2024 Term 4 Week 10

EXCELLENT 2024 SACE RESULTS

Congratulations to the one hundred and thirty-three Year 12 students who successfully completed their South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE) at our school in 2024.

Congratulations to our Salisbury East High School DUX, Putsoriyavong (Victoria) Hem, who achieved a raw ATAR of 95.95 (top 4% of the state) with a Year 12 ranking of 99.90.  She scored in the ‘A’ range for all of her subjects.

We have also been recently advised that Victoria has also been awarded a Governor of South Australia Commendation – Excellence Award.  Just one of 33 students across South Australia, she has been acknowledged for Excellence in the development of one or more SACE capabilities, including the equivalent of an A (A+, A, A-) in 70 credits of Stage 2 subjects or courses, including Research Project/AIF.

Other students who performed exceedingly well (with ‘raw’ ATARs in the 80’s and 90’s – top 20% of the state): Mia Williamson; Irene Vassos; Ashley Bain; Aaliyah Kelly; Rena Dulellari; Jorja Zadow; Chelsea Graham; Aaron Johnson; Luka Subotic; Sevleen Kaur; Yong Hong. Once they have had University Equity Adjustment points (aka 'bonus') applied, their rankings will increase further.

99.4% of all grades were A, B or C.  This included a total of fourteen A+ grades (including two merits):

• Essential English – Mia Williamson (Merit); Nhi Le (Merit),
• Health and Well-Being: Rena Dulellari; Irene Vassos; Vereann Marzal; Mia Williamson; Ashley Bain; Evelyn O’Neil
• Integrated Learning (Sports Studies): Seth Miles
• Integrated Learning (Specialist Soccer): Aaden Howard
• Essential Mathematics: Chelsea Graham; Irene Vassos
• AIF: Anita Tuyikorere; Thida Sok (Year 11’s)

This year, there were a total of 125 ‘A’ grades achieved by 71 students – an increase of 5% from 2023. 

2025 START OF THE YEAR INFORMATION

We will have a staggered start to the 2025 school year.

Year 7 and 12 students will commence on Tuesday, January 28.  This will support our Year 7 students to familiarise themselves with the school and spend some quality time with their mentor teachers and peers.  The day will have a strong focus on developing a sense of belonging.  Our Year 12 students will engage in some targeted information sessions.

Year 8, 9, 10, 11 and ALT-HUB students will commence on Wednesday, January 29 with some year-level assemblies and information sessions.

MATERIALS AND SERVICES CHARGES FOR 2025

Thank you to the families took the opportunity to vote in the recent Materials and Services Charges poll.

The poll was successful (over 60% in support) which means that the 2025 Materials and Services Charge of $470 is compulsory and legally recoverable for all year levels.

The South Australian Government is offering a $200 rebate which means that the amount payable to families is $270.

All families will be invoiced in the new year.

This year, approximately 40% of our families successfully applied for School Card assistance.  If you were eligible this year, we encourage you to apply earlier, rather than later.

BUDGET

Towards the end of the school year, our Governing Council ratified a draft budget for 2025.  Some of the intended spending includes:

• New fitness/playground equipment for the edge of the oval – similar to below

• Information Technology – loan laptops, operating expenses, licences
• A new flexible library on the top floor of the K Building
• New stoves for one of our Food Technology classrooms
• New baby simulators for Child Studies
• Paving at the Smith Road entrance
• Additional Four Square Courts
• Painting – including the Western End of the school (visible to Smith Road)
• Well Being and Leadership programs
• Consultancy to ‘Real Schools’ who we will be working with for the next three years on our school improvement journey.

STAFF LEAVING

We farewell the following staff who are moving on from Salisbury East High School at the end of 2024.

Kristen Masters - Education Director in the Department of Education

Paul Dorian - Moving to the Yorke Peninsula

Joleen Hall - St. Aloysius College

Racheal Young - Catherine Mcauley School

Jean Lloyd - Playford International College

Shenae Baker - Employment through completing University Degree

Taylor Lupp - Adelaide Botanic High

Kieran McGarrigan - Mark Oliphant College

Emma Fulton - Completed Contract

Belinda Parr - Moving into Orbis within the Department of Education for a 1-year term.

We thank them all for their contribution to our school and wish them all the best in their new endeavours.

SUPERVISION BEFORE SCHOOL

When preparing for 2025, just a friendly reminder that supervision of students commences at 8.20 am each morning. 

Please do not rely on students being cared for at school prior to that time.  While staff are on ‘deck’ prior to that time, they are engaged in lesson preparation and planning for the day ahead.

THANK YOU AND FAREWELL

As we come to the close of another school year, I find myself reflecting on the last four years with great appreciation. As you know, I am taking up an Education Director role for the next 12 months within the local area.  At this stage, I am unsure whether I will be back at Salisbury East High School in 2026.

When I first joined this school, I was struck by the warmth, passion, and potential within this community. Together, we have worked to build on those strengths, striving to ensure that every student feels as though they belong and has access to opportunities that suit their unique needs, talents, and aspirations. Whether it’s through expanded academic pathways, improved support for students with disabilities, vocational training options, or extracurricular programs, I am proud that we’ve been able to provide a broader range of possibilities for our students to thrive.

Some of our specific achievements over the past four years include:

• The introduction of Year 7’s into high school in 2022 and associated transition program.
• A focus on belonging, connection and safety which has seen:
• Staff undertake trauma informed professional learning (‘Berry Street’)
• Us partner with the Australian Refugee Association (ARA), the Abraham Institute and Uni SA (African Diaspora School Belonging Action Research) to better support the needs of culturally and linguistically diverse students
• An increased range of lunchtime and recess activities as well as an expansion of the House competition and greater number of extra-curricular activities.
• The re-introduction of Year 7 and 8 camps
• An increased focus on acknowledging student success and supporting students as they transition to the next stage of their learning with the introduction of the Middle School Celebration Assembly and special events.
• Our Well Being and Engagement (WEC) data improve considerably since 2022.
• The number of suspensions decline since 2022
• The development of the Robotics program – resulting in two teams qualifying for world championships in Texas and multiple teams participating at the national championships.
  
• The introduction of a number of programs that have supported student development, well-being and agency including Youth Opportunities, Healthy Minds, Australian Business Week.
• Purpose built new buildings for our Supported Learning Classes (SLC) and alternative education.
• Additional support for a substantially greater number of students who require learning support. This has included specific literacy, numeracy and social skills intervention as well as in-class support and the development of ‘Year 7 Nurture’ and ‘Legacy’ classes within the mainstream setting.
• The evolution of the old SEAL program into ALT-HUB which provides contemporary community-based learning and supports students as they transition to employment, further learning and life. From 2025, there will also be a Year 8 ‘Thrive’ program.
• Further documentation of our curriculum to align with the latest version of the Australian Curriculum.
• Consistently high Year 12 results: three out of the last four years, 100% SACE completion; two Governor of SA Commendation – Excellence awards; increased proportion of ‘A’ grades.
• Expansion of our VET, Careers and Pathways opportunities for students with Electrotechnology and Plumbing (from 2025) now available at SEHS; the introduction of the annual Careers Expo and lots of off-site options as well.

These achievements wouldn’t have been possible without the collective effort and unwavering support of the incredible staff, dedicated families, and, of course, our fabulous students.

As I prepare to embark on a new leadership role in education, I do so with very mixed feelings. While I am excited about the opportunities ahead, it is hard to leave a school that has become such an integral part of my life. I will deeply miss the connections and even the challenges we’ve faced together.  Based out of the Para Hills Education Office, I look forward to attending a range of special events at SEHS in 2025 in my new role.

What gives me confidence as I move forward is knowing the incredible capacity of the staff who lead within this school. Their professionalism and dedication give me no doubt that the school will continue to go from strength to strength.

Thank you for your kindness, support, and encouragement over the years. This community will always hold a special place in my heart. I look forward to seeing the continued success of the school in 2025 and wish you all a wonderful holiday season.

Kristen Masters, Principal

YEAR 12 GRADUATION

Congratulations to all our winners!

Subject Awards

YEAR 12 FORMAL PHOTOS

SUMMER ARTS SHOWCASE

On the evening of November 12th, our Arts students took centre stage to unveil the extraordinary talents they’ve honed across a variety of disciplines. From the vibrant expressions of Visual Arts, IPP, and Photography to the captivating performances in Performing Arts, Aerobics, and Music, the night was a heartfelt celebration of creativity and dedication. The evening also shone a spotlight on the incredible expertise and unwavering commitment of our gifted Arts teachers. What a privilege it is to have such talent under one roof!

Tiff Prouse, Arts Coordinator

INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC STRINGS WORKSHOP

Two of our Strings superstars; Ahadi Matabaro (year 10) and Shaniah Revaula (year 9) represented SEHS in week 5 at The Instrumental Music Strings Workshop held at The Heights. Both girls really enjoyed the chance to collaborate with other students from different schools studying Strings. Their IM teacher Anna Webb said, "Our students did us proud!" Beautiful work girls! 

Tiff Prouse, Arts Coordinator

SAASTA CONNECT POWER CUP

We attended the Power Cup Footy Carnival at Alberton Oval, on the 25^th of October, and it was an amazing experience. The atmosphere was exciting, with so many people coming together from across South Australia to enjoy the day. What made it even more special was the mix of cultural activities on offer, like painting, sand art and weaving, which really added to the experience. We got to reconnect with so many family members and friends from other schools, which made the event feel even more meaningful.

Our team had the chance to join forces with Mark Oliphant College, and we performed really well on the field. The collaboration was awesome, and it felt like we were one big team rather than separate schools. There was a lot of positive energy all around, with everyone cheering each other on. It was a great chance to celebrate not only footy but also the diversity and community spirit we share. Overall, the day was a perfect mix of sport, culture, and connection.

JJ Coaby and Tahana Chantrelle, Students

ROBOTICS NATIONALS

Our robotics trip to Sydney with teams 12905C "Circuit Breakers" and 12906B "High Voltage" was packed with competition and learning. After a busy travel day, we reached the venue for robot inspection and later explored landmarks like Circular Quay, the Opera House, and Sydney Harbour Bridge.

The first day of competition saw both teams putting their skills and strategies to the test. High Voltage had a strong start, with a tie in their opening match, followed by two consecutive wins. They faced some challenges with two losses but finished the day on a high note with another win with some excellent driving from David Macie. On the other hand, Circuit Breakers encountered early challenges, losing their first match and experiencing difficulties with a teammate unable to participate. Despite these setbacks, they displayed remarkable resilience, bouncing back with two wins, another loss, and a strong finish to the day with a victory.

The second day of competition brought high stakes and intense matches. High Voltage delivered an exceptional performance, starting with two wins that secured them a 5th place ranking after the qualifying rounds (best placed SA team). Their Round of 16 match involved a significant deliberation but ended in a hard-earned victory, showcasing their strategic thinking and composure. Although their journey ended in the quarter-finals, their efforts were nothing short of impressive. Meanwhile, Circuit Breakers faced a tougher day, beginning with two losses and exiting in the Round of 16. Despite the results, their determination and perseverance were evident throughout the competition.

Overall, the trip was about more than just competition. Students demonstrated remarkable teamwork, communication skills, and resilience. They adapted to challenges, supported each other, and represented their teams with pride The trip to Sydney was a fantastic opportunity that provided valuable lessons in robotics, collaboration, and the importance of pushing through challenges. Well done Circuit Breakers and High Voltage, you should be incredible proud of yourselves.

Pete Phillips, Data Improvement

MIDDLE SCHOOL CELEBRATION ASSEMBLY

ABORIGINAL CULTURAL DANCE WORKSHOP

During Term 3, Miss Lyons and Mr Argy were fortunate enough to take a handful of our Middle School Aboriginal Learners on an excursion to the city - visiting the Adelaide Central Markets, before heading to an Indigenous Contemporary Dance Workshop at the Adelaide Festival Theatre. Students were first able to experience the Central Markets and wander through and observe the wide range of local produce, before catching public transport to the Adelaide Festival Theatre.

Students then had the opportunity to engage in a choreography contemporary dance session, led by artists and sisters Caleena and Taree Sansbury - proud Ngarrindjeri, Narungga and Kaurna women. The workshop involved students learning dance movements and sequences in isolation, before putting them all together to perform an expressive and authentic routine. Our group of Middle School Aboriginal Learners displayed a fantastic amount of pride and positivity on behalf of SEHS, and made a significant step in building community, identity and culture within our SEHS Aboriginal Learners community.

Chloe Lyons, Aboriginal Education Teacher

2025 STATIONERY LISTS