From the Head of Senior School

The Year 11 Drama class presented their interpretation of Queens, written by Kristen Doherty, a haunting play that explores the life of King Henry VIII and his six wives. The students fully immersed themselves in the development of their characters and truly brought their historical figures to life. We are grateful to Mrs Karen Sheldon and all the staff who support our Drama program.

The Year 10 STEAM and Entrepreneurial Education Project teaches skills in critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and creativity. Students investigated and deconstructed various problems, in order to solve an issue or challenge. The Showcase Evening enabled groups to present their learning to an audience as young scientists and entrepreneurs. We are grateful to the Year 10 Science teachers, led by the Leader of Learning, Mrs Penny Slattery, for their guidance and support of our students in this experience.

Year 8 World of Work was held last Friday and provided Year 8 students with an experience for a day in the workplace or local business of family or friends. We are grateful for the work of Vocational Services Coordinator, Mrs Lisa McDonald, in coordinating this day.

Our Year 12s attended the Red, Blue, and Gold Graduation Ball on Saturday night at the Convention Centre. It was a very enjoyable evening for the graduating class and their families. We are most grateful for the work of Miss Katerina Mirasgentis in the coordination of this wonderful event.

This week marks the end of another academic year for our Year 10 and 11 students, as they have completed their examinations.

This weekend we farewell our nine students and two staff going on the French Language Exchange in Macon, the Burgundy region. The students will be buddied with French students from the Catholic school Notre-Dame-Ozanam. They will attend school and visit surrounding cities, where they will indulge in the French culture and practise their French language in authentic experiences. The group will finish their three weeks with a few days in Paris. We wish the students and staff a safe and wonderful time in France.

We also farewell 22 students and four staff travelling to South East Asia this Saturday on the 13th Cambodia and Vietnam Immersion. The group will work at several schools in Siem Reap, Sisaphon, and Phnom Penh. They will also visit other significant places such as Angkor Wat, The Killing Fields, a Khmer Rouge prison, Long Tan, and other war-related museums in Vietnam. We wish the students and staff a safe and wonderful experience.

Phil Donato
Head of Senior School

Please take note of some special events at the Senior School during week 8:

Saturday 30 November to Thursday 19 December
French Language Exchange

Monday 2 December to Saturday 21 December
Cambodia Vietnam Immersion

Monday 2 December to Wednesday 4 December
JACSA Student Leaders Conference, Loyola College, Watsonia

Wednesday 4 December
Strings and Sings Concert, Flynn Theatre

Friday 6 December
End of Term 4 (Years 7 to 9)

Please note: The Front Office will be close on Wednesday, 18 December 2024 and reopen on Monday, 13 January 2025

On Tuesday 19 November, Yianni Datsopoulos, Audrey Colin-Newport, Archer Brewer and I had the privilege of attending the 2024 Alternative Dispute Resolution address, hosted by the Supreme Court of South Australia.

The address featured presentations from Chief Justice Chris Kourakis, Deborah Lockhart; CEO of the Australian Disputes Centre and Dr. Peter Kassapidis; Adjunct Lecturer at the University of Adelaide, who each provided a professional and unique insight into the growing importance of Alternative Dispute Resolution in the modern legal landscape.

The address provided a valuable opportunity to deepen our understanding of civil law processes, immerse ourselves in the life of a professional lawyer, and learn about key content relevant to the Year 12 Legal Studies curriculum.

Many thanks to Ms Natalie Prior for organising the excursion, and to Mr Antony Bauze for accompanying us.

Edward Colegate
Legal Studies Student

This week we hosted a morning tea to celebrate our 20 Stage 2 language students. The study of a second language at the College is offered through an accelerated program, with students completing their Stage 2 studies at Year 11.

The study of a second language requires much time, discipline, and personal commitment. It leads students to become more responsible and committed global citizens and encourages continued exposure to other cultures, allowing individuals to interact more fully with others. The ability to speak and to connect with others engenders respect in a wide range of contexts and this creates opportunities to have an impact, to make a difference and to lead.

Throughout their history, Jesuits have been noted for their openness to and close observation of cultures other than their own, as well as for their efforts at mutually enriching intercultural dialogue through the study of a foreign language.

We would like to congratulate the students on their commitment to the study of a second language. This achievement will position them to participate in global communities with confidence and respect

Gabby Puntillo
Leader of Learning– Languages

The Year 9 French and Italian students recently visited the Adelaide Central Market to explore French and Italian culture and food in Adelaide while using their language skills to complete an activity booklet in the target language.

The Adelaide Central Market hosts a variety of cultural experiences, and we are very fortunate to have the opportunity to immerse ourselves in the flavours of countries near and far; collectively they have contributed to Australia’s multicultural identity.

When studying a foreign language, food is one of the best recipes for conversation and connection. One of the strongest expressions of culture comes from the food that we eat. Our students explored the variety of cuisines from the market stalls and used their language skills to learn more about each stall and its produce.

This excursion also marks the end of language study for many of the Year 9 students. Therefore, this experience is also a reminder of the importance of culture and traditions. Language education develops intercultural capabilities. It provides direct access to the culture, values, and knowledge of other peoples and to diverse ways of seeing the world. As their teachers, we hope that their language study experiences these past three years will help them to connect with others with greater empathy and understanding.

Gabby Puntillo
Leader of Learning – Languages

On Saturday 26 October seven Year 10 students from Mrs Wills’ Pre Lit. English class, attended a Spring Poetry Competition Anthology Launch as they had won the opportunity to put their poems in the Poetry Anthology produced by SAETA (South Australian English Teachers’ Association) This was a major achievement as there were hundreds of entries in this competition. The students were presented with a copy of the anthology and a certificate. They are now published poets! Congratulations go to Hiral Kalra, Lulu Lu, Gigi Osborn, Roshan Abraham, Suen Bajwa, Agam Kamboj and Tom O’Dea on this outstanding achievement!

Kathryn Wills
Coordinator of Gifted and Talented / Senior English Teacher

The Challenge Program students have been out and about, testing their knowledge and skills in the real world with a Year 7 excursion to Thorndon Park where the students participated in a PBL on ‘Who Poisoned Thorndon Lake’ as well as an excursion to Immanuel College where they participated in author workshops at the Once Upon a…. Festival. The Year 8 students wrote beautiful poetry in the ‘Creative Writing in the Art Gallery’ session and they also participated in a Minerals and Mining workshop in the laboratories at school where they worked on current challenges for scientists in this field. These activities were well received by the students who were able to explore the workings of the real world through these experiences.

Kathryn Wills
Coordinator of Gifted and Talented

SATAC Important Dates & Pathways

On Monday 16 December our Year 12’s will receive their results. The Careers Counsellor will be at the College from 10am until 2pm for any students who would like to chat about planning their preferences and pathways. Call 8334 9300 to book an appointment on the day.

Key Dates:

• 2 December: Equal Consideration cutoff – list all desired courses in your SATAC application.
• 16 December: Results Day – Careers Office open (10am-2pm). Call 8334 9300 to book.
• 2 January: Change of Preference deadline.
• 10 January: Main Offer release.
• 23 January: Second Round offers begin.

Tips for Preferences:
Ensure your first preference is your preferred course; SATAC accepts your highest eligible choice. Changes later may delay your offer.

Now is the time to reset your SACE online password and check your credits. The SACE Board website will freeze on Monday 2 December until results are released on Monday 16 December.

Alternate Pathways to University

For students who may not achieve the desired ATAR, alternate pathways are available. Many universities recognise that ATAR is not always the best measure of potential success. Here are some preparatory programs that can provide entry to undergraduate degrees:

University of Adelaide

University Preparatory Program (UPP):

• Duration: 1 year full-time or 2 years part-time (free).
• Eligibility: Students aged 17+ who have completed Year 12 or been out of school for a year.
• Outcome: Guaranteed entry into eight generalist degrees.
• Visit: UPP Eligibility and Requirements.

UniSA College

Pathways Without an ATAR:

1. Foundation Studies (1 year, free): A general program for Australian citizens aged 18+, leading to undergraduate courses.
2. Diplomas: 2-year courses (fees apply, deferred payment available) offering entry into second-year degrees.

Aboriginal Pathway Program:

• Duration: 18 months, free.
• Locations include City West, Ceduna, Port Lincoln, and Whyalla.

More info: UniSA Pathways.

Flinders University

Foundation Studies:

• Options: 5-week intensive (January) or 4-month standard program (both free).
• Eligibility: For Australian citizens or permanent residents who have not studied at university before.
• Applications have opened. Visit: Flinders Foundation Studies.

SAIBT (SA Institute of Business and Technology)

• Offers diploma pathways to UniSA degrees (fees apply).
• No ATAR? Use Year 11 grades or start with Stage 1 diplomas.
• Visit: SAIBT Pathways.

TAFE Fee-Free Courses

The SA Government provides free TAFE courses with pathways to university, e.g., nursing diplomas leading to pre-registration RN degrees. Learn more: Fee-Free TAFE.

Science Ready Short Course (UniSA)

• For students entering Allied Health degrees without a strong science background.
• Duration: 4–8 days; cost: $350.
• Covers foundational science and study tips.

Year 9 Careers Education and Work Experience

Year 9 students have been exploring career options through mentor groups and have launched preparations for the 2025 Work Experience Program (24–26 June). Students are brainstorming placements, drafting emails of enquiry, and learning about employability skills.

For details, visit the Careers Webpage or access it via SEQTA.

Excursion to The University of Adelaide
Students recently visited the campus, exploring university life and participating in activities such as “Courtroom Clash” and “Cardiac Cadets”.

Year 10 Employability Seminar

Year 10 students participated in the “Are You Work Ready?” Seminar with Ms Cecilia White from Perks People Solutions. Topics included:

• Resume-building tips.
• Recruitment and interview advice.
• Employability skills development.

Students also attended a resume-writing boot camp and can find resources and job opportunities on the Career Tools platform.

For further assistance with careers and pathways, explore our Career Tools website.

Year 8 World of Work

Last Friday, the Year 8s concluded their career education program, Become, with an exploration of the world of work. Through work shadowing a parent and conducting an interview, they gained firsthand insight into the effort their parents put into their jobs and learned about the evolving nature of career paths. Here’s what a few students observed...

Lisa McDonald
Leader of Learning - Futures & Pathways