As we come to the end of the term, I would like to take a moment to reflect on what has been a busy and rewarding period for our school community. This term has been filled with a wide range of activities and rich learning experiences. It has been wonderful to see both students and staff working together with such high levels of engagement, truly living our school values of being united and passionate.
In the last three weeks since our previous newsletter, students have participated in a number of excursions designed to consolidate and extend their learning. These experiences have provided valuable opportunities for students to connect classroom learning with real-world contexts.
We are also incredibly proud of our students’ achievement at the Vista Athletics Carnival, where they demonstrated outstanding teamwork, sportsmanship, and determination, finishing as overall winners. This is a fantastic accomplishment and a testament to their commitment and school spirit.
Following the success of the expedition program led by our HASS Coordinator in 2025, a group of teachers recently participated in professional learning focused on running effective expeditions. This training, facilitated by Cait Thomas with the support of Emily Brenen and Jordan Cetta, will enable us to expand our expedition offerings. Our goal is to further engage students in meaningful learning experiences and support them in becoming confident, capable, and effective learners.
Over the past six weeks, we have also been conducting a series of listening labs to gather feedback from a range of stakeholders. This important work will help inform the development of our school’s priorities over the next three to five years. An invitation has been sent to all parents to attend a listening lab on Wednesday of Week 2, Term 2. I look forward to working closely with our parent community and hearing their valuable insights.
Thank you to our students, staff, and families for your ongoing support and contribution to our school. I wish everyone a safe and restful break and look forward to another exciting term ahead.
Ms Joanne Costa
Principal
In Week 8, our Year 9 students had the exciting opportunity to participate in a two-day Outdoor Education aquatic camp at Port Noarlunga. This engaging camp experience not only introduced students to the challenges and rewards of outdoor activities but also offered a taste of Outdoor Education—a new subject that students can elect from Year 10 beginning in 2027.
Students set up camp at Moana Caravan Park on Monday evening, working together to pitch their own tents and prepare meals using Trangia’s. These hands-on tasks encouraged independence, teamwork, and resilience outside of the classroom environment. Each student demonstrated commitment and adaptability while embracing the great outdoors.
Aquatic activities formed a core part of the camp, allowing students to develop new skills and strengthen friendships in a picturesque coastal setting. We commend all students for their positive attitude and thank our staff for their dedication in making this inaugural camp such a success.
We look forward to welcoming many more students into the Outdoor Education program in 2027!
Mr Rob Yeend
Assistant Principal 11/12
The Pedal Prix season has kicked off for Modbury High School, with 20 students representing the school in the opening race of the year in Mount Gambier. While several riders were unavailable due to basketball finals and other commitments, it was fantastic to still see such strong participation. With more than 20 additional students looking to compete in upcoming races, the team is looking forward to a big season ahead.
The Mount Gambier race at McNamara Park took place on a 2.4km motorcycle racing circuit. We had rain, sun and a whole lot of fun during this 8-hour race! Some of our students had the joy of racing against their parents in our supportive Fast Cats Racing club and yes, it always gets competitive!
This year in Mount Gambier, Modbury High fielded three teams: Cheetah, Pink Panther and Puma.
It was fantastic to see the enthusiasm from both students and parents at the start of the season. All three trikes looked fantastic on race day. A huge thank you to Ben from Print Lord for providing the new stickers — they looked amazing, particularly when the sunlight caught the Cheetah trike.
Our Team Managers were outstanding and provided excellent support for the riders across the day. A big thank you also goes to the many people who helped behind the scenes — from catering and race timing, to preparing the school trikes before the event. A race weekend takes a large team effort, and the support from our school and Fast Cats Racing community is greatly appreciated.
Team Cheetah worked well together throughout the race and identified some improvements to communication they hope to implement in future events. Impressively, the team avoided any crashes, with riders keen to protect the new Cheetah print on their trike! The team completed 114 laps, finishing 11th in category and 43rd overall. The fastest lap was 3:27, set by Liam H.
Team Pink Panther featured a fresh mix of students with a wide range of abilities and showed strong teamwork throughout the race. The team experienced one rollover but there were no injuries, just a massive grin! Pink Panther completed 68 laps, finishing 18th in category, 4th in sub-category and 93rd overall. The fastest lap was 5:09, recorded by Kaitlyn S.
Team Puma also performed strongly, particularly with so many riders new to Pedal Prix. Their enthusiasm and excitement were fantastic to see and will no doubt continue to grow throughout the season. The team completed 77 laps, finishing 13th in category and 87th overall. The fastest lap was 3:56, set by Jonathan S.
Overall, it was a fantastic and enjoyable start to the season for Modbury High School’s Pedal Prix teams. We look forward to seeing the riders continue to develop their skills, teamwork and endurance as the season progresses.
Photo credit: Tony White
Our Year 12 Modern History students recently travelled into the city to deepen their learning about the effects of the rise of Nazi Germany through a powerful, real-world experience.
The focus of the day was on survivor stories and resistance movements, allowing students to move beyond textbooks and engage with the human experiences behind the history. A highlight was hearing from Andrew Steiner OAM-a Holocaust survivor, founder of the centre, accomplished artist and sculptor, and human rights advocate-whose firsthand account brought incredible depth and meaning to their studies.
Students approached the experience with maturity, empathy, and respect. They reflected thoughtfully, asked insightful questions, and demonstrated a genuine openness to understanding complex and confronting histories.
Importantly, this experience also encouraged students to think about their role as active and informed citizens. Through learning about the past, they were challenged to consider how we can all show compassion, stand up for others, and recognise that we can all make a difference.
Myself and Ms Thomas were incredibly proud of the way our students engaged with this experience-they were a true credit to our school.
Mrs Emily Brenen
Humanities Teacher
On Friday March 20, our Year 12s celebrated their senior formal at the beautiful Ayers House. This event marked their journey over the past 13 years of schooling and the young adults they have become.
The Formal Committee are to be commended for their vision and teamwork in bringing the theme “A Masquerade in Paris” to life. A huge thank you to Carol Benton, a long-time supporter of MHS events and parent of one of our key committee members, for her support, guidance, and work on decorations and set up. Thank you also to Mrs Woolford, who worked alongside committee members and parents on the day to set up the event.
Terriann, you captured the event beautifully. Our students are so lucky to have your expertise and generosity in photographing these memories.
Thank you to Ms Thomas for once again delivering an amazing lolly buffet that perfectly matched the theme, and to Matt, Ayleen, Kahlan, and all Year 12 students and MHS staff who supported fundraising efforts. Your contributions allowed us to add so many special touches to this year’s formal.
To Modbury High School staff, thank you for your ongoing support of this event each year, and for staying behind to ensure pack down was smooth and efficient. These events don’t happen without you!
Finally, thank you to Michelle and Max in Finance for the significant work behind the scenes to make events like this possible. Your support, particularly in navigating the new EdSmart payment system and ensuring vendors are paid promptly, is greatly appreciated.
On behalf of the 2026 Formal Committee,
Yours proudly,
Ms Maddie O'Brien-Dent
Year 11/12 level Leader
Students watching the launch of Artemis 2 on Thursday 2 April at 9:05am. The first crewed mission to the moon in over 50 years.
Please click here to download the calendar for Term 3
Game On
Hit play on your gaming these school holidays, com along and play PC games Fortnight, Rocket League and Minecraft. We’ll also have Nintendo Switch, PS5, one-shot D&D and board games. In collaboration with Youth Empower Mentor, DadLAN and Talk Out Loud.
For ages 15+ | Cost $5 | Monday 20 April 4:30pm – 7:30pm | Located at Harpers Field Community Hub | Bookings Essential
Artefact lesson with Trent Hill
Join us in a special educational event as Trent Hill (Indigenous storyteller, educator and guide), shares Aboriginal artefacts with children. For ages 5+ | Free | Tuesday 14 April, 10am – 11am | Location Tea Tree Gully Library | Bookings Essential
Learner drivers permit – support before the test
Do you have trouble learning from books? This hands-on course might be just what you are looking for. For ages 5+ | Free | Tuesday 14 April, 10am – 11am | Location Tea Tree Gully Library | Bookings Essential
Paint a canvas purse
Tap into your creative side and create your own colourful PVC clutch purse. For ages 5+ | Free | Tuesday 14 April, 10am – 11am | Location Tea Tree Gully Library | Bookings Essential
Aerosol art workshop
Come and experiment with some basic spray paint skills focusing mostly on stenciled aerosol techniques with artist Jimmy Dodd. For ages 12+ | Tuesday 16 April, 2pm to 5pm | Location Gallery 1855 | Bookings Essential
We believe in a culture of achievement in a respectful and rigorous learning environment
