A couple of weeks ago, I had the privilege of attending the Operation Flinders follow-up presentation with the students and team leaders from their experience earlier this term. The exceptionally positive feedback and clear connection between the students and team leaders provided ample evidence of the benefits of this experience, which will stay with them for the rest of their lives.

This event prompted me to reflect on the importance of alternative learning experiences for young people. Whether focused on curriculum, wellbeing, career, sport, or personal development, these opportunities play a crucial role in complementing our school-based offerings and should not be underestimated.

This term, in addition to Operation Flinders, we have had Festival of the Arts, many sporting competitions, university and TAFE visits, a wide range of wellbeing programs, numerous camps and excursions as well as the initial planning for the 2025 Fiji service trip have been on offer for our students.

Alternative learning opportunities, such as those listed above, are a vital aspect of our education offerings as they enhance personal growth and academic engagement. Traditional classroom settings cannot always cater to diverse learning styles and interests. These alternative learning programs provide hands-on experiences that foster critical thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.

These opportunities also promote emotional wellbeing by allowing students to explore their passions in a supportive environment. Engaging with real-world challenges helps build resilience and confidence, preparing them for future endeavours.

Alternative learning experiences also can bridge gaps in the curriculum, offering practical applications of theoretical knowledge that deepen understanding and retention. Engaging in these programs encourages students to take ownership of their education, fostering a love of learning that extends beyond the classroom.

By embracing alternative pathways, we can support young people to become well-rounded individuals equipped with the skills and mindset necessary for success in an ever-changing world. Ultimately, these experiences not only enrich students’ educational journeys but also contribute to their overall development as engaged and responsible citizens.

We are incredibly fortunate to have the support of external agencies to facilitate or subsidise the costs of these programs. Local service groups, tertiary and vocational learning institutions, health agencies, sporting clubs, non-profit organisations, businesses and regional councils all provide enormous support for us and our young people to engage in a wide range of learning opportunities. We thank all of these organisations for their support.

Michael Gaunt

PRINCIPAL

On Monday, Week 5 ten students from JPSS travelled to UniSA East, a bustling concrete jungle, where they learned about the various science and allied health courses available at that site and viewed the impressive medical, rehabilitation and gym facilities.

Later that day they attended UniSA Magill campus, a much more relaxed site with running creeks and lush rolling grass. This campus specialises in creative and social pathways where students were able to see animation, media production facilities and learn about psychology and social work avenues.

One Year 7 HPE class swapped their sneakers for some serious bowls action at the Port Pirie Bowls Club in Week 5. Guided by a couple of seasoned pros who probably know more about the game than we know about TikTok trends, our students showed off some impressive skills.

Not only did they manage to send those bowls rolling like champions, but they also enjoyed learning from the best. Who knew lawn bowls could be so much fun? A huge shoutout to our expert mentors for sharing their wisdom and patience.

In week 6, the Year 11/12 Drama and Year 12 English classes travelled together with Mrs Simmons, Mr Hoile, and Mr Shi to view the critically acclaimed State Theatre Company production of “Julia”, starring Justine Clarke at the Dunstan Playhouse. Students were treated to an incredible performance exploring the life and decisions of Prime Minister Julia Gillard, with highly polished creative use of technical elements and props, as well as masterful accent and voice work from Clarke. After enjoying a lunch break in Rundle Mall, we all returned home, and students will now complete various assessment tasks in response to the performance, for both Drama and English. Thank you to Mr Black and Mrs Vincent-Heylen for their assistance in organising the excursion, and to all involved for a great day.

On 29th August our year 7 and 9 students were treated to a performance from Sydney based theatre troupe, Poetry in Action.

Students were engaged in bringing poetry alive from The Man from Sydney River to Alan Ginsberg and Shakespeare.

They saw that poetry can be fun! The performers thought our students were some of the best audiences they have had!

Poetry, Books and Literature are truly magical!

During week 7, Miss John's Year 10 Outdoor Education class ventured to Mount Remarkable National Park for an overnight bushwalk. Students enjoyed spending quality time in bonding with peers throughout the walk and in camp games after cooking dinner on Trangia stoves. Well done year 10's! 

Student's Write Up

Year 10 Outdoor Education Hike

On the first day of our overnight hike, we took a bus ride to the Mt Remarkable National Park. We started at Mambray Creek and hiked along various trails and tracks. We prevailed with teamwork and pushed each other when others were feeling as if they couldn’t go further.

When we stopped for lunch, everyone replenished their energy with a long, earned break. A few metres from where we stopped for lunch was a cliff side with a stunning view, which we all appreciated.

Once we got back on the road, we hiked the last few kilometres to our camp at Kingfisher Flat. Everyone set up their tents and hutchies, for those who brought them. Then all of us made a cooking circle where we cooked and ate our dinner. We played many camp games, and we all found it extremely fun!

By morning day two, our limits were tested, but eventually we all prevailed and made it back to the bus at Alligator Gorge.

Year 10 Student – Lilly Crowhurst

In week 7 the John Pirie Clontarf Academy set off for a year 7/8 Basketball carnival in Whyalla. 

The boys got to engage with 8 other academies from all over South Australia. The Carnival was played with great sportsman ship, comradery and plenty of buckets scored! Young Tye Lennon led the way as the academies top scorer!

And Daniel Smith came away with the Clontarf Spirit Award. Daniel was exceptional at helping out with filling up water bottles and bringing positive vibes for the three days away. 

The Lads also got to experience a site tour of the first modern warship built in 1941 in South Australia. 

Well done to the Year 7/8 Clontarf boys for getting to school and working hard over the term. 

In science this term class 85 and 86 have been exploring rocks and minerals. As part of that study we took a walk through the Napperby Gorge to view the rock formations and outstanding examples of sedimentary rocks. Students enjoyed clamoring the gorge and exploring the still dry creek bed. Lunch in the township was also a pleasure as we spent time at the Napperby playground. The weather held off to make it a great day.