Increasing opportunities for the most important people in our school to provide their thoughts, ideas and feedback as part of our whole school decision making processes has been a key priority for us this year. Our school exists for our students, and therefore it’s critical for us to consult with them to ensure we are providing the best possible learning environment for all students.

While there is much for us to celebrate as a school community in recent years, including continued growth in SACE outcomes, extensive building upgrades, increased student support through additional resources in wellbeing and the establishment of the Clontarf Academy, our commitment to continuous improvement means that we continue to strive for further growth.

Earlier this term, we asked all students to complete a survey that sought their feedback around a range of topics related to our school and their education. Our school captains played a key role in developing the survey, and they demonstrated exceptional leadership and maturity in this process. With 406 of our students completing the survey, it has given us a real insight into the thoughts of our student population.

It was affirming to observe that there were positive responses to a wide range of questions, including relationships with staff, support for student learning, school facilities and resources, use of Daymap as a learning platform as well as understanding the purpose of their learning programs.

Our Student Voice committee, comprised of students from all Care Groups across the school, have analysed the data and have agreed to focus on some key improvement areas. One area is increasing student activities during break times, such as providing more sporting equipment, competitions and other clubs for students to engage in.

Another focus area for our student leaders will be around toilets. While it was pleasing to see that many students indicated in the survey that the measures we have introduced this year has increased their confidence in using the toilets, we recognise that this is an area that requires further consultation with students. Student voice will do this with their peers and then work with staff to discuss future actions.

Through this process, we hope to not only strengthen our school environment, but also provide a genuine and meaningful opportunity for our students to have a voice at the school.

Student voice is a mechanism for increasing engagement, achievement and wellbeing. Research shows that when young people participate in meaningful decision-making at school, they experience higher levels of wellbeing and empowerment and develop stronger relationships with adults and peers, which drive better learning outcomes. This is the outcome that we are striving for every day.

I hope everyone has a great holiday break. See everyone back on July 22^nd.

Michael Gaunt

PRINCIPAL

Year 11 student, Curtis Patterson represented the Port Pirie Darts Association at the South Australian Country Darts Championship in Mount Gambier.

He achieved second place in the singles contest and the Port Pirie team were 4th overall.

He won rookie of the year and received 3 trophies plus a cash prize.

Curtis was ranked 7th for the competition as a whole. This is a huge achievement for a young upcoming star.

On Wednesday 12th June, 21 students from our Stage 1 and 2 Ancient Studies classes attended an excursion to the SA Museum in Adelaide. We got off to an early start, leaving school at 7:30am and had a smooth trip to the city.

The South Australian Museum houses over five million specimens and material cultural items. These specimens and items provide irreplaceable records with which are constantly building and modifying our knowledge and understanding of the natural and cultural world. Students spent approximately 2 hours on a self-guided tour of the Museum, focussing on the galleries housing artefacts from Ancient Egypt, Australian Aboriginal cultures, and Pacific cultures. We also explored the galleries containing ancient fossils which include Australian megafauna and marine fossils. The Discovery Centre was also a hit with the students, showcasing wonders including live reptiles, as well as authentic remains from their dinosaur ancestors.

Students had a chance to hit the Museum Gift Shop before enjoying lunch in the city and getting back on the road to return to school by 5pm. The year 11 and 12 students in attendance were fantastic ambassadors for our school and it was an enjoyable and rewarding day for all involved.

We would like to thank Mrs Sarah Griffiths and Mr Graham Hoile for assisting us on the excursion.

Stage 1 Ancient Studies Teacher

Tara Mark