 16 years as the minimum age for access to social media. These new laws will commence following a 12-month implementation period. is provided for your reference. We very much look forward to working with students and families in preparation for these changes.

On 2 April next year, we will welcome Susan McLean to ÑÇÖÞÎÞÂë. Susan is Australia’s foremost expert in the area of cyber safety and was a member of the Victoria Police for 27 years. In 2007, she established Cyber Safety Solutions, which has grown into the most highly respected cyber safety consultancy in Australia.

Susan will work with ÑÇÖÞÎÞÂë staff, students and parents to support us on our journey of teaching about online safety and the dangers of social media. I look forward to sharing further details of Susan’s visit in due course.

My thanks to all members of our community for your exceptional support throughout 2024. Congratulations to students who represent themselves, their families and the College incredibly well. We are so proud of how they commit to their learning, but more importantly, how they look after each other, aligning their behaviours with our values of kindness, respect and inclusivity. Their academic achievements over the year reflect the safe and connected community they have helped create and continue to nurture.

Thank you to our staff for your incredible work over the course of the academic year. We are so fortunate to have such a committed and talented team of professionals. You inspire our students and challenge each other. The quality of a school cannot exceed the quality of its staff. Our College is exceptional because of your dedication to our students.

As we approach the Christmas season, it’s a perfect time to pause and reflect on the true meaning of this special holiday. While the festivities and celebrations bring much joy, Christmas is ultimately a time to remember the birth of Jesus Christ, a moment that changed the course of history with its message of love, hope and peace.

The spirit of Christmas is not just about giving and receiving gifts but about spreading kindness, showing compassion and sharing in the warmth of community. It’s a reminder that we are called to love one another, care for those in need and work together to create a world of understanding and harmony.

As we gather with family and friends to celebrate, let us take time to appreciate the blessings in our lives and reflect on the values that Christmas symbolises: faith, love and gratitude. Whether you are celebrating with family, volunteering to help others or simply taking time for quiet reflection, I hope this season brings you peace and joy. I wish you all every blessing and happiness through the Christmas and New Year period. May the holidays provide an opportunity to reflect, relax, recharge and spend quality time with family and friends.

DEPUTY PRINCIPAL (TEACHING & LEARNING)

Mrs Kat Elliott

Across the College, we have been busy wrapping up the year and celebrating our achievements. Far from resting on our laurels, we have also been looking ahead and preparing for an excellent transition into 2025.

We have been reflecting on the positives of our progress this year and considering how these can guide our actions next year. Being a considerate and reflective learner empowers us to make meaningful decisions and take ownership of our growth.

Year 5 students have visited the Middle School to learn about the Core program. They met with teachers and leaders, learned about expectations and familiarised themselves with learning and play areas around Mallee, as well as the ways learning is approached in Middle School.Ìý

Similarly, Year 11 students have been preparing for their transition into Stage 2 subjects. They engaged with expert teachers and curriculum leaders to understand what lies ahead and how to excel in Year 12.

The message for all students, at every stage of their journey, is that the entire ÑÇÖÞÎÞÂë community stands behind them, offering support every step of the way.

I extend my heartfelt thanks to the community for a wonderful 2024 and wish everyone a restful summer break and a very Merry Christmas.

DEPUTY PRINCIPAL / HEAD OF SENIOR SCHOOL

Mrs Mandy Hore

I’m not sure if it’s just me, or if the years are passing by more quickly, but it’s hard to believe the school year is drawing to a close and that Christmas and 2025 are just around the corner.

With only a few days left of school, I find myself reflecting on the school year that was – one that has continued to highlight our strength as a community. This is one of the many aspects I love about ÑÇÖÞÎÞÂë: our connection, genuine care for each other and support for others.

In 2024, students have continued to immerse themselves in a wide range of activities that complement their academic program. They have camped, sailed, kayaked, debated, run, jumped, swum and competed in various sporting activities. They have also sung, acted – you name it, they’ve done it. Students participated in poetry, story writing and maths/science competitions, while also raising money for a variety of charities. Their commitment and dedication to whatever they pursue are to be congratulated, and their willingness to think beyond themselves and care for others remains one of the outstanding attributes of a ÑÇÖÞÎÞÂë student.

Year 12s have completed their exams and now look forward to their summer break, contemplating what lies beyond ÑÇÖÞÎÞÂë. As Old Scholars, they are reminded that they are now connected to a worldwide network that will always support them. They leave with our love, and our blessing and are well prepared for what lies beyond our College gates.

To the families whose time at ÑÇÖÞÎÞÂë concludes in 2024, thank you for your support and partnership with us over many years. Please stay in touch.

Finally, thank you for your support of our students and programs during the year, whether it be assisting with homework, excursions, drop-offs and pick-ups from sports, extra-curricular activities or helping to learn spelling words or listening to reading. We sincerely appreciate everything. It is a privilege to work with your children and be part of this community.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Here’s to 2025, our 40th year!

HEAD OF JUNIOR SCHOOL

Ms Lisa Daws

As we close the final chapter of 2024, it’s a moment to reflect on our shared journey. Together, we’ve celebrated milestones, overcome challenges and watched our students grow into confident, curious learners. It has been a privilege to join the ÑÇÖÞÎÞÂë family this year and witness the warmth, resilience and dedication of our students, staff and families. Together, we’ve continued to foster a community where every child feels valued and is empowered to ‘let their light shine.’

In recent weeks, we’ve shared a series of memorable events that have united and celebrated our community through learning and connection; highlighting the incredible spirit of our community. From Administration to Property & Grounds, and the Hub, every member of our team has played a vital role and for this we offer thanks.

Year 5 Exhibition

The Year 5 Exhibition on Wednesday, 27 November, showcased the culmination of our students’ inquiry-based learning. With confidence and creativity, they presented their projects, demonstrating a deep understanding of global issues and their role as young changemakers. Many thanks to the Year 5 teaching team and mentors for their hard work and dedication to this significant event in the lives of our students.

HEAD OF MIDDLE SCHOOL

Mrs Eliza Buckoke

As we race towards the end of the year, the Middle School is a hive of activity as we prepare to welcome new students in 2025 and wish our Year 9s well as they get ready to transition into the Senior School next year.

Middle School Anglican Cup

Last week, the Anglican Cup was held at Pulteney Grammar School, with around 90 students taking part in a wide variety of sports. We had many successes on the day, but most importantly, the fantastic team spirit displayed by our students is to be commended!

Junior School Nativity Musical

On Friday, 29 November, Junior Primary students lit up the stage with their performance of the Nativity Musical, ‘Lights, Camel, Action!’

Dedicated Year 2 students worked tirelessly over the past two terms, showcasing their talents and developing new skills. From mastering lines and stage directions to memorising lyrics and choreography, they embraced every challenge with enthusiasm. Along the way, they honed their dialogue timing, characterisation and microphone skills, bringing the story to life in a spectacular and heartwarming show.

Congratulations to everyone involved for their hard work and incredible performance! I am so proud of our Year 2 students and wish all our families a safe and joyful festive season!

Ms Holly Collins

End of Year LOTE Activities

To celebrate another productive year of Languages Other Than English (LOTE) learning, German and Chinese students enjoyed various activities at the end of Term 4. Year 7 German students decorated gingerbread biscuits and made crafts, while Year 7 Chinese students made dumplings and enjoyed a traditional meal. Year 8 German and Chinese students practised their language skills in a coffee shop activity, ordering food and drinks while sampling treats.

Year 9 students visited Nido Early School to teach Chinese to younger students this week. This project allowed older students to share their knowledge while creating a positive learning environment. It was a great opportunity for Year 9 students to apply their learning, develop teaching skills and inspire the next generation, marking a meaningful conclusion to their Middle School language-learning journey.

Mrs Grace Liu

Year 5 Exhibition

The Year 5 Exhibition is an opportunity to celebrate student learning, and the connections between school and life beyond the classroom.

Across the school year, students engaged with the following units of inquiry: Who We Are, How We Organise Ourselves, Sharing the Planet, Where We Are in Place and Time and How The World Works.

As part of this final unit, How We Express Ourselves, students were tasked with communicating a message to an audience. The central idea for this unit was ‘Communicating Creatively Can Inspire Action’.

Students considered the 5 units of inquiries from the year and then selected one unit and area of interest to delve deeper into. From here, they considered a significant issue in the community and some possible solutions. Their aim was to creatively share these messages and inspire the community to create positive changes.

During the Exhibition process, students had the privilege of hosting Mrs Kamaputri, who delivered a session on ‘The Power of Media and Effective Communication.’ Engaging in games and discussions, the students gained insights into how messages and communication can be manipulated. They explored various forms of media, aiming to decipher the underlying messages intended for the audience. Students recognised that media is a storytelling platform that helps brands connect with their audience.

Students were also fortunate enough to explore storytelling through art with Mrs Kenny. Mrs Kenny delivered a session on the different forms of street art and the varying techniques and the messages they convey. Students explored the works of Banksy and created pieces of street art that connected to their Exhibition focus.

Staff from across the College generously volunteered their time to mentor students. Mentors met with their group each week to support and guide them through their research and brainstorming. Their assistance was essential to the success of the Exhibition.

Through the Exhibition process the students have learned new skills, built stronger teamwork, and discovered exciting ways to communicate ideas in order to make positive change.

Mrs Lauren Ciano

NEWS, UPDATES AND RESULTS

The ÑÇÖÞÎÞÂë 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 ÑÇÖÞÎÞÂë Extra-curricular activities and events.

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