Welcome to our School Newsletter for Week 5, Term 4 2024.

Over recent weeks Kapunda High School students have been involved in an enriching range of learning experiences and opportunities. It has been pleasing to see students representing Kapunda High School confidently and proudly.     

Congratulations to our Year 12 students who have finished their final assessment tasks and exams this week. Your ongoing and enduring efforts will stand you in good stead for the next step in your journey. We wish you all the best and every success.

Engaging with Democracy

In recent weeks our students have been exemplary ambassadors, engaging in a number of high impact opportunities and programs, including:

• Royal Commission into Domestic Violence.
• SA Space Agency excursion at Parliament House.
• Muriel Matters Award and Speech at Government House.

A few individual student congratulations:

• Year 12 Prefect Freya, who was presented with the Muriel Matters Award on Thursday 14/11.
• Year 12 Student Lucy, who won an Australian National Music Award for a song she composed.

These are both exceptional achievements and on behalf of our school community, we congratulate you.

Student Opportunities

In Week 5 a group of students from our Heritage Trades program took part in a specialist restoration workshop. Facilitated by David Young OAM, leading expert in Lime Mortars, the workshop took place at the Old Adelaide Gaol. Students learnt expert technical knowledge around brickwork restoration and took part in a hands-on program to restore a wall within the old gaol. Students found this a very immersive experience. Well done to all involved in this opportunity.

Student Wellbeing and Engagement Collection Data

Some positive news to share around our Student Wellbeing and Engagement data, which is outlined in our School Improvement Plan. Over Terms 1, 2 and 3 this year student’s level of High Engagement, High Connection and High Belonging with school has steadily increased. This is a reflection on the hard work which students are doing across programs, as well as the initiatives that staff are delivering including our:

• School House Points and Positive Recognition Points
• Berry Street Educational Model
• Passion Projects
• Many more

Moving into 2025, we are currently developing our Site Learning Plan for 2025 (formerly School Improvement Plan). The plan will continue to rigorously pursue Learner Agency – Voice and Choice in learning, as well as growing Wellbeing for Learning. I look forward to sharing further information with you about the 2025 in the near future.

Strengthening school safety

In strengthening the safety access of our school for students, we have installed a new Front Entrance gate for students to enter and exit school on West Tce. This has been installed centrally on the Front of School lawn area. This entrance takes the pedestrian traffic away from the very busy High Street – West Tce intersection, to help ensure safety for students.

Please be aware of this change and be mindful when dropping off/ collecting students.

We ask that you avoid parking on the Front of School gravel footpath area during school hours.

This initiative adds to the comprehensive range of strengthening safety strategies at our school, including:

• Installation of two student crossings (front and back of school)
• Installation of staff car park – and removal of many cars from the West Tce – High St Intersection.
• Re-marked road and traffic signage along West Tce, High St and Hawke St.
• Repair of the West Tce – High St intersection by LRC.

Thank you for your support with these initiatives and in keeping our young people safe.

Governing Council Meeting

Our final Governing Council meeting for 2024 will be held on Tuesday 3rd December, 6:30pm. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our Governing Councilors for their dedication, ideas and contributions to our Governing Council over 2024 – which has been another enriching and progressive year for our students, their learning and our school. 

Finally, today is World Agriculture teacher’s Day. We acknowledge all of the great work, efforts and dedication that our Agriculture teachers put into our school and student learning. Here is a video of Ms Karen Bromley’s recent achievement as a state-wide finalist for her innovative programs and initiatives in teaching and managing our School Agriculture program:

David Marino

Principal

Year 11 Last Day/ Taster Day Monday, 25th November (T4W7)

Year 7 Camp Monday, 25th - Wednesday, 27th November (T4W7)

School Dentist Visit Friday, 29th November (T4W7)

Governing Council Meeting Tuesday, 3rd December (T4W8)

Year 6 Transition Day Thursday, 5th December (T4W8)

Senior School Presentation Ceremony Monday, 9th December 7pm (T4W9) 

Middle School Presentation Ceremony Tuesday, 10th December 10am (T4W9) 

Year 8 St Kilda Playground Excursion Wednesday, 11th December (T4W9) 

Year 7 Bounce Excursion Thursday, 12th December (T4W9) 

Last Day of Term 4 Friday, 13th December (T4W9)

For our Year 10 and 11 Students, the time has come for you to nominate to be in SRC in 2025. Nomination forms have been sent to all Year 10 and 11 students via Daymap. Plese either print and return to Student Services once filled out, or digitally submit your nomination to Mrs Cornish.  

Year 12 Prefects - six are chosen from your cohort in 2024, voting in Term 1, 2025 for 2 x Head Prefects and 4 x Deputy Head Prefects.
Year 11 Prefects - six are chosen from your cohort in 2024.

Please feel free to talk to the SRC Mentors (Mr Earle and Mrs Cornish) or other teachers about what is expected of Senior students in SRC - especially with respect to SACE and other extra-curricular commitments. All of us would be happy to chat with you about it.

Looking forward to seeing lots of nominations for what is a very rewarding role in your school.

Kerensa Cornish 

SRC Mentor

On Wednesday 13th November, the Year 9 girls basketball team secured third place in the division 3 Statewide Knockout Finals held in Wayville at the State Basketball Centre. This fantastic achievement highlights the team's hard work, dedication, and exceptional skill.

Despite fielding a weakened team with the Year 10 girls unable to play due to camp, the Year 9 girls rose to the occasion and outplayed several of the opponents. Their impressive performance under pressure demonstrated their exceptional talent and determination. The younger players stepped up, showcasing their skills and proving that they are more than capable of competing at a high level. This experience has not only highlighted their potential but also strengthened the team's unity and spirit.

The girls displayed incredible growth and determination. Securing third place is a significant achievement, and I am incredibly proud of each and every one of them. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the entire team for their outstanding performance and for bringing pride to Kapunda High School.

Match Results:

Game 1: Kapunda defeated River Mallee 39-5

Game 2: Kapunda defeated Playford International 31-20

Game 3: Whyalla defeated Kapunda 28-27

Game 4: Yorke Peninsula defeated Kapunda 20-16

Game 5: Kapunda defeated Mount Barker 23-18

Michael Raschella

Stand In Basketball Coach

On Thursday 7th, and Friday 8th November, four KHS students were invited to attend a Lime Mortar Workshop held by Heritage SA/Adelaide City Council. Students learned from Mr David Young OAM, the ins and outs of working with Lime Mortars in restoring heritage buildings. The course was a mix of theory and science behind lime mortar usage along with practical 'on the tools' sessions to refine their skills.

The sessions were held at the Old Adelaide Gaol site, with students involved in restoring a damaged section of 'The new building', previously a notorious section of the gaol. Students raked out mortar, created lime mortar mixes, repointed walls and finished off the pointing involving tamping the mortar.

Jason Keep

Assistant Principal 

Pathways

On Monday 4th November, Ms Coombs Year 9 Space and Astronomy class went on the "Mission Control" excursion. Starting at Parliament House, they assumed the roles of politicians debating the priority needs of industries to be represented in a mission to colonise Mars. They then went to the Space Discovery Centre where they learnt more about the Australian Space Agency, and took on the roles of those chosen industries to design and build models of proposed infrastructure for the Martian colony.

In Mr Hausler's Year 10 Metalwork class, Chris and Jacob have made a camping shovel that has a multi-position head. We utilised the lathe, mill, MIG welder and TIG welder while also using different metals such as aluminium and mild steel. Has been a very successful project this year and a good alteration of the previous styled shovel.

Shaun Hausler 

Metalwork Teacher

On Tuesday 13th of November, our Year 11 Business Innovation students embarked on an exciting and educational excursion.  We were joined by Karen Bromley and Ella McDonald from our KHS teaching staff.  As part of our Year 11 Business Innovation curriculum, students work on developing and evaluating business models and strategies. By meeting industry professionals and seeing real businesses in action, they can turn what they've learned in the classroom into real-world knowledge. This experience helps students better understand how businesses plan their strategies, reach their customers, and run smoothly. Overall, it’s a great way for them to gain valuable insights and build entrepreneurial skills that can be used throughout their lives.

Itinerary Highlights:

Osmoflo (Burton). Students toured the world leading water treatment solutions provider, gaining knowledge about cutting-edge technology and operational strategies.

Ahrens (Sheaoak). An exploration of the manufacturing and construction sectors, emphasising innovation and scalability in business growth and how a blacksmith became a global company and local success story.

Barossa Valley Chocolate Company (Tanunda). A visit that highlighted customer engagement strategies, product diversification, and marketing in a very competitive industry.  Not to mention purchasing their delicious products!

Mike Hemphill

Business Innovation Teacher

For any current Year 11 students who are interested in starting a University course early, UniSA is offering a program which will enable you to do so. 

You can complete the course whilst still at school. There are a variety of courses that are offered from sports management to marketing and realestate, all information is on the website.

Visit the link below for more information:

Please speak with Mrs Samain if you are interested.

Megan Samain

Year 12 Year Level Manager

The Kapunda High School middle years learners were very fortunate to participate in the Port Adelaide Power SAASTA Connect Cup held at Alberton oval. This is an annual event designed to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander attendance at school, and inspire them to continue with their learning by participating in SAASTA for Year 10 and beyond. The students were able to participate in a 9 a Side football carnival, attend a career expo, and participate in Aboriginal cultural workshops.

Kapunda High School won all their football games and played with good spirit and sportsmanship. The group were ably led by Mrs Nicole Winkworth (Aboriginal Education Teacher) and Mel Reschke (Aboriginal Education Worker). Tali Pipe and Rose Symes were our senior Aboriginal mentors and were great supports and role models. The photo shows the students wearing our new KHS competition sports Guernsey’s designed by Jada Rigney. The day was a total success for our students. We look forward to participating in the 2025 edition.

Scott Durand

Aboriginal Education Teacher

Monday 4th November the Barossa Rotary Club held the 2024 VET awards evening. Students from Faith, Nuriootpa, Eudunda and Kapunda could be nominated by the trainers/teachers/employers for high achievement within their VET training. Over 70 people attended the evening held at the Vine Inn Nuriootpa.

Kapunda had 2 students nominated from the 11 in total. Hunter Mason - Certificate 3 Early Childhood Education and Care through TAFESA, and Peter Shubin- Certificate 2 Construction pathways through NEVC. Both were recognised for their outstanding achievements, commitment to their courses and awarded a framed certificate and cash prize. Hunter is now working within the Childcare Industry and Peter a recent World Skills Carpentry winner.

Congratulations to both on their hard work this year, we wish them the best as they continue on their pathways.

Jason Keep

Assistant Principal

Pathways

The Year 8 students have been working on developing a business for the $20 Boss Program. The first two classes: Mr Hemphill's and Miss McDonalds will be running a market day for the Year 7 students on Thursday 21st November during lesson 4 and 5. The different types of businesses include Lolly Bags, Fairy Floss, Raffle, Snow Cones, Spiders, Ice Cream, Shaved Ice, Ice creams, Cup Cakes , Candles Melts, Cake Pops, Soft drinks, Donuts, Mini Figs, Car Wash, and Pancakes. There will be a second Market Day on Thursday 28th November for Mr MacPhee and Mrs Poland’s classes. These market days are not open to the public but provide opportunities for students to experience starting a business in a safe environment.

Final reminder that School Card applications are about to close. 

If you think you may be eligible for School Card please complete the online application form at the link below as soon as possible.

Finance Team

Friday, 15th November is National Agriculture Day. It is a day to celebrate Australian farmers and the Agricultural sector as a whole. 

To read more about why we celebrate National Agriculture Day visit the link below:

The Financial Basics Foundation is hosting a new Money IQ series 'designed to equip young people with essential tips for managing their finances confidently.' To launch the series, they are hosting a free webinar called “Top Tips for Young People Joining the Workforce.” 

Visit the link below for more information and to register: