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- From our Principal
- Kapunda High School Governing Council Building Fund
- Presentation Ceremonies
- Year 8 End of Year Excursion
- Year 8 and 9 Earthquake-Proof Housing Challenge
- Year 7 Excursion to Bounce and Bowland
- Under 16 Country Cup
- Canteen Volunteers Urgently Needed
- Student Illnesses
- 2022 Freeling Christmas Street Party
- Town Carols
- Night Bowls
- Saver Plus
- LINK SA
DfE Volunteer Award recipient, Mrs Rosi Wendt, Principal, Mr David Marino & Eringa Award recipient, Mr Jack Mickan
Welcome to our final newsletter for Term 4, 2022.
The final weeks of the 2022 school year have been very successful for our students and school.
Some key events have included:
- Senior School Presentation evening and celebration of Year 11 and 12 student achievements.
- Middle-School Graduation ceremony and celebration of student achievement.
- Activities week for our middle-school students, including on-site and off-site learning enrichment programs.
- Transition visits for Year 6 students joining us as Year 7s in 2023.
- Youth Ops graduation for a final group of Year 10 students completing the program in Term 4.
- Centenary Foundation scholarship interviews.
Our Senior School Presentation evening was highly successful with acknowledgements of a high degree of student achievements.
Head Prefects, Liana Antonioli and Jayden Matz provided reports on the activities of students occurring over what has been a big school year in 2022. It was heartening to hear about the plans, careers and future aspirations of our graduating students.
Congratulations and well done to all students on their efforts, achievements and awards over what has been a big year, and also a tough few years of schooling working through the Covid-19 pandemic. We wish them all the best as they embark on their future endeavours.
Chairperson Sue Woods talked about a number of achievements made across our school, and highlights over the year, including the 100 years of schooling at Eringa KHS celebration, building and facilities upgrades in the rebuilding of our school and also the recent establishment of a school building fund. I thank Chairperson Mrs Woods and our Governing Council for their hard work and support over this extraordinary and unique year.
Congratulations to Jack Mickan, who has been awarded the Eringa award for 2022. This has been an exceptional year and Jack has undertaken extraordinary work in particular with the salvage, rescue and restoration of our school servers hosting DayMap and all curriculum resources. Jack’s efforts significantly contributed to our school resuming a full Teaching & Learning program within three business days of the school fire.
The Department Volunteers Award went to Mrs Rosi Wendt this year. Congratulations Mrs Wendt, who undertook the leading role in planning and organising our 100th year celebration of schooling at Eringa (current site). Together with the team of volunteers, generous donations from local businesses and community members, Mrs Wendt rallied the school community for a fitting celebration and event.
We recently celebrated a significant milestone of service for Mr Peter Murphy, who in 2022 has achieved ’60 Years of Meritorious Service’. The school gathered on Wednesday morning, 7 December for a surprise celebration for Mr Murphy. This included a ‘walk of honour’ through the front pathway of the school to cheering students, colleagues past and present and also Mrs Murphy (wife) and Dr Murphy (daughter).
In recent weeks our School Building Fund was officially established by our school Governing Council. This was developed in response to a high number of community members and organisations expressing interest in donating to our school.
We acknowledge and thank Chantel Andrews, Business owner and operator of Casual Bliss, who is the first official donor to our school building fund.
If you would like to make a tax-deductible donation to the Kapunda High School Governing Council School Building Fund, please contact our School Finance Team on 08 8566 2203 and select option 4. Alternatively please email our school office on: dl.0779.info@schools.sa.edu.au
A number of Kapunda High School staff are leaving us at the end of this year. We acknowledge the following staff and thank them for their service.
- Mr Tony Gabb – who has been a core part of the Kapunda High School Maths faculty and our school community for 28 years (and in the profession for some 37 years). Tony will be leaving us at the end of this year for Long Service Leave and then plans a transition to retirement.
- Mrs Leanne Laubsch – who has been part of KHS for 19 years as a School Support Officer (and in education for some 30 years). Leeanne plans to take leave and transition to retirement.
- Miss Tracy Wilson – we acknowledge the service of Tracy Wilson, who has been an SSO at our school for more than 10 years, working across a range of roles in student support, Literacy programs, mentoring and more.
- Mr Steve O’Donnell – who after many years of excellent service to our school (10 years), left during the middle of the year, in relocation with his family to Adelaide. Steve is undertaking Greenskeeper work on a Golf course.
- Mrs Steph Bishop – who has not officially left KHS, but is on leave and working at Faith Lutheran College for 6 months.
- Ms Beth Trigg – who left half way through the year and is now studying at University after a stint at our school.
- Mrs Linda Burton – who is not officially leaving, but is on leave for 2023 to work at Xavier College Gawler.
- Mrs Maree Thompson – Canteen Manager who left part way through the year to take on another role.
- Ms Tiffany Williams – Who has taught English / HASS subjects at our school over 2022. Tiffany will be working at Nuriootpa HS in 2023.
- Ms Tiziana Sestili – Who has worked in the English / HASS faculty over Semester 2 and contributed to our school. Tiziana is going on to other teaching opportunities.
- Ms Angela Johnson – Who joined us for Semester 2 in English and Drama subjects. Angela will be working at Nuriootpa HS in 2023.
- Miss Jessica Read – Who is on leave in 2023 and returning to KHS in 2024.
We also welcome a number of new leadership team staff in 2023, including:
- Assistant Principal: Learning Support, Jen Williams who joins us from Nuriootpa High School.
- Assistant Principal: Middle School, Emma Oliver who joins us from Geranium Primary School.
- Wellbeing Coordinator, Avylon Magarey, who joins us from Faith Lutheran College.
We have a number of exciting plans in progress for the 2023 school year, including:
- A House Points system to recognise and encourage positive student achievement and behaviour.
- An upgraded school locker system for every student.
- Further restriction of student Mobile Phones, to encourage more social interaction and positive engagement with school life.
On a personal note it has been an honour leading Kapunda High School in 2022, and we emerge from our circumstances this year as a strong school community, prepared for an even stronger 2023. I look forward to working in partnership with you again next year.
In closing, I wish you an enjoyable, safe and restful holiday break. Season’s greetings to everyone and Merry Christmas to those celebrating Christmas.
Regards,
David Marino
Principal
The first official donation for the Kapunda High School Governing Council Building Fund was made on Tuesday, 6 December, from local business Casual Bliss which operates in the main street of Kapunda.
Kapunda High School’s Governing Council has recently established a ‘Governing Council School Building Fund’, in response to general interest from the community to donate to the school. The school can now accept community donations to go towards general building and facilities upgrades.
The school building fund is registered with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) and complies with deductible gift register tax rules.
The rules of the school building fund outline that any funds donated will be used for: building repairs, maintenance, upgrades, equipment and furnishing – with a focus on providing the best resources for our students.
The Governing Council and School acknowledge and thank Mrs Chantal Andrews’ (Casual Bliss) for her generosity towards our students and school.
If you would like to make a donation to the Kapunda High School Governing Council School Building Fund please contact the schools finance department on 08 85662203 ext 4 for further details.
Thank you
Photo L-R: Maddison Hook (Casual Bliss staff), Sue Coppin (School Business Manager), Cooper Bliss (SRC Prefect), Halle Butcher (SRC Prefect), Chantal Andrews (Casual Bliss Business Owner), Sue Woods (Governing Council Chairperson), David Marino (Principal)
Back (L-R): Liana Antonioli, Toby Woods, Mitchell Trotta, Jayden Matz, Noah Seward, Shawn Greenwood, Mr Christopher Hutchinson (Guest speaker) Front: Maddison McMahon, Abbey Menzel, Poppy Brady, Jed Carpenter & Jessica Both
After a very full-on first year of high school, it was fantastic for the Year 8 students to finish on a high, with the “End of year Splash and Games Day” at the Kapunda Community Pool.
We were a bit concerned about the weather, since Summer appears a bit too scared to come out properly this year!! In the end though, the weather was actually pretty good, the water a little bit chilly to start with but easy to get used to – and the canteen was open with lollies galore!!
Staff took 36 Year 8 students to the pool, where they swam, splashed and played cricket happily until lunchtime, when we went back to school for a filling sausage sizzle cooked expertly by Mr McLaughlin and Ms Bromley.
I’d like to take this opportunity to say how wonderful the Year 8 cohort has been this year, we loved celebrating with you and wish you all the very best for Year 9 in 2023.
Cheers and Happy Holidays,
Ms Kerensa Greenfield
Year 8 Year Level Manager
The pool was cold but good
Chelsea McCluskey
Pretty fun however the pool was a bit cold
Abbey Buchheister
The pool was a little bit cold but it was still great
Tayla Weltman
It was good but I wanted to stay the whole day though
Oscar Leske
It was good but it was a little bit cold
James Wendt
The Year 8 and 9 Science classes have learned about Rocks and Tectonic Plate movement this term. Our overall theme for the topic was “How can we future proof our cities to cope with natural disasters?”
We cannot prevent hazards such as earthquakes, volcanoes and tsunamis, however we can plan future infrastructure and housing to prevent these hazards becoming disasters. (A natural disaster is when a natural hazard causes death or destruction).
The students were given half an hour to turn toothpicks and itty bitty marshmallows into a two-storey house, which had to be able to withstand the Primary, Secondary and Love waves that occur in an earthquake. The students were only allowed to use those two substances, and not allowed to pierce their plate (foundation) with the toothpicks, so definitely a challenge.
I am really pleased to say that all the students took the challenge up with excitement and nearly every group had some form of success! This sort of activity helps foster resilience as well as curiosity and application of knowledge, so it’s one of my favourites!
Well done kidlets,
Ms Kerensa Greenfield
Year 8/9 Science
To celebrate the end of a very successful first year of high school, the Year 7 cohort enjoyed an excursion to Bounce and Bowland on Wednesday, 14 December.
The kids had a blast and enjoyed the trip to celebrate the end of the year. After an exhausting hour at Bounce bouncing, balancing and climbing we trekked to Carisbrooke Park where the kids were thrilled to have the opportunity to play on the playground, roll down hills and splash in the creek.
To finish the day we headed to Elizabeth Bowland were the competitive sides of the kids came out and plenty of strikes and spares were scored (with bumpers of course)! A great day had by all staff and students.
The Year 7 Staffing Team would like to wish all our students and their families a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Michael Raschella
Year 7 Teacher
During the week of 12-15 December, six students from Kapunda High School have been representing Barossa , Light & Gawler Cricket Association in the Under 16 Country Cup. They are competing against other country associations. After the minor round they were undefeated and on Thursday, 15 December they won the Grand Final.
Congratulations!
(L-R) Max McCarthy, Tom Johnson, Angus Jenner, Elijah Murch, Zac Trestrail, Jack Ryan
Canteen at Risk of Closures
Can you help? Kapunda High School is desperately in need of Canteen volunteers for 2023. Would any new Year Seven parents or grandparents, or other members of the KHS family, be able to spare a day to help out? Does anyone know of someone who may be interested?
If we are unable to gain support for our canteen staff, sadly our canteen may have to close on some days.
Volunteers play an important role in our school canteen, the Kidman Kafe, being able to offer a wide variety of healthy food to our students and staff at recess and lunch times. Volunteers are encouraged to come and help in our canteen - even for just a few hours. Assistance during the peak preparation times, between 9:00am and 1:00pm would be most valued and appreciated. And of course, a regular commitment would enable Canteen Manager, Sam, to better plan the menu in advance.
What hoops do I need to jump through?
Yes, there is some paperwork and some legal requirements such as completing the online Responding to Abuse and Neglect (RAN-EC) course and having a Working With Children Check (WWCC). Mrs Sue Coppin, our Finance Officer, can assist with beginning the process of applying for the WWCC, which is free to our volunteers. There will also be a general induction with the Department for Education and we will share other important information before you begin.
Please call the school on 85662203 and ask to speak to Kaye (School Administration Officer), or Sam if you'd like to learn more about the kind of help our canteen requires.
From time to time, common illnesses become prevalent amongst our students. Though the school promotes regular attendance, if a child is unwell, and particularly with communicable diseases such as gastroenteritis or influenza, parents are encouraged to keep them at home.
This will help prevent other students and staff from becoming unwell. It will also reduce discomfort for your child, as there are limited facilities at the school to care for them.
If a child is ill while at school, parents will be contacted.
Thank you for your support with this matter.
