This term is flying by, and at the end of this week, we will only have four weeks left in the school year. Part of the reason the term has passed so quickly is our collective focus on ensuring our Year 12 students finish the year to the best of their ability, while also celebrating their achievement in completing their school-based education.

In recent years, we have seen continued growth in our SACE completion rates, as well as an increase in the percentage of A and B grades and higher ATAR scores. This progress enhances the opportunities available to our school leavers as they pursue further study or employment.

As Year 12 students approach the culmination of their school journey, it's a time of reflection and celebration. The end of the school year marks the ultimate achievement of their hard work, resilience, and determination. Throughout their studies, these students have faced challenges but have also experienced countless moments of growth. Now, they stand on the threshold of new beginnings, ready to step into the future with the skills, knowledge, and confidence they’ve developed over the years.

For many, the final exams and assessment tasks are a defining moment, a test not just of academic knowledge, but of the dedication and focus they have honed through their schooling. These students have pushed themselves beyond their limits, balancing the demands of school with extracurricular activities, social lives, part-time employment and, at times, personal challenges. Their success is a testament to their strength, perseverance, and unwavering commitment to their goals.

As Year 12 draws to a close, it's important to take a moment to celebrate these accomplishments. The sense of pride that comes with finishing the year is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved through dedication and hard work. But beyond the exams and assessments, what stands out most is the growth these students have undergone, not just academically, but personally. From building lifelong friendships to learning how to manage stress and work independently, Year 12 has shaped them in ways that will continue to influence their lives long after school.

Looking toward the future, there is a mix of excitement and uncertainty. Whether they are preparing for university, entering the workforce, or exploring other pathways, our Year 12 students are equipped with the skills and mindset to navigate whatever comes next. The support from teachers, peers, and families will continue to be a vital part of their journey as they take these next steps.

This milestone also gives us a chance to pause and reflect on the incredible journey that has been the Year 12 experience. While this chapter may be closing, it’s just the beginning of an exciting new adventure. Over the next week, we will celebrate their achievements at the Prize Presentation next Wednesday and the Formal the following evening. These events, along with the friendships, lessons, and memories made along the way, will be cherished forever.

The end of the school year may signal a transition, but it also marks the beginning of something new. We look forward to seeing how these students continue to shape the world in their unique and inspiring ways. Congratulations to our Year 12 students, we can’t wait to see what the future holds for each of you.

Michael Gaunt

Principal

During week one of this term, JPSS and the Urumbula Garden played host to our new friends from the International Mediterranean Garden Society. The group had representatives from Australia, England, France, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, South Africa, Spain and the USA.

The group provided heartfelt positive feedback to our students, remarking on their leadership skills in running the tour, as well as  their connection to the pride in Aboriginal culture.

Some of the lovely comments received......

'I really enjoyed the tour and the chance to meet such talented young people. What a fantastic project'.

'Well Done! Practical, non-traditional classroom learning. A wonderful program'.

'Outstanding model for teaching about culture'.

'We have learnt so much. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and love for your land'.

'Unforgettable'.

'Inspirational'.

'I'm so impressed with these eloquent, confident students - what a wonderful preparation for adulthood'.

We thank the International Mediterranean Garden Society for choosing to visit John Pirie School and congratulate the current students, returning students, and staff involved, all of whom gave up their holiday time to ensure our visitors had a unique and memorable experience.

On Monday, 11  November the 2025 JPSS school captains Ava, Patrick, Elisabeth, and Isabella attended the Remembrance Day Service held at the Port Pirie World War 1 Memorial Gates. The captains placed a wreath on behalf of the school and were very honoured and privileged to be able to represent the school and pay their respects. They then attended lunch at the RSL and took the time to look around and further learn about the great sacrifices made by our fallen soldiers. Lest we forget.

Ava Clemow

School Captain

On Friday November 1, a celebration BBQ was held for the staff and students involved with the Urumbula Garden program, to acknowledge their achievements throughout the year.

On Wednesday 6 November, the Year 7/8 Clontarf boys headed  to the city of Adelaide for an end of year camp. The boys got a private tour of the Port Power Football Club facilities and heard all about the different roles and careers within the AFL. The fellas got to see the meeting room, Gym, pool and change rooms. Clontarf Employment Officer Brian Leys (Ex Port Power Player) got to show off his 4 Premiership cups and tell a bit of history about the great club.

Thursday morning the boys got up early and went  to the beach for a morning training with Ocean View Academy. Was great catching up with another academy and making memories.

The boys got to enjoy a nice sunset swim at West Beach and even cooked dinner on the BBQ themselves. Well done to all the year 7/8 Clontarf boys for getting to school this term!

During the last week of term three Mrs Rohde's Year 8 Food Tech class enjoyed making and eating their very own Vietnamese Banh Mi rolls.

The Year 9 SAASTA Connect class recently competed in the Connect Power Cup at Alberton Oval. The day consisted of football, career expo, cultural activities and networking with other SAASTA academies. The students are looking forward to the next event.

Last term in HASS, 9D studied World War One.

As part of this unit, students took part in multiple different interactive learning experiences. Some highlights included a visit to the local RSL to understand the war through a more local perspective and tour the museum.  Back at school we made a trip to the kitchen to bake some Anzac biscuits and turned our classroom into a trench warfare simulation to replicate what  day-to-day life would have been like for our brave soldiers.

On October 30, the year 9/10 Clontarf students headed to Corny Point for their term 4 Surf Camp. Day 1 we set up camp and headed  to the beautiful Innes National Park. The lads got to do plenty of site seeing and running around the open beaches. Day 2 was surf day! We had Neptunes Surf School show us all the ins and outs of surfing. The boys spent over 2 hours in the water catching waves and swimming! Fair to say we have some surfers in our academy! After a long day in the water, we all decided to catch a sunset  at Berry Bay and play some touch footy. Well done to all the fellas for getting in there and having a go! The boys are already looking forward to the next surf camp.

Week 2 of term 4, Year 10 Outdoor Education students participated in an overnight kayaking camp at Port Vincent. During this time, students explored the basic skills of kayaking, then embarked on a day journey to camp. Students worked in their class groups to compete in a Trangia cook-off, making pasta as a group for dinner. A big thank you  goes out to the teaching staff involved, and instructors at Port Vincent Aquatics for making this camp a reality that many will remember.

Week 3 of term 4, Stage 1 Outdoor Education students participated on an overnight kayaking journey to Port Vincent. Students touched up on their basic skills in kayaking throughout the morning, then later embarked on a day trip into camp. Along the way, students passed a seal colony, as well as other marine life along the coastline. A big thank you goes out to the teaching staff and the instructors at Port Vincent Aquatics.

Our adventures started at Bunyeroo Gorge, north of Ikara (Wilpena Pound) in the Flinders Ranges. We followed the Heysen Trail south to our first campsite at Wilcolo Campground where we stayed the first night.

We were surrounded by a breathtaking view of the Ikara mountain range, native ones and meandering trail which we followed south to reach the Wilpena Pound Resort Campground for our second night.

During our hike we saw many emus, kangaroos, lizards, birds and a yellow-footed rock-wallaby who stopped close by to say hello!

After making it to the resort we dropped our heavy rucksacks and set off without them to follow a trail, passing the Hills Homestead and scaling up a steep, rocky slope to the Wangara Lookout. We were met with a full 360 degree view inside the beautiful Ikara.
We attended a special Welcome to Country ceremony at the resort. We listened to John share his knowledge of the Adnyamathanha people know Wilpena Pound as Ikara, meaning 'meeting place'. We gained insight into how they lived their lives in the Flinders Rangers.

On our last night we gathered around the fire to share stories and delicious damper cooked in the camp oven.

The next day we packed up in the cool of the morning breeze of the mountains and sat together one last time to reflect back on our trip and how far we had come together. Ending our final adventure on a high, we really did save our best camp for last.

By Ada Gillett and Sienna Clark (Year 12 Outdoor Ed students).