2025 Term 2 June

SUE'S NEWS

As we head into the final stretch of Term 2, I want to take a moment to  say thank you to our students, staff, families and community for the energy, care and commitment you bring to Salisbury East High School each and every day. There’s so much to celebrate, and I continue to feel incredibly proud and privileged to be part of this school community.

In my role, I’m lucky to get a front-row seat to the amazing things that happen across our school. Whether it’s seeing students bring history to life through creative, hands-on learning, hearing them unpack big ideas about identity, resilience and justice, or watching them take the stage (or the field, the lab, or the workshop) with growing confidence, it’s clear that learning is thriving in many forms.

This newsletter captures just a small sample of the richness of life at SEHS. Our Career Expo was an absolute standout; 55 organisations and hundreds of students from Years 7 to 12 exploring ideas and asking thoughtful, future-focused questions. The atmosphere was buzzing (helped along by the coffee van and a great BBQ), but it was the sense of possibility and engagement that left the biggest impression.

Our Arts Showcases were also truly special, brimming with talent, creativity and courage. Whether performing on stage, displaying stunning visual work, or brewing hot drinks for a full house, our students showed what happens when they’re supported to express themselves, challenge themselves, and shine.

In STEM, we’ve seen exciting developments with the launch of our new Robotics and Systems elective for Year 7s. It’s been fantastic to see students problem-solve, design, and engineer with real enthusiasm. On the topic of Robotics, a heartfelt thank you goes to the group of dedicated extra-curricular Robotics students and parents who recently ran a sausage sizzle fundraiser at Bunnings. Your generosity and time are deeply appreciated, and your support plays a vital role in helping these learning opportunities grow. Likewise, I want to sincerely acknowledge our Governing Council - an exceptional group of parents and caregivers who contribute so much behind the scenes. From guiding school planning to offering feedback on key initiatives, their support, insight, and belief in our students is something I value greatly.

It’s also been a term where the power of student voice and perspective has come through loud and clear. From thoughtful classroom reflections during Reconciliation Week, to the personal and inspiring account of a Vietnam Study Tour from Neve in Year 11, our students continue to show maturity, empathy and depth beyond their years.

One recent highlight for me was having the privilege of sitting on the judging panel for our Year 10 Debates. I was blown away by the confidence, passion and intellectual rigour on display as students tackled topics such as whether Universal Basic Income should be implemented, or Mars should be colonised to protect humanity. Their ability to think critically, present persuasively, and respond on the spot was truly impressive - and a clear sign of the bright futures ahead.

Behind all of this is a staff team who are not only experts in their fields, but who genuinely care. This term, many have engaged in professional learning through the Berry Street Education Model, further strengthening our shared commitment to connection and belonging - key priorities in our Site Learning Plan. By deepening our understanding of trauma-informed practice and strategies for engagement, we continue building a school culture where every young person feels safe, valued and capable of success.

To our students - thank you for your curiosity, your effort, your humour and your heart. You’ve achieved so much already this Semester, and we’re excited to see what you’ll do next.

And to our families - don’t forget to follow our school Facebook page for regular updates, event highlights, and a window into the great things happening across the school each week.

Let’s finish the term strong, and keep building the kind of culture we can all be proud of.

Warm regards,

Sue Shepherd, Principal

“DON'T CATCH THE PLAGUE” – YEAR 8 HASS GETS INFECTIOUSLY ENGAGING

Mrs Faulkner’s Year 8 HASS class took a hands-on—and highly contagious—approach to history in the first half of Term 2 as they delved into the grim but fascinating topic of the Black Death.

The class explored how the pandemic, which devastated Europe in the 14th century, originated in the marmot populations of the Mongolian steppes. Once trade routes opened in the region, the deadly bacteria found a new and more mobile home: fleas on rats travelling aboard ships. With this, the Black Death spread rapidly across Asia and into Europe.

To bring the impact of this historical event to life, students played a fast-paced and immersive classroom game called Don’t Catch the Plague!

Each student took on a societal role—Noble, Merchant, or Peasant—and tried to collect cards of their assigned suit with the highest face value possible. But there was a deadly twist: scattered through the decks were jokers—'Plague Cards'—ready to infect unsuspecting players. These cards could be secretly traded, meaning every swap was a high-stakes gamble.

Every three-minute round ended with players holding a joker “catching the plague” and being removed from the game, just as the Black Death claimed lives in waves. The game continued until fewer than six students remained, highlighting just how quickly and indiscriminately the plague could spread.

With 20 students and three decks of cards in play, six plague cards were on the loose each round—leading to chaotic, high-energy trading, nervous glances, and strategic deception.

After the game, students reflected on their experiences: the tension of trading, the anxiety of possibly being 'infected', and the moral dilemma of spreading the plague to others in order to survive. They made thoughtful connections between these feelings and behaviours seen during the COVID-19 pandemic, drawing parallels between history and their own lives.

The result? A lesson that was noisy, dynamic, and full of laughter - but also rich with insight. It’s safe to say that no one in Mrs Faulkner’s class will forget the impact of the Black Death - or the lesson it still holds for us today.

SAFETY MESSAGE

Students and families are reminded to be wary of approaches from strangers, especially when they are unaccompanied or travelling to and from school.

If they are approached, students should not respond and should not accept offers of rides or gifts.

Students should seek the assistance of other nearby adults if they feel unsafe and should report the event to a trusted adult (a parent/caregiver or school staff member) as soon as possible.

SA Police advises that taking out a mobile phone and calling police can deter the offender and they recommend the student makes a formal report to their closest police station.

For guidance on what to teach your child about strategies for saying safe, view this link:  SAPOL Personal Safety | Safety for Young People

REGULARLY CHECK YOUR CHARGER CABLES!

RECONCILIATION WEEK

Our school came together for a delicious BBQ and thought-provoking activity in class, where we reflected on our journey towards reconciliation and thought about what we can do next to make a positive impact. Let’s keep the momentum going! #reconcilliation

ABORIGINAL EDUCATION POLO TOPS

This year we are excited to announce that we have Aboriginal Education School Polo shirts for Aboriginal Education students to purchase!

The polo has been designed by one of our amazing year 12 students, Jackson Coaby. The design blends traditional art with modern and contemporary styles, creating a powerful visual representation of the land on which we live, learn, and thrive on at Salisbury East High School - the land of the Kaurna people.

The artwork also symbolises our collective journeys as students, teachers, and members of the community, each of us progressing through different stages of our individual stories. A personal element is woven into the piece, as Jackson incorporated the seven sisters from the Kokatha Dreamtime story, a tale passed down through his family for thousands of years.

All Aboriginal Education students will have the opportunity to purchase the polo, which they will then be able to wear to school. Students and families that have made orders should please keep an eye out for a message/email from staff for collection/payment details. Please contact Tiffany Prouse or Shannon Murphy if you have any questions. 

THE POWER OF WORDS

Priming Language in Education

As educators, we're always looking for ways to create the best learning environment for our students. Recently, Salisbury East High School staff have been focusing on a fascinating psychological concept called ‘priming language’, which we'd like to share with you (it's also something you might find useful at home!).

What is priming language?

Priming language is a strategy that uses specific words to positively influence behaviour. It's based on the idea that our choice of words can subconsciously affect how people act. By carefully selecting our language, we can increase the likelihood of desired behaviours.

How does it work?

Research has shown that when we use positive, respectful language, it can lead to more positive, respectful behaviour. For example, instead of saying "no running in the hallways", we might say "please walk safely in the hallways". This subtle change focuses on the behaviour we want to see, rather than the behaviour we want to avoid.

Here are some other examples of how we can transform negatively primed statements into positively primed ones in the classroom:

Negative: "Don't forget your homework."

Positive: "Remember to bring in your completed homework."

Negative: "Stop talking during class."

Positive: "Let's listen attentively to the lesson."

Negative: “Don’t interrupt.”

Positive: “Please wait your turn to speak.”

Why is this important?

By using priming language, we can:

• encourage good behaviour without constant reminders.
• create a more positive classroom environment.
• help students develop self-regulation skills.
• build respect and collaboration.

We're excited about the potential of this approach and look forward to seeing some positive results in our classrooms!

Jules Peck, Deputy Principal

VIETNAM STUDY TOUR REFLECTION

The ANZAC Spirit School Prize gave me the amazing opportunity to form strong connections with new people who I would never otherwise meet. It also gave me the ability to gain lifelong memories and experiences that I will never forget. This trip significantly expanded and changed my way of thinking and has given me a new perspective.

I won this opportunity by participating in the 2024 ANZAC Spirit School Prize, a research competition open to all Year 9 and 10 high school students across South Australia. I decided to research Martin Theodore Fristch, a sergeant who was born in Salisbury, SA. He fought in World War One and enlisted when he was 31 years old. He served in the war for around three years before being killed in action on the 25th of August 1918.

Winning the competition meant I was extremely lucky to receive a study tour to Vietnam, which involved myself and 18 other students from across the state. I was overjoyed to be able to undertake this experience!

It started on the 14th of April, with all the participants meeting up in Adelaide Airport. After over 15 hours of flying and a layover in Singapore, we finally arrived in Ho Chi Minh City. There, we were introduced to our tour guide, Martin. He would be showing us around Vietnam and providing support when we needed it.

On the bus ride from the airport to our first hotel I remember looking out the window and just taking in all the sights - it was nothing like Australia! We traveled all across the country, starting in the south in Ho Chi Minh City and ending in the north in Hanoi. I enjoyed seeing all the sights and the differences in each region of the country.

The purpose of the trip was to understand and appreciate the role that the Australians played in the Vietnam War. We did this by going to lots of places that were very relevant to the war, including the War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh. This showed various aspects and perspectives and had a focus on America, mainly looking at how destructive they were. It also highlighted the local people's perspectives and included drawings from Vietnamese children. It was very eye opening to see all of the horrible things that happened there.

While traveling through Vietnam, there were many places that stood out to me, however, I will always distinctly remember our visit to Long Tan, the memorial, the pathway leading to it and the rubber trees surrounding. It was a very significant day for everyone in the group. I also won't forget visiting the orphanage, and seeing the very young children not having many resources but still being so happy with the little they did have. It was very inspiring and reminded me to be incredibly grateful for the things that I have. Meeting all of those children showed me a different perspective of life and really helped me understand the importance of gratitude.

While the trip was heavily focused on learning about the Vietnam War and Vietnamese culture, we also had the opportunity to do some fun 'touristy' things. My favourite while in Hanoi was going on a 'Cyclo' ride. They look like a bike at the back but at the front they have a seat. We sat in the front seat while a driver drove us around the city of Hanoi, which was an incredible way to see things up close.

I created lifelong memories on my trip to Vietnam. I was very lucky to receive this amazing opportunity and I am very proud of myself for working hard on my competition submission.

I would like to thank the Department for Education for giving me and many other South Australian high school students the opportunity to travel overseas. I would also like to thank my teacher Ms Bray for all the support with my submission - not only the 2024 competition but also in 2023. The amount of time and effort that she put into helping me was amazing and much appreciated!

Neve O’Grady, Year 11

AEROBICS TEAM QUALIFIES FOR NATIONALS!

We’re thrilled to share some fantastic results from a huge weekend of aerobics competition at the SA State Finals.

Our East Angels (Year 7 team) delivered their best performance yet, placing 5th overall! Their hard work is definitely paying off, and they’re well on their way to joining the Phase 1 team next season.

Meanwhile, our Ace Athletes (Years 8–12) were phenomenal, placing 3rd overall and earning an official invitation to the National Competition in Queensland later this year! This is a huge achievement and testament not only to their dedication to training but also the incredible support of their coach Ms Miles.

We’re so proud of all our athletes: Grace, Taylah, Sky, Saniah, Harper, Johanna, Ruby, Dimity, Stacey, Mikayla, Dakota, Felicity, Milli, Tish, Layla, Shiloh, and Miami – what a team! A special mention also goes to Skyla, who delivered standout routines in her trio and solo events with her club, Aeroblitz – she’s also heading to Nationals!

Thank you to all the staff who continue to encourage and support our students on their journey as well.

SENIOR MATHS OLYMPICS

Some of our talented Year 10-12 students proudly represented our school in the annual NASSSA Senior Maths Olympics recently.

With around 200 students from 12 northern Adelaide schools taking part, it was a fantastic evening celebrating mathematical thinking, problem solving, and teamwork

.Our students were highly competitive on the night, showing impressive collaboration and determination throughout the challenges.

A special congratulations to our Year 10 team - Prince, Alex, Nikunj, and Arshpreet for placing 2nd in the Middle School competition - what an outstanding achievement!Well done to all involved, we are incredibly proud of your efforts and school spirit!

ARTS SHOWCASE

Our Semester 1 Middle and Senior School Arts Showcases lit up the stage with spine-tingling vocalists, rocking band performances, dazzling aerobics choreography and incredible performing arts routines, as our students wowed us with their creativity and confidence.

Add in stunning visual art, design and photography displays, beautiful violin, brass, and other musical ensembles - and delicious barista-made coffee from our Alt Learning crew - and it was a celebration of everything that makes our school shine.

A huge shoutout goes to our incredibly talented students and their dedicated, supportive teachers behind the scenes. You’ve inspired us all! 

CAREER EXPO

Our third annual SEHS Career Expo brought together 55 amazing exhibitors from a wide range of industries – from apprenticeships and first-time job opportunities to long-term career pathways in trades, services, health, tech, defence, design, education, and more!

All students in Years 7 to 12 packed the gym and the dance studio across the four-hour event, listening to guest speakers, exploring interactive displays, and asking probing questions.

There were also hands-on demonstrations, inspiring stories from industry professionals about how they got to where they are today, and plenty of chances to explore pathways students possibly hadn’t considered before.

Along with coffee and food vans, and a free BBQ, the atmosphere was buzzing!Our students showed curiosity, initiative, and enthusiasm as they made the most of this incredible and engaging opportunity.

A huge thank you to all the organisations and individuals who made the day such a valuable experience for our whole school community!

WORK INSPIRATION REACH OUT EXCURSION

Twenty Year 10 students recently embarked on an exciting full-day excursion organised by the Smith Family, exploring careers in healthcare and waste management.

They toured the Royal Adelaide Hospital, meeting dedicated staff from various departments, and visited JJ’s Waste and Recycling in Wingfield to gain insights into the industry and its career pathways.

This inspiring and informative day highlighted the importance of career education, helping students discover diverse opportunities and plan their future pathways with added confidence.

ROBOTICS AND SYSTEMS

Our Year 7 students are the first cohort to take on a brand-new Robotics and Systems elective subject in 2025!

Each class spends a term with our Digital Technologies teachers, diving into the world of engineering, design thinking, and robotics using VEX - an internationally recognised robotics platform that helps students learn STEM skills through hands-on building and programming.

Students have explored concepts like stability, centre of mass, design constraints, and sustainability while constructing everything from tall towers and Mars habitats to rockets and supercars. Along the way, they’ve discovered the mechanics behind simple machines and the power of engineering thinking.

The future is in good hands with our young innovators!

ART IS ALIVE AT SEHS!

Ms Prouse’s students have been busy brightening up the walls of our arts centre with some stunning work!

The Year 7s combined fun and feathers with their delightfully quirky papier-mâché birds - full of colour, character, and creativity. Both the birds and the students showed lots of personality in this task!

Meanwhile, our Year 10s were on a roll - quite literally - designing stunning skateboard decks, while Year 12 Visual Art student Dana has been making bold moves with her large-scale gestural paintings, tackling big ideas with even bigger brushstrokes.

YEAR 9 DEBATING COMPETITION

A large number of Year 9 students took part in an exciting debating excursion!

After completing in-class debates throughout the term, the top teams went head-to-head in front of an audience of more than 50 students and staff. It was a fantastic challenge that saw many competitors step out of their comfort zones and take the stage with confidence.

We were incredibly proud of all those who took part, and grateful to our Year 12 students and extra staff who volunteered their time to adjudicate and support the event.

Special shoutouts go to Logan and Rebeka – our Debating ‘Legends of the Day’. Rebeka was also a member of the Champion Debating Team, along with Chelsea and Praneta.A huge congratulations to all who participated – it was a brilliant day full of teamwork, courage, and powerful debating!

KEY DATES

The end of Term 2 is just a couple of weeks away, finishing on Friday, July 4th, at the earlier dismissal time of 2.05 p.m. Term 3 then begins on Monday, July 21st, at the normal time of 8.40 a.m.