16 December 2024

From the Principal

December Newsletter

Dear Parents,

As we approach the conclusion of the 2024 school year, I want to express my sincere gratitude to our incredible staff, dedicated students, supportive families, and the local community for the continuing unwavering support I receive as the Principal of Salisbury High School. Leading this school is a privilege that I hold with great pride, and I am grateful for the opportunity.

It has been an exciting and full year and with surprising speed we are at the end of it. Overall, it has been a more settled year with a strong focus on developing our Positive behavior for learning materials and processes. 

Year 12 results will be available on Monday the 16th of December 2024. Our staff will be present at school on this day to support and celebrate with the students in Senior Central. We welcome them to come on site if they would like to share or need support. Regardless of the results, there's always a way to move forward. Thank you to the Year 12 parents who shared their children’s learning journey despite the challenges they also faced.

I want to acknowledge the exceptional commitment, strength, and flexibility demonstrated by the teachers at Salisbury High School. Their seemingly endless capacity to support our students, develop relationships, and achieve remarkable results is a credit to them all. The depth of support provided academically, emotionally, and socially to the class of 2024 is truly commendable and has become the Salisbury way.

In true style, our Year 12 students had a memorable school formal at Sfera’s, and our annual Speech Day on November 29th completed the annual rituals for our Year 12 students. It was a well-attended event with class, excitement and a few tears. Leaving school is challenging but also exciting as a new journey begins for our class of 2024. We encourage them to take risks, try new things and be responsible citizens in a rapidly changing world.  I also extend a massive thank you to our donors and sponsors who made awards possible for so many of our successful students.

The transition for Year 7 students for 2024 has been prominent this term. The Learner Profile evening, information night, and two successful transition days in Week 9 showcased the enthusiasm and positivity of our incoming Year 6 students. We hope that all our New Year 7 students for 2025 are eagerly looking forward to high school next year. The early testing, taking of student photos and allocation to care groups will help create strong beginnings for 2025.

I am happy to announce that due to changing circumstances we now have 3 Year 7 vacancies for next year. Please contact the school and ask for Ann-Marie if you would like to enrol your Year 6 child at our site for 2025.

Year 10 Graduation Night was held on Wednesday the 27th of November. Students shared individual and thoughtful speeches about their care teachers, fare welled Middle School and Adrian Mann, our Senior School leader, welcomed the Year 10s into Senior School. This event was extremely well attended as parents also acknowledged and celebrated the transition of their children from middle school to senior school.

To all parents of students in 2025 please be aware that we begin the year with a staggered start. The staggered start for the 2025 school year is designed to support both Year 7 and 12 students.

Year 7 and 12 students will commence on Tuesday January 28th. This will support our Year 7 students to familiarize themselves with the school and spend extra time with their care teachers. Our Year 12 students will engage in targeted information sessions that will prepare them for the year ahead.

Year 8, 9, 10 and 11 students will commence on Wednesday January 29^th with a short year level assembly followed by care and normal classes.

Congratulations to all the students selected for the Strive Camp. The rigorous selection process speaks to the high caliber of applicants. This year we were fortunate to have the camp at Port Vincent. As always, it was an adventure packed 3 days for both staff and students.

Congratulations to the high number of our students who have won scholarships for next year. Well done to all students who applied and the teachers who supported them through the process and wrote their references. This is a high number for any high school.

Winners include:
Tina Dinh
Tyson Quinn
Aseer Inan
Ali Almarzouq
Gori Govas
Dania Al Asad
Kyamma Thompson
Sidra Al Naser
Sophia Cambareri
Mohamad Al Amary
Sireen Abdalatzef
Bayem Al Nassasr
Ritisha Dahal
Divya Guatam
Vung Sian Nem
Annalise Kempster

The Special Education Camp was held from Wednesday the 8th of November to Friday the 10th of November. It was a great success and all were very tired afterwards. A massive thanks to the staff who go well beyond their job role, to make this happen. It brings a lot of joy, excitement and an experience for our students that is valued.

Following recent requests from many students, the Governing Council has approved the addition of dark blue leggings to our school uniform. We are hoping they will be available soon from Lowes at Parabanks. Please note black leggings will not be part of the uniform and we ask that both students and parents respect this decision. It is a big move to include the leggings and reflects the awareness of our Governing Council of student choices. This addition provides another accessible option and will allow better uniform compliance. Starting from Tuesday the 28th of January, 2025, all students can wear the dark blue leggings as part of their uniform.

Next year Salisbury High School will extend our alternative tailored learning program and expand from 20 to 40 students to accommodate the changing needs of our students. For these students, our current offerings are not working effectively for them. The activities and staff will be tailored to support the students whilst also allowing less disruption in existing classes. All students have a right to learn. This program will support younger students before FLO. Significant planning has occurred to create strong beginnings for 2025 and we are confident these programs will be beneficial to all students involved in them.

In the last week of term 4, we have had 2 student-free days in Week 9 to allow our staff to prepare for the upcoming school year. We intentionally scheduled this period toward the end of the year to minimize disruptions to classes. It was crucial for our staff to plan, collaborate, and enhance their skills for a strong start in 2025. Many new staff members for 2025 joined us and were also able to be part of this planning.

The third Clontarf Awards Night for SHS was held on Wednesday the 6th of November.  It was an opportunity to see our Aboriginal boys shine and to see firsthand the impact the Clontarf Academy has had. Our young Aboriginal men were fantastic.

For our exiting Year 12 students, if you're considering donating your uniforms back to the school, we would be incredibly appreciative. Let's promote recycling and paying it forward. Your old uniforms can benefit other students in need. Simply drop them off at the front office, and we'll ensure they are put to good use.

Sadly, we also will be fare welling some of our staff. We thank them for their contribution and commitment to Salisbury High School and wish them well in the future. They include:

Craig Jamar                 Senior Leader Inclusive Education
Joseph Pipicella           Coordinator Literacy
Cathy Lovelock            P class teacher
Sophie Milne               PLP & Careers Coordinator
Hannah Tulip               Special Education Teacher
Alex Dakininewicz       PBL Coordinator
Tori Chesters               PE Teacher
Hayley Hobby              English Teacher
Cami Song                   English Teacher
Rachel Squires             Maths Teacher
Grant Blight                Finance SSO
Hayley & Alvin
Madigan                      Inclusive Education SSO
Tijana Franco              Inclusive Education SSO
Alissar Alied                EAL SSO

We are looking at featuring more of our Old Scholars in our newsletter and on our Wall of Fame. If you're in touch with any Old Scholars, please encourage them to reach out and share their experiences with us. They can contact Ann-Marie Hurley at 8182 0200 for further information or to make a contribution.

On this note, I was honored to receive an invitation to attend the 40^th birthday celebrations of former student, Brendan Sachse. Brendan was a Special Education student at Salisbury High School 21 years ago and invited both myself and Andrew Ward, as his former care teachers, to attend his birthday. It was fantastic to hear and see how well Brendan is doing and the full life he is living. He is proactive and extremely positive, and we are very proud to have him, as a former scholar.

As we conclude this school year, I want to wish you all a fulfilling end to the year. Thank you for your continuous support, and I look forward to the exciting endeavors that await us in the upcoming year.

Warm regards

Senior School News

Year 12 Update

Congratulations to all of our Year 12 students who have been completing their studies over the last few weeks. The Class of 2024 has made considerable contributions to Salisbury High School in academic studies, vocational learning, sport, and student leadership.

Please be aware, Year 12 results are scheduled to be released to students via “Students Online” from the SACE Board website on Monday, 16th December from 8 am. The School and Senior Central will be open to celebrate student successes and provide support regarding their future pathway options. The first round of university offers is made in emails sent on or before 9am on Friday 10^th January 2025. Students must regularly check their email inbox for TAFE and University offers and respond according to their preferences.

We are expecting some great results this year; however, we are here for every student, and if their initial choices are not met, we will assist them with alternative options. The Senior School team will continue to support students with scholarships, employment, and career advice even after they finish Year 12.

A large number of Yr 11 and Yr 10 students have chosen to apply for Vocational Education Training (VET) courses within the Northern Adelaide State Secondary School’s Alliance (NASSSA). Currently, schools are undertaking LLN testing and considering applications for 2025. Schools and RTOs will be notifying students by mail if they are successful.

It is envisaged that there will be some further changes in school policy in 2025 to address matters including the ‘Verification of SACE Work’ and ‘Student Lesson Attendance’. As a school, we face considerable challenges in determining if students' work is their own, or the work submitted has been heavily impacted by the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Students will be required to attend lessons consistently, in order to demonstrate their progression of learning and verify that the work they submit is their own. Further details will follow once changes have been discussed with the Governing Council.

Lastly I’d like to share with you some key staffing changes in Senior School in 2025. Brii Daniels will be on Maternity Leave during 2025. I’d like to acknowledge the massive effort Brii puts into working with students at SHS and wish Brii the very best. Emma Munday will be undertaking the role of VET and Careers Coordinator in her absence during 2025.

As ever, should you wish to discuss any matter further, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Year 12 Formal

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Doorways2Construction Program

In 2024 a select group of students from Salisbury High School and other surrounding NASSSA schools completed a Certificate II in Construction Pathways as part of the Doorways2Construction program. This training saw four groups of student’s work one day each week at a live construction site provided by the South Australian Housing Association. The program was supported throughout the year by the Construction Industry Training Board.

On site students were exposed to trades including, first and second fix carpentry, plumbing, plasterboard fixing and flushing, painting and landscaping. On Thursday of week nine the students presented the completed house back to the South Australian Housing Association, represented by Mr Mike Farrelly. This was a momentous occasion and a point of pride for all involved.

As a program we would like to thank the South Australian Housing Association, ATEC, CITB, NASSSA and Salisbury High School for supporting the program throughout the year and into 2025. Programs like this are vital for providing diverse and appropriate education for students who are trade focused. We would also like to congratulate the students for the fantastic job they have done completing the house and their Certificate II in Construction Pathways.

Progress photos;

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VET News

NASSSA VET Awards Evening

On Tuesday the 10th of December, the Northern State Secondary School Alliance (NASSSA) hosted their VET Awards evening at the Shedley Theatre. Several Salisbury High School students were nominated for a NASSSA award this year. We would like to congratulate the following students who were either nominated or won a NASSSA award for 2024.

Industry Area Awards

These are awarded to the top students in each industry area.

Riley Kearney - Nominated for the Industry Area Award for the Certificate II in Electrotechnology

Courtney Leyson – Nominated for the Industry Area Award for the Certificate II in Construction Pathways

Godswill Umeh – Nominee and award winner for the Industry Area Award for Certificate II in Construction Pathways

NASSSA VET Student of the Year

Godswill Umeh was also awarded as NASSSA VET student of the year due to his outstanding performance. Not only did Godswill do extremely well in his VET course, he has also secured a school-based apprenticeship in carpentry for 2025.

NASSSA Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander VET Learner of the Year

Kayla Johnson: Due to her outstanding performance both in school and in her Salon Assistant VET course, Kayla Johnson was awarded as ATSI VET student of the year.

Success Through Adversity Award

Mary Slater: Mary won an award for success through adversity due to being successful in her VET learning, despite encountering difficult circumstances outside of school life.

School Based Apprentice of the year:

The following students are currently undertaking a school-based apprenticeship. A school-based apprenticeship allows the students to complete their SACE while working in the industry.

Caleb Dunn – Caleb is currently in his second year as an electrician and was nominated for school-based apprentice of the year due to his employer feedback and successful completion of his SACE through his school-based apprenticeship.

Jensen Roberts – Jensen is in his first year as a heavy-weight vehicle mechanic. He was nominated for school-based apprentice of the year due to his impressive employer feedback and commitment to learning.

William Brown – Won the title of NASSSA School-based Apprentice of the Year. William successfully completed his SACE this year using his apprenticeship. He is thriving in his apprenticeship. He is doing so well that his employer is looking to fast track his completion date and he is due to be fully qualified by the start of 2025.

Junior and Middle School

Junior School News (Year 7 & 8)

Monday and Tuesday of Week 8 saw 180 new faces arrive at SHS for their 2 days of transition activities. Each student got the chance to be with their Care Groups for 2025 and almost all got to meet their Care Teachers as well. 

Over the 2 days every student got the chance to experience Mathematics, Humanities, Science and English. In addition these groups also got to participate in some electives including HPE, Design Tech, Food Innovation and the Arts. 

The smiles on their collective faces as they met me at each break is testament to the culture of inclusion and kindness that I love about our site. What's more the parental feedback as they collected their little charges each day was one of thanks and excitement for what 2025 will bring their child/young person. 

My cup has been well and truly filled over the two days. Please take the time to check out some of the quick snaps I got as I circulated through the events. 

Thank you all once again and can't wait to work with this group in 2025 and beyond! 

Middle School News (Year 9 & 10)

It has been a very busy Term 4 with major school events helping celebrate the end of 2024. In week 7 we held our Year 10 Graduation with incredible success. I would like to thank all our families for attending and supporting this evening. We had over 250 guests and around 120 Year 10's attend. We also had the most FLO students attend in recent history. A huge thanks to everyone who supported this event and it clearly shows the importance it has to our school community. We are very excited about welcoming our Year 10’s into Senior School in 2025. The musical performances were amazing and a big thanks to the Arts faculty for organising this.

On Monday the 2^nd and the Tuesday 3^rd of December all Year 9 students were involved in CBD visits. Students participated in a variety of activities/tours and I would like to thank the care teachers for organising this. Students were incredibly respectful and represented the school positively. On Monday the 2^nd of December all Year 10 students participated in Big Day In with their care teachers. This was another successful event that helped celebrate three years of Middle School. 

On Monday and Tuesday of week 8 we ran our transition days for our new Year 7’s for 2025. Many Year 10 students helped with these transitions as mentors. The feedback was that this year’s helpers were some of the best the school has ever had. This is a real credit to all the Year 10 students who were involved.  I would like to thank all our Middle School students for their hard work and commitment this year. I am very excited about next year and look forward to returning in 2025. Thanks to all families for their ongoing support and encourage all students to commit and embrace their final weeks of 2024.

STEM Update

Lyell McEwin Health Precinct Excursion

On Friday 6^th December a group of Year 9s went to the Lyell McEwin Health Precinct to have a tour and engage in hands-on activities and information sessions with health professionals and university students.

The activities included behind scenes tours of the pharmacy and medical records and hands-on activities for occupational therapy, midwifery, paramedics, aged care, physiotherapy, ICU medicine and speech pathology.

It was a fantastic opportunity for students to see the amazing work that our health professionals do and the wide range of different careers on offer at Lyell McEwin.

The feedback from students of the day was very positive and it was great to see the engagement from them on asking questions about possible future careers in the health sector.

Oliphant Science Awards

Three students from Salisbury High School, Hardus Stoop, Sireen Abdalteef and Mikayla Gilbert, along with many hundred of others from around the state, participated in the Oliphant Science Awards this year.

Hardus Stoop was the first winner from our school in our second year of entry. Hardus, his parents and myself attended the awards ceremony at Brighton High School. He received a third prize sponsors award for his submission of a model representing a partial Dyson sphere.

The model pictured below is a solar energy harvester situated at the L2 postion 1.5 million kilometres from Earth. Hardus included all the materials selection, appropriate payloads and calculations of materials required.

Students with Disabilities update

CAMP

This year, we took 34 students to Roonka Adventure Water Park, where they enjoyed a variety of water activities, such as canoeing (both beginner and advanced levels), flying fox, and the riverslide. Other experiences included fishing (catching carp and shrimp with nets), designing and painting boomerangs, and tackling the low ropes course. During free time, students relaxed, chatted, played cricket, and kicked a soccer ball in the open space. A big thank you to Variety in Action for the grant that made this camp such a success.

Variety Disco for Secondary students

This year marked the first time Variety in Action hosted a separate Christmas event (Disco) for Secondary students. The police band performed a mix of Christmas songs and popular tunes. Students enjoyed a variety of activities, including tattooing, balloon-making, and using the photo booth. For lunch, the convention centre served hot dogs and chips. On the way back, many students were tired, with some even falling asleep.

Salisbury High School Re-Wilding Program Report

Approximately 22 Year 10, 11 and 12 students in the Special Unit and Special Classes at Salisbury High School have continued to develop the re-wilding project in an area between the grassed front lawn at the front of Salisbury High School and Farley Grove.

The area planted is a space under the established gum trees, currently providing an ideal habitat for territorial noisy miner birds, but in time should also provide an appropriate habitat for other birds and wildlife, thereby returning the habitat to an improved balance.

Plant species selected were grasses and groundcovers – so as to establish a base zone that will encourage a habitat for insects and become a food source for birds and other fauna. We selected the following species from Provenance Indigenous Plants:

Western New Holland Daisy                        Vittadinia blackii
Scrambled Eggs                                            Godenia pinnatifida
Tussock grass                                                Poa poiformis
Native Lemon Grass                                      Cymbopogon ambiguous
Prostrate Umbrella Bush                               Acacia cupularis
Kangaroo Grass                                             Themeda triandra
Tussock Grass                                                Poa labiillardierei
Short Stem Flax Lily                                        Dianella brevicaulis
Native Leek                                                     Bulbine sp

Students were supported by the grounds staff in    developing the site as the grounds staff were responsible for removing the lawn that had previously grown in the area under the trees. Chipped green waste from arborists was used to mulch the area, adding to the microbial level of the soil to be planted. Once planted out, the students have been responsible for supplementary hand watering the area, the area is currently on the same irrigation as the front lawn of Salisbury High School.

Through the year, students levelled mulch across the area to be planted. The area was watered by irrigation as the area was previously part of the school front lawn. There was supplementary watering from the students to encourage microbial development of the soil and to soften the soil ready for planting.

Tubestock was selected from Provenance Indigenous Plants through a grant provided by The City of Salisbury Nurturing Nature Program for Education Sites. Plants were placed randomly throughout the area to be planted and students planted out the plants into holes that had been started using a mattock. Unfortunately, the area to be planted had very heavy soil and there was a lot of gravel and stone – making it difficult to plant. Students did persevere and were able to plant as needed. We will need to consider stocking the area through direct seeding in future years and also adding further soil to the planting zone.

Students have previously planted indigenous plants provided through The City of Salisbury Nurturing Nature Program for Education Sites in an area between the Trade Centre and Farley Grove. They have also added other plantings to this area through purchasing Australian native plants and drought hardy plants from money they have raised through their Container Deposit Recycling Program.

Some of the plants that students have previously planted were propagated through a seed raising activity when students purchased a Trees for Life propagation kit, with local hakea species. These plants have become further established in the zone and improved the biodiversity of the site.

It is envisaged that the re-wilding program will continue into the future by rehabilitating the lawned areas connecting the area to the north of the 2024 zone with an area to the north of the entry path to Salisbury High School, beneath the established gum trees adjacent to Farley Grove.  We also have opportunity to further rehabilitate the zone to the south of the Trade Centre Car Park Entry and leading towards the Salisbury Swimming Pool. It is anticipated that this re-wilding project will complete a wildlife corridor, connecting the train line along Langford Terrace to Penfield Golf Club (and adjacent area) to Happy Home Reserve.

Further maintenance will continue to the areas that are currently being established, and plants will need to be planted to supplement other plants in the areas that have previously been rehabilitated.

This program will provide a legacy into the future and is a program that provides students from the Special Unit and Special Classes at Salisbury High School with opportunities to improve their workplace capacity while connecting with and improving our environment.

Northern Opportunities

Student Leadership

Our student leaders have continued to step up and make a difference through different initiatives this term. Here’s a look at their recent achievements and future plans!

Youth Empowerment Committee

The group has been meeting fortnightly with council workers at the Bagster Road Community Centre, brainstorming ideas and planning events to empower the youth in Salisbury’s.

The group kicked things off with a bang this term by organising the ‘Wild Wednesday’ End-of-Term Celebration at the Community Centre an exciting event which was open to all high school students. The group worked together well to include Mario Kart competitions, Christmas cookie decorating, arts & crafts, futsal, music, a photobooth, door prizes and lot’s of pizza!

The event was a massive success, with everyone leaving full of pizza, joy, and a few lucky winners even taking home door prizes.

The committee’s work doesn’t stop there. In 2024, they’ll continue meeting fortnightly and planning more activities and events to engage and support young people in the Salisbury area. Stay tuned for their upcoming projects—you won’t want to miss them!

Youth Action Team

The Youth Action Team has been busy with sustainability-focused initiatives this term. After successfully raising money last term, the team headed to Bunnings to purchase a worm farm and a compost bin.

The trip was a fun and productive outing as students worked together to prepare a shopping list and find all the items they needed. Back at school, the group set up their new worm farm, which they now tend to weekly. They’ve even placed Kitchen Caddies around the school to collect food scraps and keep their worm farm thriving.

This hands-on project is just the beginning. The Youth Action Team will continue its sustainability efforts next year, working collaboratively to bring more eco-friendly ideas to life on campus.

Both groups are great examples of students taking the lead and making a positive impact in their school and community. Let’s celebrate the achievements of these amazing teams and look forward to all the great things they’ll accomplish in the year ahead.

STRIVE Camp 2024

Stayed at Port Vincent
Year 7 to Year 10 students
58 students attended
6 staff attended
4 December to 6 December 2024
HOT weather – YES!
Everyone EXHAUSTED – YES!!

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CFS – Touch a Truck

Salisbury CFS visited Salisbury High School year 8 students on 25 November 2024. 5 volunteers, 1 fire truck, 1 supply truck and 1 service vehicle attended along with Smokey the Koala who was giving plenty of high fives and hugs to students.

Students were able to spray water from the fire hose as well as sit inside the fire truck. A great experience was had by all.

THRIVE update

THRIVE: A Program for Students to Shine

This year at Salisbury High School, we trialled a new program called THRIVE. THRIVE was designed for students who have struggled to engage with mainstream schooling and offers a tailored, on-site program with a modified timetable and learning program. The focus is on building employment skills and connecting students to opportunities both inside and outside the classroom.

Throughout the year, our students participated in a range of activities, including: an industry excursion to Bridgestone for a hands-on tyre-fitting experience, an introduction to vocational skills through barista training and an introductory course in construction. We also supported students in completing their learner's permits (Ls) throughout the year.

We were thrilled to see the overall attendance and behaviour improve of our THRIVE students improve.

Celebrating Success

The outcomes for our 10 Year 10 students this year have been remarkable:

• 6 students achieved SACE outcomes.
• 3 students completed a Certificate I in Construction.
• 4 students earned a Certificate I in FSK/Barista skills.
• 5 students are now enrolled in VET courses for 2025.

These are incredible results for students who were not engaged in 2023!

Looking Forward

It has been so rewarding to build strong relationships with each student in THRIVE and to see them flourish in an environment better suited to their learning. While the program's first year has been a whirlwind, we’ve learned so much and are excited to implement changes that will make next year even better.

If you’d like to know more about THRIVE, please feel free to reach out.

Arts update

2024 Arts Wrap Up

2024 has been another busy year in the Arts for students and staff with many events taking place across all four terms.  From the dance flash mob at Athletics Day, excursions and workshops in Music and Art to dance, choir and band performances at Wellbeing Day and Speech Day, as well as various music performances in our favourite outdoor venue known as Rock Amongst the Rocks. 

Another highlight was the excursion to see the Grease the musical at Her Majesty’s Theatre.  This was for some students their first experience of a live theatre production of such a huge scale and some minds were definitely blown and some dreams for the future made.

Visual Art

Jacob Naser (Yr 12)

Cara Castle (Yr 12)

Savannah Genge (Yr 12)

Musical

Term 3 was focused primarily around the School Musical with our largest group of talented students ever who participated in Skooliez, which was an absolute success!  Parents, friends, and staff filled the audience each night, their laughter and applause creating a happy and supportive atmosphere, spurring the young performers on to greater performances; there’s nothing like the feeling of the audience reacting to your performance. Many audience members commented on how the performances not only entertained but also transported many of them back to their younger days and their own high school experiences, making Skooliez a true celebration of youth and friendship.

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It has been rewarding for all Arts students and staff to be able to showcase their efforts in 2024 and we look forward to being able to continue on with these events and search out new opportunities in the Arts in 2025 and beyond. 

English update

Poetry Competition announcement

This term we ran the inaugural Salisbury High School poetry competition. The poets represented all year levels and the English team and judges would like to congratulate all participants, each poem moved the judges and the selection was difficult.

Congratulations to our winners:

• Fatima Al Amary (Year 12)
• Alisha Khan (Year 11) and Sireen Abdalteef (Year 11)
• Tony Nyemah (Year 10)

Please enjoy the winning entries

Untitled by Fatima Al Amary (1^st)

Ten years old today.
But the candles were never lit.
Although the whole house was on fire.

I sit in the corner,
knees tucked tight to my chest,
wearing my favourite dress,
with yellow flowers.
Surrounded by rubble.

The house I once knew,
the heaven of warmth,
is now cold and crumbled.

My cake,
covered in blood,
rests on the cracked table,
beneath the shattered glass window.

Bombs fall,
like thunder roaring and crashing.
Is the sky itself weeping fire?

Mother’s hands,
once braided my hair,
now rests,
beneath a bed of bricks.

Father lays on the ground,
his eyes wide open,
once filled with life,
now blank.
Debris falls from the ceiling,
covering him,
like a blanket.
A very cold and rough blanket.

Nothing to love,
nothing to hold.
Except for the doll I was gifted this morning.

Is that all I have left from my family?

I know what a warm home feels like,
because I lived in it once.
But now?
My home is where ghosts linger.

My legs feel like glue,
stuck to the ground,
trapped among,
my parents’
dead bodies

Echoes of Childhood Alisha Khan and Sireen Abdalteef (2^nd)

Too mature for your age, they dare say,
a betrayal of innocence lost in the fray.
I wish the glass would break, and I could say-
A seedling must burn to awake.

Winds of hope, to others a balm,
But to me, they fed the fire’s calm.
Stronger and stronger it gets.
Till it’s in dept
Screaming too loud for a storm that cannot abide.

A smile fixed, a mask well worn,
Realising the fire has never been torn.
The flame that forged me, fierce and bright,
Helped the roots push through the depth of the night.
Roots tangled, clinging to soil too tight,
None could see the unseen fight.
Lying among others, seemingly whole,
Yet beneath, the fire marked the soul.

Wait, just wait, and you’ll see,
How deep those roots twist down endlessly.
They’ve reached the core where ashes dwell,
Burning silently, knowing hell to well.
For that fire is the only truth known,
A blaze beneath, unseen, alone.
The seed that grew, both fierce and scarred,
From flames that burnt yet stood on guard.
Unyielding, fierce, where other were wrong.

For the blaze that scarred and forged the flame
Become the strength, an unquenchable flame

Gangster by Tony Nyemah (3^rd)

A Gangster to you
Might be someone
Who’s tough and strong
To me it’s a sad life
Where they feel like
They don’t belong
Being with 20 men just
To feel safe or carrying
Knives in case they get chased

I know people who
Won’t go anywhere without
Their gang
I know people that’s heart
Stop when they see them lights

With the saying
“they rather get caught with it
Than without it”
Risking their freedom
Whenever they step

But always remember
Behind that bally and fear
There was once a kid that
Dreamed of playing soccer here

Literacy Support

Clontarf Update

Clontarf has ended 2025 with 8 Academy members successfully graduating year 12. This is a record number for our Salisbury Academy and we could not be happier for all of these members.

A huge congratulations to Billy Woolhouse, Seth Kember, Seth Williams, Kalvyn Karpany, Isaiah Nettle, Kouger Shiner, Jarred Sumner & Lachlan Higgins.

The boys celebrated in style by going to the Gold Coast for their Clontarf End of Year Trip.

Our Academy finished with 52 students averaging over 83% attendance for the year.

Another major highlight was having 3 of our Academy members (Wes Kelly, Isaiah Nettle & Kalvyn Karpany) represent South Australia in the annual Football State of Origin carnival. We made the Grand Final, which was shown on Kayo and although we ended up finishing 2nd in the tournament, the boys should be extremely proud of themselves!

In the back end of the term we welcomed back Tyrell Hocking as a staff member in our academy.

It’s now time for a little rest and reset before we kick-start 2025!

Sports News End of Term 3

Northern Zone Year 7-8 3x3 Basketball Carnival – Coached by Mr. Johnson and Mr. Miskovic

Our students recently hit the courts at The Lights for an exciting 3x3 basketball competition, and what a day it was! Representing our school, two boys' teams gave it their all, showcasing determination, skill, and teamwork in every match.

Both teams achieved fantastic results, demonstrating their passion for the game and never backing down from a challenge. Their effort and resilience were a testament to their dedication, and their exceptional sportsmanship throughout the competition made us all proud.

A special thank you goes to Mr. Johnson and Mr. Miskovic for their outstanding coaching and support, ensuring the boys were prepared and motivated on the day.

Well done to all the players for their hard work and commitment—it was a memorable event, and we look forward to seeing them shine in future competitions!

Northern Zone Year 7-8 Beach Soccer Carnival – Coached by Mr. Pipicella and Nick Anderson

During Week 7, the Year 7-8 boys and girls Beach Soccer teams hit the sands of Largs Bay for an action-packed day of competition. Both teams showcased incredible skill, teamwork, and sportsmanship, making it a memorable event for all involved.

The girls’ team delivered a fantastic performance, proving their strength on the sand with several impressive victories. Meanwhile, the boys’ team battled fiercely throughout the tournament and came tantalizingly close to securing the overall win, falling just short in a nail-biting finish.

A huge thank you goes to Mr. Pipicella and Nick Anderson for their exceptional coaching and guidance, ensuring the teams were well-prepared and motivated on the day.

Congratulations to all the students who participated for representing our school with such determination and respect. It was a brilliant day of sport, and we look forward to more beach soccer success in the future!

AFL Max Year 7-9 Girls Indoor Football Carnival – Coached by Mr. Miskovic and Miss. Dobie

Our Year 7-9 girls' team recently participated in an Indoor Football Carnival at AFL Max, and what an incredible experience it was! The team put in a fantastic effort, playing their hearts out and showcasing great sportsmanship throughout the day.

A highlight of the carnival was a spirited match against Salisbury East, with friendly rivalry adding to the excitement and intensity of the game. The girls relished the challenge and gave it their all, making the competition a memorable one.

Beyond the football, the students enjoyed exploring the unique opportunities at AFL Max, including a modified game, handball challenges, a trampoline competition, and even some rock climbing. The variety added to the fun and ensured the day was filled with laughter and adventure.

A huge thank you goes to Mr. Miskovic and Miss Dobie for their exceptional coaching and encouragement, which helped the girls bring their best to the field.

Congratulations to all the players for their effort and enthusiasm—it was a fantastic day of sport and teamwork!

Lunch Time Sport

For updates, sport achievements and useful links, please look in the new “Extra-Curricular” tab on the school website. Students can access the sport calendar for each term and nominate for sports using the Forms link advertised on Daymap.

Students have the chance to participate in Lunch Time Sport in the Gym daily. The Lunchtime Sport program this term provides the opportunity for students to participate in LKBA Basketball, Volleyball, Year 7s Only, Pipicella Futsal Cup, Weights and Badminton.

Student’s Sport Profile – Emily Ward

Emily Ward is a dedicated and exceptional young sailor currently competing in an OPTI boat, where her skill, commitment, and sportsmanship have brought her numerous accolades. In 2023, she competed in the State Championships, securing the title of 1st Female and placing 9th overall among 33 boats.

Emily’s performance at the 2024 National Championship was equally impressive as she finished 2nd among females and ranked 15th overall out of 108 boats. Her standings could have reached even greater heights, but Emily demonstrated her commendable character by stopping mid-race to assist a younger participant whose boat had capsized, a situation inaccessible to the rescue teams. This act of sportsmanship cost her four places but earned her the prestigious All Division Sportsmanship Trophy.

Further highlighting her accomplishments, Emily placed 2nd Female in the 2023 Youth Championship and was part of the winning team in the South Australian Women's Keelboat Regatta in both 2023 and 2024—achievements that also made her the youngest female competitor in this event. Although she has only competed in OPTI races for two years, Emily has been sailing for over 12 years and has shown immense growth and skill since joining the competitive sailing arena.

Emily trains rigorously, attending twice-weekly sessions, participating in twilight races mid-week, and additional races and training on Saturdays. She is a dedicated member of the Largs Bay Sailing Club, where she is known for her hard work, resilience, and sportsmanship. With a long-term goal of reaching the pinnacle of women’s sailing, Emily aspires to one day represent her country in the Olympics.

Emily’s passion, dedication, and sportsmanship make her a standout nominee for this award, reflecting her commitment not only to excellence in competition but to the spirit and values of sailing.

School Sport in Term 1 - 2025

School Sport in Term 1 is an extremely busy term and will see many more sports being offered, continue to check Daymap and the Sports Board for upcoming carnivals early in Term 1 next year. In an effort to enhance the competitiveness of our teams and promote positive behaviours during HPE lessons, SHS will be selecting students directly from their HPE classes. This approach will also provide an opportunity for students who excel but may not typically nominate themselves. Additionally, students may be required to attend trials or training sessions in order to be selected for the team. Some carnivals also offer a "non-competitive" competition, which will be promoted to students interested in exploring new sports in a non-competitive environment.

Clubs Update

There are currently 20 clubs available for students to engage in during lunchtimes throughout the week at Salisbury High School. The clubs offered provide students opportunities to participate in a range of activities including; Art, Board Games, Dungeons and Dragons, Boxing, Archery, Table tennis, Netball, STEM experiments, Meditation & Chill, Chess, Games & Anime, Pride Club and many more. Students who attend a club twice or more throughout the term will be issued a House Point for positive behaviour.

To get involved, all students need to do is turn up. Times and locations of clubs and activities offered are posted on DayMap daily as well as displayed on the electronic boards throughout the school. In addition to the clubs, students are able to use the newly established outdoor chess and table tennis tables at lunchtime, with bats, balls and chess sets available to be borrowed from the STEM Office.

The most popular clubs in term 3 have been; the LKBA Basketball, Chess Club, Dungeons and Dragons and the Lego Club. This term has seen the addition of two new clubs; Pride and Gaming & Anime Club, please see Daymap bulletins for more information. 

Clubs in 2025

Students have had the opportunity to voice their suggestions and interest for new clubs in 2025. So far, there has been a large number of students interested in starting the following clubs:

• Fishing Club
• Outdoors Adventures
• Band Club
• Book and Poetry Club
• Drama Club
• Debate Club
• Gaming and Esports
• Art & Design
• Photography
• Cooking
• Run Club

If you are interested in joining an existing or starting a new club, please see Mrs. De Pasquale or the staff member involved.

Wellbeing Update

Dreamers Youth Sausage Sizzle

In term 4, volunteers from Dreamers Youth Salisbury came to Salisbury High School to provide the students with a FREE sausage sizzle. They also facilitated a lunch time games for a bit of fun and to bring the students together.

Dreamers Youth Salisbury runs their program every Friday night of the school term at 1760 Main North Rd, Salisbury Plain. The program promotes positive, faith-based values, builds friendships, and helps develop students into the best version of themselves. The students have spoken highly of their time being a part of the program as it has given them a safe and encouraging community to be supported in and make friends.

Multiple students have shared how they have remembered the volunteers from their previous visits to SHS or have known them through the Friday night youth program.

This is a positive, ongoing relationship the school has with the local community. We look forward to connecting with them in the future.

Christmas Hampers

Thanks to the generosity and kindness of the Parafield Gardens Salvation Army, we have received over 20 Christmas hampers to distribute to our families.

Keryn, Aaron, and the entire team of volunteers did an amazing job to fill these hampers to the brim with various non-perishables, essentials, Christmas treats. Their support is a testament to the difference that community can make; a reminder that people care and support is available. 

It is with great pleasure that we get to pass them onto the school community. 

Mental Health:

Mental health encompasses an individual's emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It plays a crucial role in shaping how we think, feel, and make decisions, and it influences our ability to manage stress, relate to others, and navigate life's challenges. In the past year, the world has witnessed a surge in mental health issues among young people in Australia, exacerbated by the global pandemic and the threat of COVID-19.

Research indicates that from 2018, roughly two in five young people between the ages of twelve and twenty-five experienced a decline in their overall well-being and mental health. However, surveys conducted in 2020 during the pandemic revealed a startling increase, with approximately one in two young people now affected. This shift demonstrates the profound impact of COVID-19, not only on the lives of young individuals but also on their families and friends.

Families have grappled with severe lockdown measures, leading to job losses, school closures, and the shuttering of numerous businesses and recreational activities. This period has witnessed financial hardship due to job and income losses, as well as a decline in social and physical interactions. The ongoing uncertainty related to political stability and the impacts of climate change has further added to the stress and anxiety about the future.

Adolescents and young people, in particular, are navigating a critical phase of their lives, striving to establish their identities, career paths, travel experiences, and eventually, their own families. Unfortunately, the past year has seen many young people struggling to balance school, home, work, and maintain social skills and connections. These challenges have taken a toll on their mental health and well-being.

With the increasing reliance on social media to stay connected, teenagers are, on average, spending anywhere from six to nine hours daily on these platforms. The prevalence of technology and access to social media heighten the risk of cyberbullying, social anxiety, and depression among teens.

For parents or students seeking assistance, the Wellbeing team at Salisbury High School is available to provide support. Additionally, there are external services that can offer further support:

Headspace
Managing stress related to covid-19 virus includes tips to maintain a healthy mindset: https://headspace.org.au/young-people/how-to-cope-with-stress-related-to-covid-19/
e-Headspace, a free online counselling platform: https://eheadspace.org.au/

Kids help line
WebChat counselling: https://www.kidshelpline.com.au/get-help/webchat-counselling
Phone counselling: 1800 55 1800 (free and confidential)

Reachout
 Self-care tips: https://au.reachout.com/collections/self-care
 Professionally reviewed self-help tools-and-apps: https://au.reachout.com/tools-and-apps

Youth Beyond Blue
Mental health information: https://www.youthbeyondblue.com/
Online chat forum: https://online.beyondblue.org.au/WebModules/Chat/InitialInformation.aspx
Phone counselling service: 1300 22 4636

Blackdog Institute
Dream On – smart phone app trial for young people experiencing sleep difficulties: https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/research/participate-in-our-research/for-young-people/dream-on
Self-help-tools-apps: https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/getting-help/self-help-tools-apps
Government search engine for locating information and resources on a range of topics.
Sam the ChatBox: https://headtohealth.gov.au/sam-the-chatbot

School Fees

Materials and Service Charges for 2025

The prescribed sum for 2024 Materials and Services charges will be $396.00.

2025 Invoices will be processed soon. Payment will be due by the end of Term 1 2025 unless other payment arrangements have been made with our Finance Office. Please note students selecting subjects with additional fees will also receive a letter in the next week. Please sign and return the agreement/selection forms by the end of the year to enable necessary invoicing to occur.

There are a number of ways to pay school fees;

Payment Options:

• BPOINT
• Cash/Cheque/Money Order/EFTPOS
• Centrelink: (direct debit from Centrelink Payments)
• Cheque
• Credit Card via telephone
• Direct Debit

Fee Paying Week 2025:

The school will be open for parents/caregivers to pay school fees or to apply for School Card on the following days (please note the changed times from previous years including late night option):

Monday 20th January 10:00am – 2:00pm
Tuesday 21st January 10:00am – 2:00pm
Wednesday 22nd January 2:00pm – 6:00pm

Remember to bring the enclosed invoice/s with you to assist with the process. Signs will be displayed in our front foyer directing you to our Finance Office for fee payment where finance staff will be on hand to assist you.

School Card 2025: Please note: you must apply for School Card every year.

School Card Forms will be available early in 2025. If you believe that you are eligible for School Card please apply as soon as possible.

Did you know that you can apply online? The online application form is available at www.sa.gov.au under the heading Education and Learning. Other forms are available from the school if your circumstances are different to those required for School Card e.g. financial hardship or change of circumstances.

Community Notices