Welcome to Term 1 2025
We are incredibly excited to share with you some big news, our first newsletter for 2025 is finally here!
Principal’s Message
Welcome to the 2025 School year.
My name is Jane Barnett and I am the Principal at Parafield Gardens HS for the first two terms while a replacement is found for Kirsty Amos who has moved on to another position. I would like to acknowledge the amazing work she did at Parafield Gardens HS, her passion for inclusion, wellbeing, cultural safety and the development of all young people was evident in the work she did every day. We wish her all the best in this new role.
The year has started with a number of activities already. Week 1 our students had a staggered start which allowed us to tailor the activities for the week to suit the different year level cohorts and their needs. This involved: learning on Metacognition, Self-Regulation and being an effective learner. We will continue to develop these skills in our students across the school year.
Our Meet and Greet event for all parents and caregivers was well attended and we all appreciated the time to get to know many families and discuss how their young person has started the school year.
We are asking all parents and caregivers to work alongside us to ensure students attend school everyday so that they have continuity in their learning and that they wear school uniform.
It is policy across all South Australian Schools that students are not accessing devices during the school day. This means the students are uninterrupted in their learning and can concentrate on the task at hand and allows for them to build meaningful relationships with peers during breaks.
If you have any concerns, raise them with your young person’s homegroup teacher or their Learning Community Manager in the first instance.
Term 1 Key Dates
- 6th March: Pupil Free Day
- 10th March: Public Holiday
- 10-15th March: Japanese Study Tour Visit
- 14th March: Harmony Day Assembly
- 20th March: Harmony Day
- 24th March: Governing Council AGM
- 24th March-26th March: Year 12 Outdoor Ed Camp
- 11th April: Last Day Term 1 – 2.10pm Early Dismissal
- 28th April: First Day Term 2
- 31st March: Learning Conversations 1:30pm – 7:00pm Early Dismissal at 1:20pm
Mobile Phone Policy
Students need to continue to keep their devices off during school time. Leaders will continue to do class checks to ensure students are complying with the policy.
New Staff
We would like to welcome our new staff members.
Teaching / Leadership Staff
- Penelope Chancellor – Deputy Principal
- Finn Galindo – Senior School Assistant Principal
- Casey Rendell – Daily Operations Leader
- Daniel Lasscock – Area of Learning Leader: Maths
- Kevin Hisee – English/HASS
- Rebecca Jovanovic – English/HASS
- Lucy Hoare – English/HASS
- Tommy Tian – English/HASS
- Scott Watson – HASS/Interdisciplinary
- Lorraine Diaz – Maths/Science
- Shaun Clifton – D&T/PE
- Luke Nash – English/HASS/Interdisciplinary
- Ryan Thomas – Maths/Science
- Michael Goh – STEM/Languages
School Support Officers
- Sue Wilson – Attendance and Administration
- Julie Pope – Multicultural Team Administration
- Latrelle Sumner – Aboriganal Education Team
School Uniform
The Parafield Gardens High School Uniform is an important aspect of our Philosophy and Objectives:
- The school uniform distinctly helps create a sense of identity, pride and belonging.
- The school uniform ensures that we know who belongs to our school.
- The school recognises the diversity of its community and respects the cultural and religious beliefs of its members.
- The quality range of options available allows students to dress casually and comfortably, as well as formally when the need arises.
- All students from Year 7 – 13 are required to wear the School Uniform
- Security: When all our students are in uniform, non school members are easily identified.
- Image: It is important that our students reinforce the positive image our school has in the community. Uniform helps students present a positive image.
For updated uniform prices, please click the button below.
Learning Conversations
Queery
QUEERY is a safe space for LGBTQI+ students, friends and allies to meet. We promote kindness and inclusivity and believe that it is important to be yourself. We meet each week during Monday recess. Look out for events such as Wear it Purple day throughout the year.
DayMap Parent Portal
Parent Portal: We deeply value our partnership with you to ensure your child achieves the best educational outcomes. Through Parent Portal all parents are able to access their child’s time table, attendance and real time progress in each of their classes. We believe that Parent Portal is a crucial online tool for Parafield Gardens High School parents to communicate with teachers and engage in their child’s progress at school.
The key information available to parents is:
- Subject Maps
- Assignments with set and due date
- Homework tasks
- Monitoring your students’ progress and attendance in real time
- Communication with teachers and school in general
You will need to have an internet connection at home to access the Parent Portal. The Parent Portal uses your personal e-mail address as a user name. Therefore, the school needs to have a parent’s current/active e-mail address.
To login please go to http://pghs.sa.edu.au/ select Parent Information -> Parent Portal and ICT support for students
Annual General Meeting
Dear Families,
You are cordially invited to our Annual General Meeting You will be able to meet other family members, who are current members of the Governing Council and view the schools draft copy of the 2024 Annual Report. All Parents are welcome.
The Governing Council performs a very important function in the provision of feedback and advice to ensure the continuous improvement of our school. The team consists of Students, Family members and staff. As parents and guardians you have an opportunity to be part of the decision making process of the school. We meet approximately twice a term at 6.30 pm at the school.
Our next meeting will be held in our Resource Centre (Library):
- Monday 24th of March
- 6:30pm to 7:30pm
You can see the invitation letter HERE
2025 NAPLAN
Dear Parents and Carers of Year 7 and 9 students, all students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 in Australia do NAPLAN tests in March each year.
- NAPLAN tests students’ skills in reading, writing and maths.
- The test questions are presented in Standard Australian English dialect.
- Students read some of the questions and listen to others with headphones.
- The tests will get easier or harder, depending on how students are going in the test.
- Students do four different tests. The names of the four tests are:
- Teachers will help students get ready for NAPLAN tests.
- Schools will get their students’ results. The school will then give parents/carers a report showing their
own child’s results. - Parents/carers can talk to the teacher about these results.
- NAPLAN shows how students are going all over Australia. People who work in the Australian.
Government, state and territory education authorities and schools use NAPLAN results. The results let them see which schools are doing well and which schools might need help.
Further information about NAPLAN online and the public demonstration site can be found at www.nap.edu.au
For more information about the NAPLAN online, visit nap.edu.au/online-assessment
Public demonstration site for students to become familiar with the format of the online tests https://nap.edu.au/online-assessment/public-demonstration-site
NAPLAN Schedule and Test Duration: The table below displays test schedules and time duration.
Year 7 NAPLAN schedule
| Date | Test | Duration | Start Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wednesday 12th of March | Writing | 42 Minutes | Lesson 2 (10:10am) |
| Thursday 13th of March | Reading | 65 Minutes | Lesson 1 (9:00am) |
| Monday 17th of March | Conventions of Language | 45 Minutes | Lesson 2 (10:10am) |
| Tuesday 18th of March | Numeracy | 65 Minutes | Lesson 1 (9:00am) |
Year 9 NAPLAN schedule
| Date | Test | Duration | Start Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wednesday 12th of March | Writing | 42 Minutes | Lesson 2 (10:10am) |
| Thursday 13th of March | Reading | 65 Minutes | Lesson 1 (9:00am) |
| Monday 17th of March | Conventions of Language | 45 Minutes | Lesson 1 (09:20am) |
| Tuesday 18th of March | Numeracy | 65 Minutes | Lesson 1 (9:00am) |
Catch Up session will be schedule between 21st – 24th depending on number of students for each year level. If you have any further questions regarding this matter please contact Mandeep Kaur: Assistant Principal – Systems and Structures on 82589855.
NOTE: Please make sure that your young person brings their laptop fully charge ready for the tests.
School Card and other Finance News
Just a reminder that all school fees and school card applications are now due for 2025.
Payment plans through QKR/Direct Debit are available, you can download the app for your device using the links below.
For bank transfers, please use the details below:
Bank: Commonwealth Bank
Account Name: PARAFIELD GARDENS HS INC CONS
BSB: 065-122
Account Number: 11052774
Please quote Family Billing Id and Invoice No. and email dl.1137.info@schools.sa.edu.au to enquire about your payments.
For Credit/Debit card payments, please call the school and select Finance when prompted 08 8258 9855.
If you hold a Healthcare Card, you may be eligible for the School Card program. This could cover your school fees through government assistance.
If you are unsure about your eligibility or need help with your application, feel free to reach out to the Finance Department. We are here to assist you with your form, or you can apply online HERE.
Please contact Naina Rajeev in the Finance department if you have any concerns.
To avoid debt collection action in July, please arrange payments promptly.
Please Note:
School fees are mandatory and cover the actual expenses the school incurs for providing materials and services that support your child’s education. These costs may include things like art supplies, sports and lab equipment, and various learning resources.
Canteen Prices
Rory’s School Lunches believes all students deserve healthy and nutritious food to support their growth and learning. That’s why we employ a team of qualified chefs to prepare fresh, delicious and healthy meals.
Made with Fresh Ingredients
Because our food is delivered daily, we don’t need to use harmful preservatives to extend its shelf life. We cook the traditional way, taking advantage of fresh herbs and spices to boost the flavour of our food.
Please find the updated prices HERE
STEM Scholarship
Each year the department of education offers STEM scholarships for high school students under-represented in science and mathematics. These provide significant monetary support for educational resources to students who wish to pursue STEM subjects like engineering, maths and science in their senior years. Students must complete a written application for this, detailing what their plans are after school and why they would be a good candidate. The applications are sent from all over the state and reviewed by the education department and a limited amount are given out. Two of our students, Marzia Nijadi and Karen Nguyen, distinguished themselves and were selected to be awarded scholarships.
On February 14th, they were invited to attend an induction day at the University of Adelaide to learn about what the scholarship could offer, attend STEM based workshops and hear from keynote speakers currently working in different STEM fields. Karen and Marzia were both a credit to the school and a great example to the other students who attended. They both have a bright future ahead of them and we look forward to seeing their accomplishments!
Welcome Assembly and Student Representative Council
In Week 1, we kicked off the 2025 school year with our first assembly, extending a warm welcome to all students and staff. We celebrated the beginning of an exciting academic journey filled with growth and endless possibilities. During the assembly, we proudly introduced our 2025 school Captains, Vice Captains, and Learning Community Captains.
Key Highlights:
- A warm welcome to our new students and staff.
- A reminder of our school values and expectations.
- Encouraging messages about goal-setting and making the most of opportunities.
- Introducing our 2025 Senior SRC team.
We were honoured to welcome Tony Zappia MP, Federal Member for Makin, and John Fulbrook MP, Member for Playford, as they presented the Australian, South Australian, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags to our school. These flags represent unity, diversity, and our shared aspirations for the year ahead. A big thank you to both MPs for their support and for joining us on this special occasion!
This year, we introduced a peer-election system for SRC Homegroup (HG) representatives. This will help students have a stronger voice, with representatives working alongside their HG teachers to support key initiatives and share ideas. We appreciate their input and look forward to building a strong Student Representative Council together.
SCHOOL EVENTS
Meet and Greet
On Monday 17th February, PGHS hosted our annual Meet & Greet. This was an opportunity to build relationships with both new and existing families. We had a fantastic turnout with over 200 families coming to meet with our teachers to discuss their children’s learning. We will continue to provide opportunities to families as both staff and family feedback indicated this was a valuable experience and compliments the Learning Conversations which will be held later this term.
Year 12 – Aquatics Excursion
Our Year 12 Sport Studies students recently took to the water for an aquatics excursion, focusing on building their basic kayaking skills while developing personal and social responsibility. Held in a safe and controlled environment, this hands-on experience gave students the chance to gain confidence ahead of their upcoming three-day paddling adventure.
Throughout the session, students were guided through key kayaking techniques, including paddling strokes, turning, and capsize recovery. They also covered important safety considerations, such as assessing water conditions, reading the weather, and looking out for their teammates. With expert instruction, they learned how to handle challenges on the water while working together to navigate safely.
Beyond the technical skills, the excursion emphasised personal and social responsibility. Students were encouraged to take ownership of their learning, manage their gear, and push through any difficulties. Just as importantly, they were expected to support their peers, communicate effectively, and work as a team—reinforcing leadership, resilience, and cooperation.
This experience was a fantastic opportunity for students to put their learning into practice in a real-world setting. As they prepare for their extended kayaking trip, they’ll continue to refine their skills and responsibilities, ensuring they’re ready for a safe and rewarding adventure on the water.
Student Agency in Learning
Five of our student leaders embraced student agency by representing the student voice at the Education Development Centre, contributing to the design of the new northern schools.
We are incredibly proud of their leadership in presenting ideas and answering questions from a learner’s perspective.
- L. B. – District Special Class Leader.
- Quennie Canonigo – Year 12 School Captain; Commissioner for Youth & YP State SRC (2024 & 2025)
- Izabella Street – Year 11; Commissioner for Youth & YP State SRC (2024 & 2025)
- Sean Mitchell – Year 12; First Nations School Captain; SAASTA student.
- Zeina Moughnie – Year 12; Cultural Inclusion Captain, representing our multicultural community.
Year 11 Outdoor Education – Surfing Camp
This term, the Year 11 Outdoor Education classes embarked on surfing camps at Port Vincent and Berry Bay, where they focussed on building their self-sufficiency, resilience, and teamwork skills in an enjoyable coastal environment. These camps provided a valuable opportunity for students to develop essential outdoor living and leadership abilities while immersing themselves in the excitement of learning how to surf.
Throughout the camp, students took responsibility for setting up and maintaining their campsites, and following best practices for safety and organization. From pitching tents to managing their gear, they gained firsthand experience in the importance of preparation and planning in outdoor settings.
The overall highlight of this camp was learning how to surf! With the help of experienced instructors, students threw themselves into the challenge of catching waves. Whether it was their first time standing up on a board or they were working on improving their skills, everyone gave it their best effort.
Year 12 – NASSSA SACE Art Exhibition
On Friday 21st of February the Year 12 Visual Art, Visual Design and Creative Arts classes visited the Salisbury Hub to see the 2024 NASSSA SACE art exhibition.
Students were able to view artworks from Northern Area Secondary schools as well as read the artists reflections and practitioners statements. This is the beginning of their research for their folios. We look forward to seeing the whole state artwork later on in the term.
NSS Womad Workshop
On Thursday 20th February our senior music students and Instrumental Music students were excited to participate in workshops run by Northern Sound System and WOMAD. Students were able to work with practicing artists to develop their writing and performing skills. Thank you to Mia from NSS, the visiting artists and Ms Loveday, Mr Irizarry and Susie for coordinating this event for the students.
Northern Sound System is located in Elizabeth and runs free and low cost groups for students. Check out their website for more information about holiday bands, IRL, low stakes programs as well as podcasting and streaming set ups.
ISEC Adelaide City Sightseeing Tour
In week 4, nine international students from the ISEC program had a day out sightseeing various attractions and places in the city of Adelaide. A few of the students had not been to the city since they arrived in Australia a few weeks ago so a school excursion was the perfect time to explore with other students and teachers of ISEC.
The excursion started off with a walk on the Adelaide Riverbank Pedestrian Bridge, then along the River Torrens and the perfect weather on the day made it all look very picturesque! The students had a great time exploring the Mortlock Wing at the State Library of SA. Two of the students said it was like they were on a movie set! Seeing the multicultural hub of food and culture at Adelaide Central Markets and Chinatown was also fun for the students.
Everyone on the day had a fantastic time and it allowed students to see how Adelaide was effectively organised with many interesting and fun sights, as well as experience what it was like living in a new city.
Lunar New Year
In week 1, many students, staff and families from PGHS celebrated the Lunar New Year. On Friday 31st January, a celebratory dragon dance wound its way through the school yard, accompanied by drums. Happy Year of the Snake!!
Year 12 2025 Jumpers
This year, the Year 12 jumpers were delivered a little earlier than normal. On Friday of week 3, we held an assembly where students were given their jumpers to celebrate the significant moment. The anticipation of receiving the jumpers is always an exciting occasion, symbolising the students are in their final year of high school. Since this celebration, students have been wearing their Year 12 Jumpers with pride around the school. Please enjoy the photo below of the Year 12’s in their new senior jumpers!
Currently, students have the opportunity to order a jumper if they missed out last year. These orders are due Monday 10th March 2025.
Parents and Guardians, please keep an eye out on your message inbox for the ordering information, and current Year 12 students should keep checking their Daymap for the same information.
Please note:
- Ordering and payment are done through the company’s website (Reform), not organised or payable to the school directly. A link will be included in the ordering information sent out.
- When ordering, students will be able to choose a name to be printed on the front and back of the jumper. Once completed, it is unable to be changed, so ensure this is done correctly.
The designs available for purchase and prices are outlined below:
- Rugby Jumper $101 each
- Varsity Jacket with buttons $121 each
