Looking Ahead: Plans for 2026

We are currently planning for 2026, with class structures set to follow this year’s model: SWAN class, Foundation to Year 2, Year 3–6, and the Secondary class. NIT (Non-Instructional Time) lessons will continue to offer Visual Art, Design and Technology, and Kitchen Garden. We are also in the process of finalising class teacher appointments.

A Distinguished Visit to Start the Term

Week One began on a high note with a special visit from Her Excellency the Honourable Frances Adamson AC, Governor of South Australia, along with Mr Rod Bunten. Despite some initial scheduling changes, they visited on the second day of term. The atmosphere was relaxed and friendly, with Her Excellency introducing herself and engaging enthusiastically with our students. A whole-site tour allowed all classes and staff to meet our guests, who then joined us for a 20-minute discussion. Her Excellency shared leadership experiences and fielded thoughtful questions from students, resulting in a highly productive and inspiring session. The visit concluded with group photos under the COLA and the presentation of thank-you gifts.

Alternate Delivery Curriculum for Senior School

Our innovative Alternate Delivery Curriculum model for Senior School subjects will continue in 2026 across the Far North Partnership. This approach provides a more personalised experience than traditional Open Access, with teachers conducting three online lessons and two 'flipped lessons' each week via Microsoft Teams. In 2025, SACE Stage One English and General Maths were delivered in this manner, expanding academic options for students in smaller schools. We will also maintain offerings through the Port Augusta Technical College.

Semester Two Reporting

School reports this semester will once again be managed through our Education Management System (EMS). Over the coming weeks, I will be working with our EMS Academic Reporting contacts to prepare templates. All reports will include written comments and A–E grades, available both in print and online via the EMS Community Portal. Home Group, English, and Maths will feature the most detailed comments. Staff will begin editing and writing reports around Week 6, with reports distributed in Week 9.

2025 Presentation Night

Our annual Presentation Night will take place on Tuesday of Week 9 (9 December) at the Institute. The secondary class will take a leading role in organising and managing the event this year, including scripting the program, creating PowerPoint presentations, running photographic farewells, and assisting with primary students’ performances. The secondary students will focus on production and management, rather than performing, giving them valuable experience in leadership and event coordination.

Transition to the Frog Portal

In 2026, we will transition from Schoolzine to the department-providing Frog Portal as our main communication tool for the school community. This new platform will be used for newsletters, event information, excursion details, and more, accompanied by a department-managed school website. The Frog Portal will also enable a more secure communication channel for the Governing Council. This change will deliver cost savings and streamline communication alongside our EMS.

Staff Development and School Improvement Focus

Our Pupil Free Day on 20 October was dedicated to Professional Learning and School Improvement. The morning focused on establishing a comprehensive, whole-school approach to self-regulation: consistent language, supportive environments, regulation tools, whole-class activities, and teaching essential regulation skills. Setting up classroom regulation spaces and developing visual tools to help students understand and communicate their energy levels were significant themes. The afternoon session concentrated on key actions for our School Improvement Plan, with a major focus on Wellbeing.

Key Dates – Term 4

31 October: Day for Daniel

5 November: IMS Day at Booleroo and Secondary English class trip to

Leigh Creek

6 November: Children’s University Graduation Ceremony

8 December: Presentation Night Practice at the Institute

9 December: Presentation Night

11 December: Splash Day and last day of term

We look forward to finishing the year strongly and thank our staff, students, and families for their ongoing commitment and enthusiasm.