Newsletter Term 2 2025 Issue 1
Principal’s Message
It is hard to believe we are already half way through term 2.
The students have been actively involved in their learning with a focus on setting and reviewing goals, support our students’ effective learner development.
Why Goal Setting Matters for Young People: A Message for Parents
As parents, we all want to see our children grow into confident, motivated, and successful individuals. One of the most effective ways to support that journey is by encouraging goal setting from an early age. Setting goals gives young people direction and a clear sense of purpose. Whether it’s working toward a better grade, improving in a sport, or saving money for something special, having a target helps them focus their time and energy more effectively.
Goals also fuel motivation. When children and teens have something to strive for, they’re more likely to stay engaged and resilient—even when challenges arise. Each small success builds confidence and reinforces the belief that their actions truly matter.
Goal setting also enhances decision-making. With a clear vision of what they want to achieve, young people are better prepared to make thoughtful choices that support their long-term growth, rather than give in to short-term impulses. Moreover, learning how to set and pursue goals builds essential life skills – such as time management, responsibility, and self-discipline. Just as importantly, students learn how to manage setbacks with patience, resilience and perseverance.
Helping your child set realistic and meaningful goals today can empower them to shape a brighter, more intentional future. This work has been articulated in our Site Learning Plan as important for our students in developing and making excellent decisions and is work we will continue to build upon.
The SRC team developed a video of individual ways they are goal setting and reviewing, successes and ways of managing challenges, which was shared through school activities, and was well received by the whole student cohort. Well done SRC Team!
Debating representatives
For the first time in many years, we have students participating in inter-school debating. The students have developed excellent skills in debating and rebutting arguments presented. We thank Ms Ward for supporting our debating team.
Uniform Reminders
Now that the temperature is getting colder, we need support in ensuring that all students wear complete school uniform. Students are not to wear ‘Ugg boots’, ‘Crocs’ or slippers to school. We have spoken individually to a number of students, who are now aware that it is inappropriate footwear. We will be phoning home for the student to be bought appropriate shoes, or they will need to go home, as this footwear poses a safety hazard in the school environment.
Students also need to wear appropriate pants; denim or grey is not an acceptable school colour. Clothing should have no visible logos. We have a full line of uniform clothing available and last year introduced a beanie and Puffer jacket to the school uniform choices.
Technology Use at School
Phones continue to be banned in schools; students must have phones, and all related technology (such as air pods) away during school time.
Thank you for working with us to ensure a school environment where all students come to school ready to learn, in correct uniform, and in a phone free environment.
It takes a team to support all students to thrive in their learning environment.
Term 2 Key Dates
✔️ 3rd June – Careers Expo
✔️ 9th June – Public Holiday
✔️ 16-20th June – Refugee Week
✔️ 19th June – Music Night
✔️ 23rd June – Semester 2 Begins
✔️ 27th June- Yr. 10 Vaccinations
✔️ 4th July – Last Day Term – Early dismissal 2.10pm
Year 6 into Year 7 – Transition Visits
Since starting back in week 2, we have hosted approximately 150 prospective PGHS students from Parafield Gardens Primary School, Karrendi Primary School & Salisbury Downs Primary School for their first Transition to High School Visit. During these visits students were led by some of our exceptional SRC representatives on tours around the school, learning the basics of our layout. PGHS staff also led sessions in English, Maths, Science, Art & PE, giving our visitors a taste of what they can expect if they do eventually enrollend with us.
We still have 2 transition visits scheduled for Riverdale Primary School and The Pines Primary School to round out what will be approximately 250 students who will have passed through our gates.
Across the remainder of the year we will host additional visits for our potential students, culminating in whole-day visits in Term 4.
Student Agency in Learning and Effective Learners
Our Student Agency in Learning and Effective Learners created a video, Leading Change in Our School: Effective Learners, highlights how PGHS students are taking the lead in building a positive learning culture. Through student-led panels and committee work, our learners explore what it means to thrive at school—focusing on goal setting, resilience, respect, and empathy.
From tackling the Learning Pit to developing strategies for growth, students share how they are taking ownership of their learning and supporting each other to succeed. Their message is clear: success begins with mindset, and small actions lead to big change.
Thanks,
Mandeep Kaur
Systems and Structures Assistant Principal
Term 2 SRC Report
We are proud of our young people who are driving positive change at PGHS. Through student-led committees and learner profiles, they are fostering a culture of inclusion, growth, and student voice in learning. From setting personal goals to leading discussions on resilience, respect, and empathy, our young leaders demonstrate what it means to thrive and take ownership of their learning. They are learning and leading with purpose.
Hear from the Trainer
Between Monday the 12th and Friday the 16th, year 10 and 11 students had the opportunity to attend information sessions about a variety of VET courses. These sessions introduced key pieces of information about what a VET course entails. Students then get the chance to hear from the trainers of each respective course what exactly is involved and what success looks like, along with some of the potential career pathways that can stem from training in those industries.
Many students attended, spread out over 14 different sessions, some seeing large turnouts like Healthcare, Electrical and Construction.
For any students who missed out on the session they wanted to see, they are all recorded and are available to access. Please see Mr. Harrison or Vicki if you would like to get a link to a specific session.
Moving forward towards the end of term, it is very important that all prospective VET students are attending homegroups, ensuring they have excellent attendance in their classes, are wearing complete school uniform and are demonstrating the qualities of engaged learners.
Please make an appointment to see Mr. Harrison if you have any questions or queries about VET or the application process.
NDIS Access and information – Meetings at PGHS
📣 Book a Meeting with Feros Care Local Area Coordinator (LAC) for June 25th.
We are inviting parents and guardians to meet with our Feros Care Local Area Coordinator to discuss how the NDIS can support your child’s needs both now and into the future. Whether you’re just getting started or needing help navigating your current plan, this is a great opportunity to ask questions and get expert guidance.
📅 Appointments available – bookings essential
Limited spots available. Please contact Hayley on 8258 9855 to secure your spot.
What can the Local Area Coordinator help with?
✔️ Understanding the NDIS and checking eligibility
✔️ Guiding you through the NDIS application and access process
✔️ Preparing for your child’s first planning meeting
✔️ Explaining how to set meaningful NDIS goals for your child
✔️ Connecting you with community supports and mainstream services
✔️ Helping you review and get the most out of an existing plan
✔️ Supporting you to build your child’s independence and capacity
✔️ Troubleshooting any issues with your current plan or services
✔️ Assisting with plan reassessments or change of circumstances
Year 12 Outdoor Education Update
Term 1
The Year 12 Outdoor Education students had their first experience of the year in week 4, term 1. This day was spent with a trip to the Kaurna Living Cultural Centre and Port Noarlunga Beach. Here they learned about the Kaurna way of life, their strong connection to Country and their sustainable practices. They were then able to apply this learning at the beach, observing the environment from the perspective of First Nations people. Following this, the students participated in a 3-day aquatics camp at Port Noarlunga beach in week 9. Here they surfed, snorkelled, and kayaked throughout the beautiful beach, reef and nearby river. The students also learned about issues impacting the local environment and sand dunes for their next assignment, including how humans have disrupted the natural ecosystem and dune systems along many of our beaches in South Australia.
Term 2
This term, their sights were set on bushwalking, participating in a day hike at Para Wirra Conservation Park and a 3-day camp in Deep Creek National Park. The day hike to Para Wirra was a good chance to stretch the legs and practice using a map and compass to navigate the walking trails throughout the native scrub, and a chance to test what carrying a heavy rucksack felt like. Following this, class time was spent preparing for their 3-day camp, where students learned how to properly pack a rucksack with up to 20kgs of gear and extended their understanding of maps. Students had a very successful 3-day camp, despite many students feeling under the weather and the challenging steep inclines Deep Creek is famous for. On the morning of day 3, the students were sent on a self-guided hike, where they worked in small groups to navigate a short circuit trail and make their way back to the bus. They not only had to follow instructions from staff but also had to read the map and trail signs, use their compass and landmarks, and work effectively as a group to make it back. Each student did a fantastic job of implementing these skills and demonstrating that they are ready for the next challenge, despite both groups getting temporarily lost. Throughout the 3 days, there were moments of mindfulness, breathtaking views and plenty of motivating each other to keep going, bringing the group closer together and working more as one unit. The students are looking forward to extending their skills further still on their self-reliant bushwalking camp in Mount Remarkable next term, and their first aid course later this term!
Unfortunately, not all class members were able to attend our 3-day camp to Deep Creek, however these students will still be able to be involved in the first aid course and the in-class learning and skill building, which is an equally important part of their Outdoor Education journey.
Career Education and 2026 Subject Selection
This term, Year 7 – 11 students will complete activities during Home Group related to career education and exploring subjects for 2026. In Week 9 and 10, students will complete a survey about what subjects they want to do in 2026, this is so we can develop a timetable around student choice. We encourage students to choose their subjects based on their interests, passions, skills and desired pathway. Please look at the curriculum guide with your child and discuss their subject choices, this is available on our school website at: Course Guide
All students will make their final subject selections during Term 3 and include them in their presentation that they bring to the Learning Conversations Day. This will be held on Wednesday the 3rd of September and students will only be required to come in for their 20 minute appointment. More information will come out in future newsletters and via Daymap about how to book.
Year 12 Formal
On Friday night, the 23rd May, our Year 12 students attended their Senior Formal, at the Adelaide Convention Centre. Due to having a student free day, the year 12’s were able to spend the day preparing and getting themselves ready for the evening, ensuring they looked elegant and handsome. And this they did! All dresses and suits were stunning, making everyone look mature, glamorous and very, very different from their usual school dress code.
The night was kicked off with a group photo, followed closely by students grabbing their friends, plus 1’s or favourite teachers and heading straight for the photobooth. Many students took advantage of the props available to add some extra flair to their many group photos throughout the evening. Alongside the group photo and professional photographs, the photobooth helped the year 12’s capture memories of their last year in high school and celebrate with their peers who helped get them there. Later in the evening we held an award ceremony, in which students voted for the most deserving recipients of each award, also determined by the year 12 cohort before the night. We had a range of winners on the night (listed below) who were all well deserving and extremely grateful. The students brought the evening to a close by spending the last two hours on the dance floor, soaking up every moment of the celebration with the friends they will likely cherish for many years to come.
Many desserts were left untouched on their tables because they just didn’t want to leave the good vibes (or the conga line) on the dance floor. Whether they were chatting to fellow year 12’s and teachers, or moshing on the dance floor with glow sticks in hand, the students thoroughly enjoyed their formal. The night ended with venue staff herding everyone out of the hall at finishing time, because students didn’t want to leave; they were enjoying this special moment with their friends and weren’t ready for it to be over just yet. Overall, I hope this celebration is an indication of what the year has to offer. Judging by the many smiles on faces throughout the night, it is going to be one fantastic final year of high school for our class of 2025!
| AWARD CATEGORY | AWARD RECIPIENT/S |
|---|---|
| The cutest couple | Daniel May & Muhyeng Nang |
| The best bromance | Edrin Kenyi & Hafiz Jemal |
| The best friend group/squad | William, Brendan, Daniel, Sothuan, Lauren (James), Thomas, Yanna, Sariya, O'Shae, Vinh, Quennie, Muyheng, Dola |
| The most likely to go to the moon | Lydia Lund |
| The most likely to win the lottery but lose the ticket | Henry Ho |
| The most likely to become the next prime minister | Quennie Canonigo |
| The most likely to become an olympic athlete | Taya Longeragan |
| The most likely to break a world record | Will Cavanagh |
| The most likely to start a conga line | Cameron Facchin-Young |
| The most likely to be on TV | Zeina Moughnie |
| The most likely to become a billionaire | Makayla Johnson |
| The most likely to get the highest ATAR | Rebecca Nguyen |
| Class clown | Ali Naseri |
| The best dressed teacher | Mr Carter |
| The best dressed student | Kimheng Ly |
| The best dancer | Jencie Quach |
| The life of the party | Hafiz Jemal |
| The best hype man | O’Shae Sumner |
| The biggest high school glow up | Cameron Facchin-Young |
| The formal king | Will Cavanagh |
| The formal queen | Quennie Canonigo |
RAD Assembly
RAD Assemblies – Week 2, Monday 5 May
During Long Homegroup on Monday 5 May (Week 2), we held our student-led RAD Assemblies across each Learning Community.
These assemblies celebrated the outstanding achievements and positive behaviours demonstrated by students throughout Term 1, aligning with our school values of Respect, Achievement, and Determination.
RAD Awards were presented to the top 10 students in each Learning Community, based on points from the RAD system.
Our 2025 School Captains and Vice-Captains also shared a video message with their peers, highlighting the importance of living out our RAD values.
In the video, they:
✔️ Celebrated student achievements
✔️ Reflected on how RAD values guide our daily actions
✔️ Introduced exciting student-led clubs and initiatives
✔️ Encouraged everyone to get involved and make a difference
It was a fantastic celebration of student voice, leadership, and the values that shape our school community.
Thanks,
Mandeep Kaur
Systems and Structures Assistant Principal
Aboriginal Education News!
Santos Aboriginal Power Cup
In Week 3 of Term 2, senior SAASTA students took part in the Santos Aboriginal Power Cup, a three-day football carnival with around 500 students competing. The event was a fantastic mix of sport, culture, and career exploration.
On Thursday and Friday, students played 3 to 4 matches each day, showing great teamwork and skill on the field. Alongside the footy, the Dusty Feet Mob led dance practice sessions to connect students with their culture through traditional dance. Career pathways stalls were also available, offering students valuable information about future opportunities and inspiring them to think about their career goals.
The highlight came on Saturday at Adelaide Oval, where the students performed a cultural dance in front of thousands during the Port Adelaide football match, proudly showcasing their heritage.
The Santos Aboriginal Power Cup was a memorable event celebrating community, culture, and sport — congratulations to all who took part!
Bangarra Dance
In Week 1 of Term 2, twelve students from Years 8 to 11 took part in the inspiring Bangarra Dance workshop, culminating in a performance at the Festival Theatre. Over 12 days, the students learned choreography that told a powerful story deeply connected to their culture.
A special part of the workshop involved listening to Elders who shared important histories and stories. This valuable insight helped the students create a narrative to express through their dance, making the performance both meaningful and personal.
At the final show, the students performed confidently in front of approximately 250 spectators, showcasing their hard work and connection to culture through movement. It was an unforgettable experience that highlighted the strength of storytelling through dance.
National Reconciliation Week
Parafield Gardens High School marked National Reconciliation Week with a special assembly on the importance of reconciliation. Students enjoyed a BBQ featuring kangaroo sausages and steak, and participated in a series of Yulunga games in the gym.
In class, students reflected on reconciliation and wrote personal commitments to help build a more respectful and inclusive community. It was a meaningful week that highlighted the importance of unity and understanding.
Year 12 International Student Dinner
On Thursday 22 May the International Education Service hosted a celebration dinner at Bonython Hall for all international year 12 students in public high schools across Adelaide. Around 300 students gathered for a fun night, including 22 PGHS students with Ms Bronwen. We shared a meal, recognised the achievements of our students, and then danced the night away!
Two of our students were acknowledged with an award: Maryna Ung for leadership, and Muyheng Nang for personal growth.
We acknowledge the hard work, determination and courage that it takes to leave your family and country to travel overseas to study. All of our international students have overcome many challenges and should be extremely proud of their achievements while at PGHS.
Congratulations and all the best for the rest of your year 12 studies.
Sport Carnivals
Congratulations to our senior boys Futsal team, who came 4th in the state early this term after qualifying for the state final late last term. The boys demonstrated respect, achievement and determination to play exceptionally well with a significantly younger squad compared to their opposition.
Also, our year 7-8 boys futsal team (pictured) have also qualified for their state final after going undefeated through their qualification round in week 4. They will be playing in the state final in week 8 and we are very excited to see how they will perform.
