Welcome to the first edition of the newsletter for the 2024 school year. I hope everyone had a relaxing and enjoyable Christmas and New Year holiday break.

It has been pleasing to see students quickly settle into their 2024 studies. While we are only 5 weeks into the school year, it has been a busy start with many activities and programs commencing. These have included:

• A highly successful whole school Swimming Carnival. Congratulations to Hewett on again being the winning house.
• Our Year 7 students have had a great time at Port Vincent on their aquatics camp this week.
• Our Student Leaders have attended the GRIP Leadership conference in Adelaide.
• Student Voice election processes have been run, with new class representatives elected and already planning 2024 initiatives.
• The Sammy D foundation have presented workshops on the impacts of bullying, and drug and alcohol fuelled violence to our Year 7 and 9 students. Next week we welcome the Carly Ryan Foundation to present to Year 7-10 students regarding online safety.
• Year 12 students have participated in the Elevate Time Management Skills workshop.
• The full introduction of the Clontarf Academy here this year. So far we have had 38 Aboriginal boys sign into the Academy, with early morning trainings, breakfasts, camps and additional in-class support taking place.

This year we are very pleased to welcome 8 new teaching staff to our school:

• Ms Bella Arbon: Year 10 Care Group teacher, Food Technology and English
• Ms Annie Boyd: Year 9 Care Group, English, HASS and HPE
• Mr O’Reilly Gray: Year 11 Care Group, Outdoor Education and HPE
• Ms Claudia Jarrett: Year 7 Care Group, English, Music, HASS and Arts
• Ms Kimberley Jenkinson: Year 8 Care Group, HASS and Science
• Ms Kirsty Rayner: Year 7 Care Group, English, HASS and Drama
• Ms Louise Simmons: Year 11 Care Group, English, Music and Drama
• Mr Daniel Wilson: Year 9 Care Group teacher, English and HASS

We would like to thank the parents, carers and community members who attended the Community Night on Tuesday 20^th February. It was a great opportunity to develop and strengthen teacher and parent/carer relationships, as well as to learn about the wide range of learning programs across Years 7 – 12.

I would like to extend my congratulations to the 49 JPSS students who successfully achieved their SACE last year with some outstanding results. The highlight of our results was 100% SACE completion, meaning every student who was eligible to achieve their SACE last year did so. We congratulate our Dux of 2023, Madeleine Dix, who achieved an ATAR of 92.10. Congratulations also to Kimberley White (Ancient Studies) & Natasha Sadedin (Research Project) who achieved Merits in their respective subjects. In addition to these merits, Year 12 students also achieved an additional 7 A+ grades.

We also take great pride in supporting our young people commence successful post-school careers. In 2023, we had 5 students transition during the year to full time apprenticeships, and a number of others to full time employment. These again are outstanding outcomes for our young people.

These results are further evidence that everything that our young people require to be successful in their studies, and to then commence a successful career path, is here at John Pirie Secondary School. Outstanding facilities, the equal if not better compared to schools across the state, new technologies and a wide range of curriculum offerings all exist. Most importantly, our dedicated and highly skilled teachers and support staff consistently go above and beyond to ensure students achieve to the very best that they can. All of this ensures that we remain committed and successful in building better futures for all.

Michael Gaunt

Principal

Governing Council is a key decision making group in our school, which brings together staff, student and parent voices to manage some local policies and influence big picture improvement directions. 

As a school leader, I find this forum incredibly valuable, the group are supportive, but also willing to voice concerns and help shape where we are heading in the future. 

If you’re keen to contribute to our school, please consider nominating for GC, you can do that by contacting Maria in reception, completing a nomination form and attending the AGM in the Resource Centre 18th March, 2024 from 7:00pm. 

Michael Gaunt

Principal

Year 12 students in extended Caregroup participate in whole year level activities, targeting their inner child. This week was an epic battle of rock/paper/scissors which ended with two titans facing off, and Rayne Lobasso being victorious. 

Whilst year 12 is obviously a serious year, it is important for all students to remember to still look for the enjoyment in the little things and to connect with each other in positive environments and learning experiences.

The Clontarf Foundation has kicked off in Term 1 at John Pirie Secondary School, signing up 30 young indigenous boys in the first 2 weeks. The Clontarf Foundation exists to improve the education, discipline, life skills, self-esteem and employment prospects of young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men and by doing so equips them to participate more meaningfully in society. 

We had a great turn out for our very first morning training! 12 boys woke up at 6:30am and got down to the basketball courts for some indoor hockey, soccer and basketball. After the training we all sat down and had a big breakfast before heading into the first lesson of the day. On Wednesday we hosted our first after school activity! The boys headed into the academy room for a table tennis and pool competition. Spirits were high and very competitive to take out first place.

Clontarf also provides camps during the term for every boy hitting their goals and attendance for the term. Week 5 we will have the year 12 leadership camp  in Adelaide. Week 7 we will have our year 7 boys head  to Port Augusta for their induction camp.

The John Pirie Clontarf Academy attended their very first year 12 Leadership camp. The boys had an absolute blast playing Football, Paintball, mini golf, bowling and hanging out with all the other Clontarf Academies in South Australia. We had Izak Rankine from the Adelaide crows come in and speak to the boys about how important year 12 is and finishing of their schooling years strong. The boys made a year 12 Pledge and set some goals to achieve during the year ahead.

We also had the privilege of having Harley Hall teach the boys about culture and how to make a boomerang. The boys spent the afternoon filing down the boomerangs and then trying them out the following day.

To finish off the camp we had a football game to site out the talent over South Australia. The boys played really well and showed plenty of Clontarf spirit. Hopefully we will have a few boys playing in the State of origin Clontarf games at the end of the year.

If you’re a low-income family you can receive financial help with school fees through the School Card scheme.

Applications can be completed through SA.GOV.AU - School Card scheme (www.sa.gov.au) or visit the school administration building and our staff will support you with completing your application. Alternatively, call 8632 0400 if you have any questions or require assistance. Thank you.