Student Niketa won an award in the Barossa Vintage Festival Scarecrow Competition for 'Best Character Portrayal' 

Welcome to our first School Newsletter for Term 2 2025.

Firstly congratulations to all students on their achievements over Term 1:

• There were a high number of Personal Effort awards achieved, with 125 individual awards.
• This is higher than the number of individual awards achieved each term in 2024 (111).

Attendance has improved in 2025 with our Term 1 attendance sitting at 86.9% which is an improvement on the past few years. Our goal is to see attendance rates above 90% and unexplained absences below 5%

Well done to all students and staff for their work.

Term 2 is set to be another busy term for our school, with a range of learning activities and opportunities designed for students to learn, achieve and grow.

Upcoming learning experiences will include:   

• Common Ground - Positive Masculinity workshops week 1
• Parent/Teacher Interviews Week 2.
• Kapunda High School Open Night  Week 4
• Scott Darlow Aboriginal Education and Music visit Week 6.
• PNG VISIT

EXCURSIONS:

• SRC Leadership day - Eudunda Area School
• Year 11/12 Psychology Excursion Week 4
• Year 10 Geography Excursion Week 5
• Year 12 Media Studies Excursion Week 5
• Year 10 Immunisations Week 6.

ANZAC Day Dawn Services

On Thursday 25th April, a number of Prefects, SRC members and staff attended ANZAC Day Services across our region to pay respect and represent our school. Students were present at Kapunda, Freeling, Wasleys and Gawler services. Kapunda High School recognised the significance of ANZAC Day with a school service held on Wednesday morning compered by our SRC.

School Open Day – Tuesday 20th May, 4 – 6pm

Our upcoming School Open Day is scheduled for Tuesday, 20th May from 4 to 6pm. This will be an opportunity for prospective students to see our curriculum offerings, including current Year 6s and families – as well as families looking to enrol for other year levels. It’s also a great opportunity to meet our staff and see our vibrant school culture and facilities. We look forward to seeing you there.

Cross Site Moderation Pupil Free Day Tuesday June 10

Providing an opportunity for staff to collaborate with other sites, gives staff an opportunity to share resources and have professional conversations about consistency in assessment of student work. The intention of the Pupil Free Day on June 10th is to provide staff from Kapunda High School to work with Nuriootpa High School to ensure consistency and integrity in assessment through moderation process. Additionally, staff will have the opportunity to share and discuss individual assessment tasks with an emphasis on accessibility for all students while providing challenge and stretch.

Governor’s Visit

Her Excellency the Honourable Frances Adamson AC, Governor of South Australia along with her husband Mr Rod Bunten visited Kapunda High School on the first day of term. We had the honour of giving Her Excellency an insight into opportunities at KHS with an emphasis on connecting with students around pathway opportunities, civics and citizenship and volunteering in the community. We were also fortunate in hosting the Mayor, CEO and Council Representatives from the Light Regional Council as part of the visit. It is always a pleasure showcasing Kapunda High School and receiving positive feedback on the contributions of our students and staff at KHS. Thankyou to all staff and students who contributed to the success of the morning.

Governing Council

Please be advised that our next Governing Council meeting is scheduled for the evening of Wednesday, 21st May 6:30pm. Governing Council is a key group who contribute to the direction, progress and advancement of our school.

We are working together to ensure an environment where every young person can learn, grow, achieve and strive for their best. I look forward to connecting with you at our upcoming Student, Parent, Teacher interviews and our work ahead over Term 2.

Tim Jones 

Principal

Asbestos Removal Works Saturday, 3rd May (T2W1)

Parent Teacher Interviews Tuesday, 6th May (T2W2)

Asbestos Removal Works Saturday, 10th May (T2W2)

Year 10 Planetarium Excursion Wednesday, 7th May (T2W2)

Year 10 Immunisations Wednesday, 14th May (T2W3)

Open Night 4-6pm Tuesday, 20th May (T2W4)

Governing Council Meeting Wednesday, 21st May (T2W4)

Congratulations to the 125 students who were recipients of Awards for Excellent Effort in Most or All Subjects for Term 1. Students were presented with their awards at assembly on the last day of Term 1. 

Art teacher, Jennifer Ahrens presented Niketa with her award upon Mr Percival's return to KHS

Congratulations to Year 10 student Niketa, who won an award for her entry into the Barossa Vintage Festival Scarecrow competition.For her entry, Niketa created a life-sized Pelican, better known as Mr Percival from Colin Thiele's beloved novel Storm Boy. Mr Percival has been on display in the Kapunda Community Gallery, and was this week returned to Kapunda High School, along with the happy news that Niketa had won the award for Best Character Portrayal. Congratulations Niketa! This is an amazing outcome. 

When? From Term 3 Week 2 Approximately: July 30th-August 13th 

Details 

Kapunda High School is hosting 10 Japanese students from Meiji Universities High School in Tokyo (Hachioji), Japan. Kapunda High School will be the key contact and support for the students while they are at Kapunda High. We will organise two excursions, one to the Gorge Wildlife Park and Whispering Wall and the second to Adelaide to visit the Central Market and the South Australia Museum. 

Benefits 

• Enrich your understanding of a different culture 

• Build a personal connection with Japan 

• Free Working with Children Clearance for every member of the household over 18 

• Host family students (if they attend Kapunda High) attend the excursions as buddies to support their host students 

• A small stipend for hosting the students 

Host family responsibilities 

• Provide a bed for the student to sleep in (shared room is fine) 

• Provide meals for the student Breakfast, lunch and dinner 

• Be prepared for every member of the host family to have a Working With Children’s Check 

• Be prepared for the Supervising Teacher (Scott Durand) do a very quick home visit before the host experience 

Key Contact person for your support 

  Scott Durand 

                Contact: 85662203 

Email: scott.durand752@schools.sa.edu.au 

During the final week of Term 1 a group of 18 students were fortunate to complete a Work Experience trip to the HMAS Cerberus Naval Base in Victoria. This included four Kapunda students that were required to meet at the Edinburgh Military base early Sunday, 6th April to prepare for the 10 hour bus journey. The group travelled on the Sunday, stayed on base Sunday and Monday nights before returning Tuesday 8th April. 

The Trip itself included;

A guided tour of the HMAS Cerberus Naval Base. Finding out about serving, living and learning in the Navy. An opportunity to speak with the current serving members about their own experiences, training and guidance. Exploring a range of job roles and visiting several training facilities. Exclusive access to a fully functioning military base. Onsite training facilities including the School of Survivability and Ship Safety, Engineering & Trade Training, Catering etc. Visiting the gym and meeting Military Physical Training Instructors. Witness demonstrations for survival at sea. 

This was a fantastic experience fully provided and funded by the Defence Force Work Experience programs.

Jason Keep

Assistant Principal- Pathways

PAYMENT OF MATERIALS AND SERVICES 

The payment for materials and services is now overdue. 
Thank you to those who have already paid, if you have not, please contact the Finance office ASAP to make payment arrangements.  

KHS Bank Details: 

Bank SA 

BSB 105-006 

Acc No.  057125140 

Family ID : eg SMIT10 

 (left hand side of invoice) 

Please ensure to use your family code when making online payments. The family code can be found on both statements and invoices. 

INSTALMENT PAYMENT PLAN

SCHOOL CARD

If you require assistance with any of the above, please don't hesitate to reach out to the finance team. 

Email: dl.0779.finance@schools.sa.edu.au 
Phone: (08) 8566 2203 ext. 4

On Friday 11th April, the Nurture class had the wonderful opportunity to attend the Empowering Youth to Wellness workshop at the Nuriootpa Sports & Function Centre. Hosted by Carers & Disability Link in partnership with the Department of Human Services, the event focused on supporting young people’s mental health and wellbeing through creative, sensory, and holistic experiences.

Students explored a range of engaging activities designed to promote mindfulness and emotional balance. The day began with the creation of personal medicine sticks using materials like wood, beads, leather, and fabric—encouraging self-expression and reflection. Alongside this, an aromatherapy session allowed students to learn about the healing properties of essential oils and crystals. They then crafted their own calming face spray to take home, using all-natural ingredients.

Next, students participated in a drumming workshop, discovering the therapeutic power of rhythm and vibration. The repetitive sound patterns provided a sense of calm and focus, with many students commenting on how relaxing and energising the session felt.

The day concluded with a serene group sound bath meditation. Surrounded by the soothing tones of crystal bowls, Tibetan singing bowls, gongs, chimes, and rain sticks, students experienced a deep sense of relaxation—an ideal way to wind down and reflect at the end of a busy term.

The Empowering Youth to Wellness workshop was a truly enriching experience and the perfect way to wrap up Term One. Students left feeling grounded, connected, and ready to enjoy a well-earned break.

CREATING MEDICINE STICKS:

AROMATHERAPY AND DRUMMING:

SOUND BATH: