Dear Parent/Guardian,
It is hard to believe that we have reached the end of 2025. As I reflect on the beginning of the year, I feel incredibly proud of what our students and staff have achieved. A look back through our newsletters reminds us of the many events, learning experiences, and celebrations that have filled our school calendar. The last four weeks have been no exception, with a number of special occasions showcasing our staff’s commitment to providing rich opportunities for students to excel and celebrate their success.
Year 12 Graduation
On Thursday 20 November, we celebrated our Year 12 Graduation. It was a privilege to present each student with their graduation certificate. Ms Woolford delivered a heartfelt and inspiring speech, recognising the challenges the students navigated and the accomplishments they achieved along the way. Ms O’Brien-Dent officially presented the graduating class, and we watched with pride as students threw their hats into the air to the sound of cheers from families, staff, and friends. To conclude the evening, everyone gathered on the school oval to share food, conversation, and fond memories.
Prize Giving Assembly
Our Prize Giving Assembly was held on Thursday 27 November and once again highlighted the passion and commitment our students and teachers bring to their work. This year we celebrated a record number of students for their academic achievements and for demonstrating our school values of unity, passion, and accountability. A morning tea followed, which was enjoyed by our guests and award recipients.
Year 11 Dinner
Later that same evening, we held our annual Year 11 Dinner at the Paradise Hotel. It was a wonderful opportunity for students and staff to share a meal, reflect on the year’s highlights, and enjoy each other’s company in a relaxed and celebratory atmosphere.
Year 6 to 7 Transition
On Thursday 4 and Friday 5 December, we welcomed our incoming Year 7 students and their families with a pancake breakfast. It was a lovely opportunity to connect with staff and meet new families. Students then gathered in the Year 7 hub to meet their teachers and peer support leaders, before experiencing a taste of high school life. Many students shared how much they enjoyed their transition days and how excited they are to begin their high school journey.
Student Reports
Reports will be published on Daymap on Friday 12 December.
Beginning of the 2026 School Year
The 2026 school year will commence with a staggered start.
Wednesday 28 January – Year 7, Year 12 and all new students
Thursday 29 January – All students to return
More detailed information will be provided in mid-January.
A Final Thank You
Over recent weeks, a number of parents and students have reached out with messages of appreciation, as well as gifts and home-baked treats—including a beautifully crafted gingerbread house. These gestures have meant so much to our staff, and on their behalf, I would like to express our sincere thanks.
Thank you to all families for your ongoing support and partnership. It is a privilege to work with your young people and share in their growth, challenges, and successes.
A special thank you to our Governing Council Chair, Martin Crabb, and council members for their dedication and commitment. Your support plays a significant role in the continued improvement and success of our school.
Finally, to our extraordinary staff, thank you for your hard work, dedication, and for consistently living our values of Unity, Passion and Accountability. You make Modbury High School the vibrant and supportive community it is.
Wishing everyone a wonderful holiday break, a very Merry Christmas to those who celebrate, and a safe and Happy New Year. We look forward to welcoming our families back for a fantastic 2026.
Warm regards,
Ms Joanne Costa
Principal
Week 6 saw a new round of inspiring barista’s trained onsite. They used the Purruna Kuu Cafe, as well as a machine from the trainer, to make staff much needed free coffee to help get through the end of year events and final push. The students will be able to use their new skills to volunteer making coffees for parents and guests at events as well as staff at recess, not to mention the job prospects it opens for them!
In Week 7, while most of their peers had completed studies for the year, a dedicated group of Year 10–12 students undertook the full week Tailored Learning Events and Operations Business Cluster course. Over five intensive days, these students gained hands-on experience and valuable Stage 2 SACE credits.
Throughout the week, participants explored the fundamentals of business structures, employment management, and the keys to delivering outstanding customer experiences during events. Students engaged enthusiastically in both theory and practical components, working together to design, plan and prepare for our culminating end-of-course Christmas Spirit lunch event.
Friday’s grand finale saw the students’ months of preparation come to life. The lunch event featured a vibrant mini art display showcasing each student’s decorated Christmas house and tables brimming with delicious Christmas treats. The spirit of celebration was heightened by the arrival of paella and fairy floss vendors, adding festive flair and delicious variety for all in attendance.
All staff and students were invited to participate and enjoy the festivities at no cost. The energy, creativity and commitment from our Tailored Learning cohort was evident throughout the week and especially during the event.
Special mention goes to our Principal Ms Costa, who delighted in the fairy floss and shared that it brought back precious childhood memories of the Cyprus Fair.
Congratulations to all students involved! Your hard work, professionalism and teamwork not only created a memorable experience for the whole school community, but also demonstrated the real-world value of Tailored Learning and practical business education.
Ms Lauren Freeth
Tailored Learning Leader
On Thursday 27 November we had the absolute joy of celebrating the Class of 2025 at our annual year 12 Graduation Celebration. With more than 500 students, families and staff gathering in the gym and the oval, the evening was a fantastic way to recognise thirteen years of schooling and the hard work our graduates have put in to reach this milestone. Seeing our year 12s in their gowns and sashes, walking the stage and then filling the grandstand for the cap toss, was a real highlight and a moment many of us won’t forget.
Following the formalities, guests moved outside to enjoy food, music and photos. A huge thank you to Adelaide Woodfired Pizzas and Adelaide Paella Bar for keeping everyone well fed, and to PK Cafe for coffees and the Modbury High School crew for music, photography and the grazing table. The light-up XL Letters made for some great photo backdrops and helped create a special atmosphere for students and families to celebrate together.
Events of this scale don’t happen without a village. Thank you to our incredible staff and student volunteers who helped with everything from set-up and serving food to running check-in, supervising, and packing up at the end of the night. A big ‘shout out’ must also go to our Information Technology team, whose work behind the scenes and technical support ensured the night ran smoothly from start to finish.
Most importantly, congratulations to our year 12 graduates. We are incredibly proud of the way you have led the school this year, supported one another, and finished your schooling. On behalf of the senior school team, we wish you all the very best for your next steps and look forward to hearing where your paths lead you!
Ms O'Brien-Dent
Year 11/12 Leader
Work Experience
The Adelaide Airport work experience was truly an amazing experience, as I got to work with the best of the best in their fields. They told us that we were 15 students who were chosen from more than 700 applicants. A student even came from KI, and another from Melbourne! Airport staff explained, showed and took us behind the scenes of the airport like hangar, landing strip, cockpit and even got us close to a jet engine. From the second day we were divided into 5 groups of 3 people and my group studied about “Corporate” which is marketing about Adelaide Airport and how staff make it better and greater. It was really interesting and fun to learn how they advertise the airport to make a positive impact and to make it to be the best one not to only Australians, but to people from all over the world.
We believe in a culture of achievement in a respectful and rigorous learning environment
