The Hawke House Captains after their victory at the Swimming Carnival.

Welcome to our second school newsletter for 2024. It has been a successful start for students to the first three weeks of 2024, with a number of positive and enriching whole school events.

Firstly congratulations to Hawke House who won the Swimming Carnival, our first House Points event for 2024. Also an acknowledgement of all Houses and individual students, who were exemplary around their efforts, conduct and engagement throughout the day. The event was very well attended and organised, well done to Miss Falland and Mr Leslie on their excellent organisation of the event.    

School Improvement Plan

Over the latter half of 2023 we have been planning an updated school improvement vision with our students, staff and involving Governing Council.

This is aligned with the updated Department for Education Purpose for Public Education Strategy.

From 2024 we will be focusing on two key areas of impact, which align with our school vision, purpose and direction:

 Learner Agency

This area of impact aligns to the work we have been developing across our school in increasing student’s interest and passion for learning. We continue to grow significant learning opportunities for our students across Academic, Trade and Vocational pathways. This is occurring through Unit Planning across all Curriculum courses and programs we offer.

Some examples of this area of impact at Kapunda High School include our Entreprenuerial Learning vision and focus such as:

• AgVentures
• Kappy Brew Café
• Housing and Heritage Trades
• Villawood Partnership
• University of Adelaide Roseworthy Campus & High ATAR Program

We are continuing to grow and expand on the success of our Learner Agency opportunities for our students from 2024 and beyond.

Wellbeing and Engagement

This area of impact has seen significant growth over the past few years, with the introduction of our Wellbeing Hub, expansion of our Wellbeing Team and most recently the appointment of an on-site School Mental Health Clinician.

Some examples of this area of impact at Kapunda High School include our Wellbeing for Learning vision and focus such as: 

• Positive School Culture
• Youth Opportunities
• Healthy Minds
• UPLiFT program
• Berry Street Education Model
• SMART Training
• Passion Projects

We are continuing to grow and expand on the success of our Wellbeing and Engagement opportunities for our students from 2024 and beyond. 

I look forward to providing you with further information and student success stories as our work in these areas continues to grow.

Conditions for Learning

Students and staff have been working well to set a positive school culture, environment and tone where everyone feels safe, respected, included and they can achieve their best.  

Our school expectations set our conditions for learning and ensure that we can focus on learning, teaching and enriching curriculum experiences for every child.

Thank you to our parents and caregivers for your continued partnership and support for our school expectations.

Key areas for our school include:

• Positive Behaviour Recognitions – to celebrate ongoing individual student commitment and success to our school values.
  
  
• Mobile Phone and Personal Electronic Devices – to ensure students are safe and our school is a Mobile Phone impact and distraction-free environment, in line with Government legislation.
  
  
• Hat expectations – to ensure students are sun safe, in line with our Sun Protection Policy and Sun Smart policy.
  
  
• School Lockers – to ensure individual student health, wellbeing and safety. Our Lockers help students to be well planned and organised. Minimising the trip hazard of school bags is also vital in the case of emergencies.

Governing Council

Our Governing Council Annual General Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday 27th February at 6.30pm. I encourage any parents/caregivers or community members interested in joining our school to please attend and also consider nominating to join the committee.

I look forward to working in partnership with you throughout 2024, to provide your child/ren with an enriching, memorable and enjoyable schooling experience.

David Marino

Principal