MNSEC Swimming

Since our last newsletter our MNSEC swimming team ventured to Quorn where they enthusiastically filled every event which was pivotal in Gladstone walking away with the win. Congratulations Isaac Smart on taking out Champion Swimmer  at the same time as sealing quite a few records, some of them longstanding.

Successful Sports Day

Our Sports Day was a resounding success, filled with enthusiasm, sportsmanship, and team spirit. It was wonderful to see our students participating with such dedication and energy. It was an extraordinary effort by the team of staff who made this event possible.

MNSEC Athletics

Congratulations to all students who participated in the MNSEC Athletics. Your hard work and determination have not gone unnoticed. We are proud of each one of you, especially those who volunteered to fill in when others were unavailable. Your willingness to support your peers is commendable and greatly appreciated.

Successful Wine Bottling

A big thank you to Stonebridge Wines for their support to enable our successful wine bottling for 2025. This project has been a wonderful experience for our students, providing them with valuable skills and insights. Thanks to Lauren Amey and Meredith Kleinig for working with a small group of enthusiastic students to bottle 300L of wine very efficiently on Tuesday.

Congratulations to Kate Seidel

We are thrilled to announce that Kate Seidel has been appointed as the Wellbeing Leader for the remainder of the year. Her dedication to student welfare and positive school culture make her an excellent choice for this role.

Thank You, Brayden Kirk

A heartfelt thank you to Brayden Kirk for his exceptional work with our Year 7s, 10s, and SAASTA students. His support and involvement in the sports program have been invaluable. While we will miss his regular presence, we look forward to seeing him around as a TRT.

Acknowledgements and Thanks

I would like to extend my gratitude to the parents who attended our recent Annual General Meeting. Your involvement is crucial to our school's success. A special congratulations to Andrew Hughes on being re-elected as Chairperson. We look forward to your continued leadership and support.

Upcoming Fundraiser at the Laura Fair

Looking ahead, we are excited about our major fundraiser at the Laura Fair. This event is a fantastic opportunity for our school community to come together and support our students. We encourage everyone to participate and contribute to making this event a success.

Parent/Teacher/Student Interviews

Interviews are happening next Tuesday from 3.30 pm – 7.00 pm. Please take this opportunity to have a conversation with the teachers about your student’s progress.

Early Dismissal

On Tuesday, at the early finish of the afternoon, we were able to follow up on curriculum planning for the Child Protection Curriculum, following the staff training session on our Student Free Day. We also spent an hour working on refining our Site Learning Plan for 2025, including reviewing what we have achieved so far and the next steps.

EMS

On Monday, March 31^st, GHS will be changed over to the new Departments Management System (EMS). This will involve some very big changes to the way our school operates and communicates with families, particularly regarding invoices and payments. Whilst getting used to a new system can take time, please be patient with our Finance and Admin staff as they transition to this new application. This will not impact the Sentral portal that parents currently use. 

If you have any questions please contact the school. Further information will be communicated via email once we go live. 

On Tuesday of Week 6, our Year 10, 11, and 12 Student Leaders set off early for the YLAA Student Leaders Conference at the Adelaide Convention Centre. Throughout the day, they were inspired by motivational speakers and actively participated in planning activities, gaining valuable insights into leadership and teamwork. After a quick stop for some fast food, the bus ride home was filled with music and laughter as students sang along together, capping off a rewarding and memorable experience.

It has been a vibrant and bustling start to the year for our Year 9 and 10 students. It has been a term filled with enthusiasm, learning, and community spirit.

Our students shone brightly at the swimming carnival, where their sportsmanship and competitive spirit were truly commendable. Despite the rescheduling of Sports Day due to the hot weather, our students adapted wonderfully, participating with vigour and cheering on their peers. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who took part and contributed to the success of these events. The BBQ and drinks stall were not only delicious but also successful in raising funds for our upcoming ski trip.

Year 9 students have been diligently working through their final NAPLAN assessments, balancing this with their regular classes. Their perseverance and hard work have been impressive. A reminder that ski trip letters, including the payment schedule, have been sent home. We appreciate the prompt return of expressions of interest and look forward to an exciting camp.

In our Year 9 and 10 homegroups, students are thriving in positive and productive environments. They are further developing peer connections, supported by the Berry Street morning circles and integrated positive activities that provide meaningful learning moments.

Year 10 students are engaged and exploring their interests and career opportunities through their first SACE subject, the Exploring Interests and Futures (EIF) course. We encourage you to ask your child to share their progress, helping to build conversations about their learning and discoveries.

The careers camp for Year 10 is nearly finalised, with letters detailing the confirmed schedule and costs being sent home this week. Students will have the opportunity to explore various career paths through workshops and tours, including visits to the Tonsley TAFE precinct, Flinders University, Uni SA, Port Adelaide Football Club facilities, and BAE Systems submarine and shipbuilding. Following the careers camp, work experience will take place in Week 10. We encourage parents and caregivers to start discussing potential workplaces for this valuable opportunity.

As the warm weather continues, please ensure students bring hats and drink bottles to school. Remember to regularly check student diaries, as they are an essential communication tool.

Thank you for your ongoing support and engagement. We look forward to a successful and rewarding year ahead.

Year 7 Port Augusta Aquatics Camp 

This term, our new Year 7 students had an exciting two-night stay in Port Augusta for the Year 7 Aquatics Camp. During their time there, they learned essential water and sun safety skills and enjoyed a variety of activities, including kayaking, canoeing, fishing, snorkelling and sailing.

Afternoons were filled with fun and relaxation as students played games and spent quality time with their teachers: Mr. Brayden Kirk, Mr. Fletcher Wren, Mrs. Helen Gaunt, and Mrs. Deb Davis. Some of the favourite activities included a trivia night, movies, chess, card games and playing sports. 

Overall, the camp provided an incredible opportunity for students to bond, acquire new skills, and create lasting memories. In their reviews, students highlighted the following aspects as the most enjoyable and educational parts of their camp experience: 

What did you enjoy most about Aquatics camp?

“The thing I enjoyed most was the sailing and doing facemasks with friends and teachers” – Matilda Zohs

“I really liked sailing and kayaking, especially on the doubles” – Harry Kleinman

“I liked hanging out with friends outside of school and playing cricket or kicking the footy” – Mason Jones

“I enjoyed the movies, because we got to have hot chocolates, Milos, and tea” - Ella Evans

“At camp, I really enjoyed going sailing. It was fun when the speed picked up and you put your hand in the water” - Fred Heinrich

“What I enjoyed about camp had to be the sailing because all of my mates were there on the boat” - Ryan Van Boekel

What is something new that you learnt on camp?

“I learnt about how to sail and how difficult this activity is” – Liam Palmer

“I learnt how to sail a Catamaran” – Eloise Freeth & Sienna Gaunt

“I learnt how to sail and be the skipper” – Lachlan Akbar

“I learnt how to raft up when you might be stranded in your canoe or kayak” – Harry Smart

“I learnt how to canoe and kayak on my own” - Ella Evans

“I learnt a lot of things like sailing, kayaking and canoeing” - Fred Heinrich

“I learned how to sail and how to do a four person canoe” - Ryan Van Boekel

INTRODUCING 8B

This term 8B has been getting to know one another where students have been able to come and share the very best of themselves. 

We have been engaged in a variety of activities that foster both connection and enthusiasm. We’ve been gearing up to follow the Formula 1 series with a friendly competition, adding some excitement to our mornings. Our Wednesday Walks have been a great way to get moving and chat with friends, while small goal-setting activities have helped us focus on personal growth. Two talented students have impressed us with their guitar skills, bringing music into our morning (a Christmas concert has been promised!). As their teachers we always enjoy hearing about everyone’s weekend adventures, making our home group a lively and welcoming space.

Sarah Philp and Hannah Pech - Year 8B Homegroup teachers

As the term progresses, we are excited to have some more of our programs up and running in the school. There is a lot of excitement around the Lunchtime Clubs that happen throughout the week. These provide an opportunity for students to spend time learning about or focusing on something they enjoy, and to feel connected with others (both students and staff!) who share the same interests. Some clubs had limited spaces and the students who missed out in Term 1 will have an opportunity to join next term. Our clubs currently include:

• Cooking
• Minecraft
• Japanese
• Poultry (affectionately known as Chicken Club!)
• Lego/Uno

We have already had a suggestion for a Chess Club so watch this space! The wellbeing benefits of these clubs are huge and I would like to thank all of the teachers who volunteer their time to plan and run them!

RAGE

At Gladstone High School, we RAGE! This sounds pretty extreme, but it is actually an amazing program which focuses on helping students to identify feelings, along with triggers, and explore a range of strategies for coping with them. We run this program with small groups of students throughout the year – sometimes because they have expressed an interest in learning more about managing their emotions, sometimes because we just believe in the program and it’s benefits for everyone. If you have any questions or would like to talk about your child being involved, please get in touch!

Breakfast Club

Thanks to Ali for her behind-the-scenes efforts, we will be re-starting the GHS Breakfast Club from next week. With support from Kick Start for Kids we will be offering toast and cereal on THURSDAY MORNINGS from 8:30am in the Food Technology Kitchen.

School Values

We recently held a whole school assembly to remind students about the importance of our school values. The focus was on:

Respect: Showing respect by demonstrating tolerance for the values, beliefs and culture of all members of our school community.

Responsibility: Accepting the reminders, education and consequences if you have been disrespectful to another person.

Honesty: Asking questions if you don’t understand words/language, owning up if you’ve made a mistake.

We know that young people are learning, and they learn from their mistakes. We highly value the support of parents and families in working with us while we aim to ensure GHS is a safe space for all of our learners.

Magazines Wanted

We are looking to have some secondhand colour magazines to donate to the school. We will utilise these magazines in our RAGE & Season for Growth Programs. 

Thank you in Advance

Kate Seidel – Wellbeing Leader

SWIMMING CARNIVAL RESULTS

TEAM RESULTS 

Records Broken in 2025

MNSEC  Swimming Carnival Results

What a great day of participation and competition this was! Thanks to the parent cohort that came along and helped, encouraged and celebrated successes! The enthusiasm and willingness to fill all but one race was a great credit to the students and the attending staff were very proud of these efforts.

 MNSEC Swimming Carnival @ Quorn

• GHS – Champions of the day
• Open Pennant
• Under 16 Pennant
• Open Champion Swimmer Male -  ISAAC SMART
• Third Place Champion Swimmer Female – IYSHA CUNNINGHAM

GHS Athletics Carnival

After a few weather changes and multiple adjustments, we had a pretty great day weatherwise last Tuesday, March 11^th, in the scheme of the temperatures endured during a rather hot spell.

Thanks to the students for their adaptability, willingness and for their participation in the events during the lead-up to the carnival. Thank you to the student leaders who went out of their way to support and encourage their team mates and promote participation across all age groups and events.

Thank you to all of the staff for their flexibility and encouragement, in particular to Mr Kirk, Miss Pullan, Mrs Davis and Mr Cadzow who went to great lengths to ensure that the day went as well as possible.

The 2025 carnival hosted a coffee van, baking stall, chocolates, ice blocks, soft drinks, pastries and a barbecue – ensuring that everyone’s contributions on the day helped a myriad of fundraising projects around the school. Thank you to everyone who tended a stall, spectated, encouraged and supported these initiatives

SPORTS DAY RESULTS

TEAM RESULTS 

MNSEC Athletics Carnival

This week, JCS hosted the 2025 MNSEC Athletics Carnival. Thanks to our busy bus drivers, Digger and Matt for their help, Mr Kirk, Mrs Gaunt, Mrs Hogan and Mrs Jeffries for their support on the day and in the lead-up to the event.

Special thanks to our house captains for the extra responsibilities they took on the day, without complaint.

‘A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way and shows the way.’ John C Maxwell.

The day’s contributions were a great example of leadership in action, stepping up, competing, volunteering, marshalling, doing one’s best and supporting the team. Well done, and thank you to the whole student cohort for their contributions to the GHS sports team.   

Thank you to the other schools for their contributions at both of the MNSEC events this term, QAS and JCS for hosting the two events, and to Amanda and her Statewide Sports crew for their leadership of the events. We are fortunate to have opportunities for varied competitions in the Mid-North.  

Statewide Golf Championships

A shout out to Oscar Fudge,  Peyton Jeffries and Austin Jeffries for their recent participation in the Statewide Golf Championships at Sandy Creek. Their behaviour and persistence was a credit to each of them, in addition to managing their school workload around their sporting commitments. 

Congratulations to Peyton who came fourth on countback. 

Danya McKay - Assistant Principal

We have been reviewing our bus processes at GHS and gaining guidance on the bus protocols. A reminder of some key components of bus use:  

• The bus driver will complete a roll on each collection. Students need to board the bus in a patient yet timely fashion, allowing the bus driver to tick off each bus user.  

• Students can only board the bus that they are assigned. Records, risk assessments and communication are allocated to each bus route. It is not permissible for students to board alternate buses of their own free will. 

• Should there be a time when a different bus route is sought, as a one-of-event, a permission slip needs to be collected from the front office, signed by a parent and returned to the front office five working days PRIOR to the date requested to ensure it is processed in time and the necessary communication transpires.   

• Misbehaviour on the bus will not be tolerated. Incidents are recorded and followed up in line with school behaviour practices. Inappropriate conduct on a bus may result in suspended bus use. Safety is the top priority surrounding DfE transport operations.  

• Communication is regularly shared between all sites accessing GHS buses. Students should extend appropriate communication and courtesies to all bus users. Seating arrangements are negotiated between the affected schools. Parents are to contact the enrolling school if they have concerns related to their child. 

• Students need to be ready for collection at least 5 minutes prior to the designated collection time at the agreed stop.  

• We are very grateful for the time taken to support DfE transport arrangements for our students. Please encourage students to share their gratitude by acknowledging the bus drivers on arrival and departure with a hello, good morning, or a subtle nod or smile for those who are more shy. A welcoming smile or greeting reliably brightens up the bus drivers day! 

If you have any queries about the buses, please don't hesitate to email me at Danya.McKay149@schools.sa.edu.au or via the front office. 

On Tuesday this week, Year 11 and 12 students hand-bottled 300 litres of Shiraz for our Annual Wine Release at the Laura Fair. This wine was generously donated and pressed by Stonebridge Wines.

Hand bottling the wine involves sterilising the bottles, pumping the wine from the barrel into buckets, filling the bottles with carbon dioxide to remove oxygen, and hand-pouring the wine into the bottles. The process is finished by sealing the bottles, checking them, and packing them into boxes. The production line the students created was an impressive feat, accomplished with enthusiasm and teamwork, seeing the whole process completed in 2 hours.

The students were excited to be part of the winery environment, providing real-life experience in the winemaking process. Their joy was evident as they laughed and chatted about how this experience could be integrated into their learning.

As they worked together, the students demonstrated a strong commitment to our school culture and the history of viticulture at Gladstone High School. Their efforts in the winery were commendable, and I am incredibly proud of their achievements and the positive energy they brought to this project.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Stonebridge Wines for their generous donation and support in making this viticulture educational opportunity possible.

If you are interested in knowing more about our vineyard and the winemaking process at Gladstone High School, use the QR code below to sign up for the mailing list for our new seasonal newsletter: Growing Minds, Growing Vines.

Lauren Amey -Assistant Principal

This year has gotten off to a great start in the GHS Art Studio. Our Year 7 students have demonstrated a high degree of creativity, adopting Pop Art techniques inspired by Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein to create original artworks. So far, they have completed an Andy Warhol-style piece and are now learning how to use Ben Day dots before moving on to stencilling and screen printing.

The Year 10 students are completing a unit on human proportion and portraiture techniques. As part of their visual study, they have practiced a variety of techniques to refine their understanding of human anatomy and facial structure in art.

I am looking forward to seeing all students continue to grow in their artistic abilities and explore new creative challenges throughout the year.
Jack Kennewell - Art Teacher

This term, agriculture has been relatively quiet, as we have just been starting to collect our animals. We are currently picking up our animals to bring to school for the curriculum programs, filling the sheds with goats, sheep, chickens and steers. Students are looking forward to managing and training their animals to gain knowledge and experience in animal handling and to compete at the Royal Adelaide Show against other schools in early September.  

All students have started this year learning about farm safety and remembering site expectations. With upcoming topics, students will learn about vegetable gardens, cropping, animal management, and safe chemical use. 

We are looking forward to the year ahead! It will be very busy as classes have steadily been growing with agriculture gaining lots of interest. We have planned for special guests to come in and speak to our GHS students and have some live demonstrations on full display! 

As always, if you want to know more about the agriculture program at Gladstone High School, feel free to contact Fletcher Wren at fletcher.wren445@schools.sa.edu.au. 

Eggciting Activities in the Chicken Club!

Chicken Club is back this year and has been busy with some fun and productive activities this term.

Students recently took part in a scavenger hunt, learning about different chicken breeds in an engaging and interactive way. From fluffy Silkies to hardy Australorps, members discovered the unique traits that make each breed special.

In addition to expanding their poultry knowledge, the team has rolled up their sleeves for some hands-on work. They have begun renovating the chicken nest boxes, carefully sanding them down in preparation for a fresh coat of paint. This project will ensure our feathered friends have comfortable and well-maintained spaces to lay their eggs.

We’re looking forward to seeing the finished results—stay tuned for more updates from the Chicken Club!

• Donations of biscuits will be required; more details coming out soon. 
• We are seeking donations of paper shopping bags - Many thanks 

Good Luck, Riley!

A huge shout-out to Riley Evans, who is taking on The March Charge to raise funds for cancer research. Every Friday morning in March, Riley is running nearly 20 km to school, pushing himself towards an incredible 100 km total. His dedication and effort to support those affected by cancer is truly inspiring.

We’re all cheering you on, Riley—go smash it!

https://www.themarchcharge.com.au/fundraisers/rileyevans118559/2025?fbclid=IwY2xjawJFiOBleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHakR0any6pj0ywbU6oz7KeCVMIgtVguaE_yvinntS_ez4tbMPPrv-jSCxA_aem_eIEt4sh4M1zHqvS5kVIvlg