2025 Term 1 March

SUE'S NEWS

Welcome to the Term 1 edition of our 2025 newsletter!

I’m Sue Shepherd, your new Principal for 2025, and it's been truly exciting to welcome our returning families and new students to what has already shaped up to be a wonderful year. As we begin this new chapter, we also say a heartfelt goodbye to Kristen Masters, who served as Principal for four years until the end of 2024. We wish her all the best in her new role as Education Director.

It is a great honour for me to continue serving the Salisbury East High School community - first as a Deputy for four years and before that as a teacher and leader for fifteen years. My bond with SEHS is deeply personal: I am a former student myself, and I’ve had the joy of watching my own children thrive here and graduate. I look forward to walking alongside you on this SEHS journey, sharing moments of growth, joy, and achievement. Here’s to a year filled with inspiration and success!

We’ve enjoyed a strong start to the year with enrolments mirroring those of 2024 - a true testament to the strength of our community. While we’ve welcomed a few new staff members, our team remains wonderfully stable, ensuring that the familiar, nurturing, relationships which enrich our classrooms continue seamlessly.

In Week 1, we kicked off the year with a whole-school assembly that radiated with energy and excitement. Students from all year levels came together to hear about the exciting Term 1 events, key messages, and expectations, and even participated in a competitive House ‘cheer off’. It was a heart-warming reminder of our united commitment to learning and fun!

Over the past eight weeks, our year level coordinators and teachers have been thoughtfully setting clear expectations to help every student thrive as both a successful learner and a valued member of our safe, supportive community. At the heart of our approach are our core values: RESPECT, RESPONSIBILITY, and RESILIENCE. We've also embraced the power of kindness, collaboration, connection, and communication to build our community together. We believe that when everyone feels secure and supported, learning becomes even more effective. These guiding ideals shape how we interact, support one another, and nurture an environment where every individual feels truly valued and empowered.

We have enjoyed a range of experiences and successes already, with fantastic sporting results, a successful international visit by Japanese students, a well-attended Year 7 Meet the Teacher Night and Open Night, excellent achievements in the Science Olympics and several media features. The diversity of opportunities for students to contribute positively to our school culture and history of success is exceptionally exciting and we look forward to sharing them with you throughout the year. 

I’d also like to extend my gratitude for your support with our uniform policy. It’s fantastic to see that 95% of our students are in full uniform, proudly representing the SEHS ‘team’. If your child still needs a school jacket or jumper, please arrange this over the coming weeks. While the weather is still warm, it can change quickly, and we encourage you to access our uniform supplier, LOWES, at Ingle Farm Shopping Centre to purchase appropriate winter uniform.

Should you need any assistance with uniform items, our Wellbeing Leaders, Emily Miles (Middle School) and Sarah Afshin-Pour (Senior School), are here to help.

A reminder that the State Government ban on Mobile Phones remains in effect - please encourage your student to manage their mobile phone responsibly and respectfully while on school grounds. We are grateful for your support with this. Should you have any concerns, please contact the appropriate Year Level Coordinator.

Materials and Services Charges

As advised in the last newsletter of 2024, the SEHS Governing Council polled parents to gain approval to make the Materials and Services Charge of $470 compulsory.  Over 60% of parents who responded were in support.

As such, the Materials and Services Charge of $470 is legally recoverable. However, due to the State Government’s rebate of $200, the amount payable for this year is $270.  Invoices were mailed out in Week 1.

Please note that the Materials and Services Charge is the same as 2023 and 2024 in recognition of cost of living pressures that we know that families are experiencing.

For families who are eligible for School Card, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible. If you need support with this, including payment plan arrangements, please reach out to our friendly Finance team.

School Card https://www.sa.gov.au/topics/education-and-learning/financial-help-scholarships-and-grants/school-card-scheme

Class of 2024 News

We are so proud of the Class of 2024 in their collective achievements. Staff 'raved' about the diverse, unique and delightful characters that made up 2024’s Year 12s and were not surprised when they achieved some fantastic outcomes. 100% of the students achieved their SACE, with the majority of those seeking university placement achieving their first choice. We have students accepted into Paramedics, Physiotherapy; Science; Architecture; Medical Science; Education/Teaching; Politics and Economics; Film and TV; Medical Radiology; Journalism; Engineering; Business; Psychology; Human Movement; Marketing and Management; Construction Management and Foundation Studies among many others. Students achieved access to a range of TAFE SA courses, while others have commenced their careers in apprenticeships, traineeships and work.

We are exceptionally proud of our 2024 Dux, Victoria Hem, who on top of achieving an ATAR of 99.9 was awarded a Governor of SA Commendation for Excellence: one of only 33 students in the state to be recognised. Additionally, Mia Williamson and Nhi Li were awarded Merits for perfect scores in Essential English – AMAZING!

A huge congratulations also to Ms Chloe Lyons, who supported both Mia and Nhi to this exceptional achievement as their teacher.

I would like to take an opportunity to introduce some new staff to our SEHS family and hope you will join me in making them feel welcome.

Teaching Staff

Bianca Ramsey                    Jess Maslin                    Amanda Scherwitzel

Ben Allen                               Ben Hock                        Paul Trieu

Kerry Bui                                Alyce Yates                     Hannah Macpherson

Jade Racz                                Ingrid Oswald

Non-Teaching Staff

Casey Black                            Amy Robertson            Rhys Aplosen

Haylee Woodman                Lily Conte                       Alicia Brandon

Renee Hornhardt                  

Staff have been working on our 'focus' around the Public Education Strategy since mid 2024, with us all agreeing that student wellbeing is vital to effective learning for life. As a staff, we have worked towards agreed strategies that will support our students to feel connected and safe at school, so they can take learning risks and challenge themselves to achieve their best. Learning occurs when students feel safe and confident to do this, and we are committed to providing the best environment we can. Our 'Learning Plan', outlined below, demonstrates a brief 'snapshot' of our focus moving forward.

As a vibrant and active community, with something always happening and achievements to celebrate, I invite you to join our Facebook page. We update regularly with information to share, dates to remember, and photos and stories about the day-to-day goings on at ‘East’.

As we navigate 2025 together, please don’t hesitate to reach out should you have any concerns or questions.

Kindest Regards,

Sue Shepherd, Principal

PLACE (PERSONAL LEARNING AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT) CURRICULUM

Our Supported Learning Class (SLC) students regularly participate in various opportunities around the local and wider community.  These include:       

• Events organised by Ladies of Variety        
• Transport Training
• Group/individual Work Experience
• Community volunteering 

Our PLACE program involves Transport Training to build independence, personal safety, pedestrian safety and public transport skills and supports students to undertake work experience/volunteering either with 1:1 support or in a group setting.

Earlier this term some of our senior students caught public transport to Tea Tree Plaza then, as a team, decided on some items to purchase for our emotional regulation program/ready to learn time.

SPORTS DAY

Our 2025 Sports Day, held at Bridgestone Athletics Centre, was full of energy, excitement, and incredible sportsmanship, and a huge overall success!

From sprinting around the track to soaring through the air, our students gave it their all in the fun but competitive event on March 7th.

The house spirit was on full display too as Harvey, Laurence, Moss, and Fenden, battled it out in a wide range of track and field events.

After an intense day of competition, it was Fenden (the ‘blue’ team) that emerged victorious, lifting the trophy for the first time in a few years.

However, in the end, everyone was a winner, with outstanding effort and participation across the board.

A special congratulations goes to our Sports Day Champions in Years 7, 8, 9, and the Senior School, who finished at the top of their respective ladders.

And a huge thank you is also extended to the HPE Team and all our other staff who helped make the day such a fantastic occasion.

HOUSE POINTS UPDATE

SACE COMPLETION AT SEHS AND THE ATAR

What is the SACE?

The South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE) is a modern, internationally recognised secondary school qualification designed to equip students with the skills, knowledge, and personal capabilities to successfully participate in our fast-paced global society.

How is the SACE obtained?

Students at Salisbury East High School will be awarded the SACE if they successfully complete various requirements that include a range of skills and subjects they may study at school or may have acquired through other education, training, or experience.

Students at SEHS mostly complete two years of full-time senior study, although the subjects are usually spread out over three years (for example, EIF – see below - is undertaken in Year 10).

What are the two stages of the SACE?

Stage 1 of the SACE begins in Year 10 with Exploring Identities and Futures (EIF) and one other 10-credit subject (for example, Workplace Practices) and then continues throughout Year 11.

Stage 2 is usually undertaken in Year 12.

SACE credits

Each subject or course that is successfully completed earns 'credits' towards the SACE.

Students receive a final grade from A to E for each Stage 1 subject and A+ to E– for Stage 2 subjects.

To qualify for the SACE students must:

• Complete a minimum of 200 credits.
• Achieve a C grade or better in the Stage 1 compulsory requirements (see below).
• Achieve a C- grade or better in the Stage 2 compulsory requirements (at least 70 credits).

What are the compulsory requirements of the SACE?

The compulsory requirements make up 110 credits. These are:

• Exploring Identities and Futures (EIF) - 10 credits at Stage 1.
• Literacy - at least 20 credits from a range of English subjects (Stage 1 or Stage 2).
• Numeracy - at least 10 credits from a range of Mathematics subjects (Stage 1 or Stage 2).
• Activating Identities and Futures (AIF) - 10 credits at Stage 2.
• Other Stage 2 subjects - at least 60 credits from a range of Stage 2 subjects (in addition to AIF).

What about the remaining credits?

The remaining 90 credits can be gained through additional Stage 1 or Stage 2 subjects or SACE Board recognised courses of a student's choice (such as Vocational Education and Training - VET – or community learning).

Other subjects and courses at SEHS span a wide range of learning areas, including: Arts; Business, Enterprise, and Technology; English; Languages; Health and Physical Education; Humanities and Social Sciences; Mathematics; and Sciences.

Keep in mind that 10 credits usually equate to one semester of study in a subject, and 20 credits equates to a full-year (two semesters).

What is an ATAR?

The Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) is a number that represents a student's overall academic achievement in their final year of high school. It is used to help universities decide who gets into their courses.

To obtain an ATAR, students need to complete 90 credits at Stage 2, which usually equates to successful completion of AIF in Year 11 and four subjects in Year 12.

Here's how it works:

1. Students’ grades in their four subjects and AIF are given a score out of 20.
2. These scores are then adjusted (or ‘scaled’) to ensure fairness amongst the many different subjects on offer.
3. The scaled scores are combined to create an overall score. Students are then ranked against each other based on this score.
4. The ATAR is therefore a percentile rank, meaning it shows how a student performed compared to others. For example, an ATAR of 75 means the student performed in the top 25% of all students; an ATAR of 95 would be in the top 5%. ATAR scores range from 0 to 99.95.

The ATAR is used for university admissions as many courses have minimum ATAR requirements. However, there are other ways to gain entry to various university courses without an ATAR.

More information

Further information can be found on the SACE website: https://www.sace.sa.edu.au/home

Information about ATARs can be found on the SATAC website: https://satac.edu.au/atar

Information on Vocational Education Training is available on the NASSSA website: http://nasssa.com.au/students/vet

Alternatively, if you need additional support with understanding how the SACE, VET or an ATAR works, please contact our SACE & Year 12 Coordinator or VET & Pathways Leader on 8258 2070.

YEAR 12 INTEGRATED LEARNING - HEALTH CARE

Year 12 Integrated Learning Health Care Students Embark on Exciting Industry Immersion Program

This year, our Year 12 Integrated Learning Health Care students have the incredible opportunity to be part of a brand-new industry immersion program designed to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world healthcare practice. This initiative allows students to engage directly with experienced professionals, gaining firsthand insights and practical experience in the healthcare sector.

This week marked a significant milestone in the program, as our Health Care Mentors visited the school to assist students in assessing their communication skills - a critical component of effective healthcare practice. The sessions were truly inspiring, with student engagement at an all-time high. Witnessing our students interact with industry professionals, applying their knowledge in real-time, and receiving constructive feedback was an incredible experience.

The mentors were overwhelmingly positive in their feedback, commending our students for their enthusiasm, professionalism, and willingness to learn. They noted that the students demonstrated exceptional communication skills, showing great potential for future careers in the healthcare industry.

This program is proving to be a ‘game-changer’, providing students with invaluable experience that will help shape their future career paths. We are immensely proud of their dedication and growth and look forward to seeing how they continue to develop through this immersive learning journey.

Stay tuned for more updates as our students progress through this exciting initiative!

PAFC POWER CUP

Did you know that Port Adelaide Football Club support schools through a Multicultural Power Cup Program?

As part of this, our multicultural students create a guernsey design and the winning design is printed! Students will then wear the guernsey in Term 3 during the Power Cup held at Adelaide Oval.

Last week, our Year 10 and 11 MPC students also ran an event to celebrate Harmony Week and we were lucky enough to have Port Power player Benny Barrett and Community Programs officer Dylan Errington attend.

Students ran footy skills games, a collaborative painting, and signed up students for our 2026 MPC program.

A huge thanks to PAFC for creating such an exciting opportunity for our young people!

LEARNING CONVERSATIONS

Year 7 to 12 Learning Conversations (parent/teacher interviews) will take place on Thursday, May 1^st (Term 2, Week 1) from 2.30 to 7 p.m.

This is an important opportunity for parents, students, and individual subject teachers to get together, review Term 1 reports, highlight strengths and areas of improvement, and set goals for the remainder of the semester.

Individual appointments, which last for 15 minutes per teacher/subject, will take place in our STEM Centre and should be made in advance via Daymap. Further details about this process will be communicated in due course.

FUTSAL

SEHS took part in the Northern Zone Open Boys and Girls Futsal Competition this month … and our boys won their division to secure a spot in the finals!

Meanwhile, our girls put in a valiant effort to end up in fourth place.

It was a great effort by every one of our students, with some brilliant football played!

FROM THE WELLBEING TEAM

This year our wellbeing team is made up of two wellbeing leaders, Ms Miles (Middle School) and Ms Afshin Pour (Senior School), three youth workers, Casey Black (Years 7 & 8), Luke Will (Years 9 & 10) and Sarah Footner (Years 11 & 12). and Mental Health Practitioner Shannon Isaacs. 

There are other wellbeing supports available at school including a psychologist, Rhianon, from Reaching Potential, a counsellor, Phil, from Streetlink, and a case manager, Ujjwal, from the Australian Refugee Association. Please reach out to one of our wellbeing leaders if you would like to know more information.

In Term 1 we recognised Random Acts of Kindness Day on the 17th of February and Harmony Day on the 21st of March. Students and staff enjoyed a range of activities promoting kindness, connection, and belonging during break times. Special thanks to our students, Year 10 student Mia Scott and Year 11 student Mahika Harshal who volunteered to perform on the days.

NASSSA SCIENCE OLYMPICS

Science Olympians Shine at NASSSA Competition!

Thirteen SEHS students took on the challenge of the Science Olympics on March 12th, competing against schools from across the NASSSA region.

Representing Salisbury East with three teams - Year 8, 10, and 12 - our students had an exciting night filled with brain-teasing questions, friendly competition, and, of course, plenty of snacks!

A standout moment of the evening was the STEM challenge, where students built weight-bearing structures using only pasta. All three teams impressed the judges with their creativity and problem-solving skills.

We’re proud to announce our fantastic results:
Year 8 team – 3rd place overall

Year 10 team – 2nd place overall
Year 12 team – 2nd place in the STEM challenge

A huge congratulations to all our students for their enthusiasm, teamwork, and dedication.  Well done!

REAL SCHOOLS

BIOLOGY

Earlier this term, Year 9 Science students have been diving deep into the world of biology, exploring the nervous system and the brain in exciting and interactive ways. Led by teacher Kay Chand, this hands-on learning experience gave students a chance to see science come to life.

The journey began with students crafting detailed neuron models out of Playdough, helping them understand the structure and function of nerve cells. In the following weeks, they took their learning to the next level with real-life dissections of a brain, heart, and eye. For many, this was a thrilling opportunity to see anatomy up close and appreciate the complexity of the human body.

Through this engaging approach, students gained a deeper appreciation for biology, making science both memorable and fun!

TERM 2 KEY DATES