Monday 26th May - Brainstorm Production Yr 7/8
Reconciliation Week
Wednesday 28th May - Year 10 Immunisation
Monday 2nd June - Yr 7/8 SVC Meeting
Thursday 5th June - Yr 9/10 & 11/12 SVC Meeting
Monday 9th June - Public Holiday
Welcome to the first newsletter for Term 2. We’ve had a strong and purposeful start to the term, with staff and students engaging in a range of enriching learning experiences and events
Student Free Day
Our recent Student Free Day was a great success. In the first session, we revisited the concept of metacognition, aiming to consolidate our learning from 2025 and to support new staff in understanding how metacognitive strategies can enhance student learning.
Sessions two and three were led by our Curriculum Leaders and focused on exploring the South Australian Curriculum. Teachers were invited to consider the connections between our school’s Pedagogical Framework, the SA Curriculum—particularly the learner dispositions identified within each learning area—and how these elements support our school priority of developing effective learners through a culture of learner agency and wellbeing. For example, in Mathematics, where resilience is identified as a key learner disposition, teachers were asked to reflect on how fostering resilience supports the development of effective learners, and to consider what types of learning experiences might promote this disposition in students.
Culturally Responsive Actions
Earlier this month talented artist, Scott from Rusted Tin – Contemporary Aboriginal Arts worked with our students to create a beautiful mural on our Year 7 stairs which gave the building some beautiful colour and brought our school values of United, Passionate, and Accountability to life. Below is an article with more information. Thank you so much to Scott for bringing the piece to life and thank you to the students who worked closely with him.
Student-Teacher Interviews
Student-Teacher Interviews were held on Thursday, 15 May. Staff reported overwhelmingly positive interactions with families, many of whom expressed appreciation and support.
Leah Schultz (Social Worker) and Ben Kha (Behaviour Coach) facilitated parent workshops focused on mental health and behaviour support. Although attendance was modest, feedback was very positive, with parents expressing gratitude for the opportunity and valuing the content of the sessions.
In total, over 1,400 interview bookings were recorded, with many teachers also meeting with families who had not pre-booked.
We extend our sincere thanks to all parents and carers who took time from their busy schedules to engage in these conversations and support their children’s learning.
Cyber Safety Workshops
Mr Yeend, Assistant Principal for Years 7 and 8, organised a cyber safety workshop for families titled “Think U Know”. Held on Thursday evening, the session was delivered by a representative from the Australian Federal Police in partnership with Datacom.
The workshop was highly informative and offered valuable advice to parents on how best to support their children in navigating social media, online gaming, and maintaining safety on digital platforms.
Generations in Jazz Competition
Over the weekend of Friday, 2 May, our Music students travelled to Mount Gambier to participate in the Generations in Jazz competition. The students performed to the best of their abilities and represented Modbury with pride.
A heartfelt thank you to Ms Mawson and Ms Warrick for their exceptional work with the students and for generously giving up their weekend to support them at the event.
Pedal Prix
On Saturday, our Pedal Prix students took part in the Tailem Bend racing competition. Their talent and team spirit were on full display, and they represented the school admirably.
Thank you to all the parents who attended and supported their children throughout the event. We also express our appreciation to Fast Cats Racing for their ongoing support.
Special thanks to Mr Ferguson and Mr Richards for supervising students on the day, and a very big thank you to Jess Hanlin for her outstanding organisation and planning—this event would not have been possible without her dedicated efforts.
Modbury is celebrating their 60th Anniversary
Join us as we celebrate 60 wonderful years of our Modbury High School! On Saturday, 13th September, reconnect with old friends, revisit cherished memories, and take a guided tour of the school.
If you would like to celebrate with us follow the link for more information and to purchase tickets
Ms Joanne Costa
Principal
“Australian female students are only half as likely as their male counterparts to aspire to a career in STEM, highlighting a critical gender gap that must be addressed to build a more inclusive and innovative future. Encouraging creativity is emerging as a potential solution to counteract negative attitudes towards STEM, helping girls build the confidence needed to challenge stereotypes in these fields.”
Over the last few weeks, UniSA has hosted their annual STEM Girls Academy program to several schools across Adelaide, including Modbury High School in 2025. Three of our year 10 students (pictured) attended the workshops, hearing from industry experts who spoke about their careers and introduced real-world problems into the classroom, focusing on the altruistic aspects of STEM to make it more meaningful and relatable for female students.
Students from different schools and year levels collaborated in mixed groups, developing creative solutions to these challenges. Our students had the opportunity to not only test their critical and creative thinking skills, but also boost their creative confidence. They were reminded that confidence is crucial for transforming their potential into tangible creative performance within STEM.
Well done girls!
Ms Sara Scholz
Science and Biology Teacher
This term, Ms Lowe’s Year 9 HASS classes have embarked on an immersive journey into the First World War. As part of their study of the war, students explored life on the Western Front through a hands-on sensory experience designed to deepen their understanding of trench warfare.
Students were invited to step into the boots of a WWI soldier, at least for a moment. With the sounds of distant artillery fire and trench warfare echoing in the background, students sat together and shared a simple meal reminiscent of what soldiers might have eaten during the war—staples like bread and jam, canned ‘bully beef,’ homemade ANZAC biscuits, and a traditional tea brew.
While enjoying the food, students engaged in discussions about the harsh living conditions soldiers faced, from the muddy, rat-infested trenches to the emotional and physical toll of daily life on the front lines. Students reflected the ideas of courage and endurance, on the emotional strain of trench life, the bonds formed between soldiers, and the resilience required to survive one of history’s most brutal conflicts.
Many students remarked on how the experience gave them a new appreciation for the sacrifices made during the war and brought their learning to life in a powerful way that expanded their ability to empathise, understand others’ perspectives, and make connections to the past.
Well done to the Year 9s for their engagement and curiosity during the simulated experience!
Ms Simone Lowe
Humanities Teacher | 804 HG Teacher
On Monday May 12th, our Year 11 students participated in the Metropolitan Fire Service’s Road Awareness Program (RAP), a powerful and emotional presentation designed to help young people become safer road users.
Before the presentation, just 44% of students described themselves as responsible road users, while 56% admitted to being risk-takers. But after hearing real-life stories from emergency service personnel and survivors of road trauma, 100% of students said they now choose to be responsible on the road and committed to adopting safer behaviours going forward.
Student feedback made it clear just how much of an impact the presentation had:
“This was a huge reality check about how serious it is to be safe on the roads.”
“Listening to this made me realise that I do have to listen to what my mum tells me to do when driving, because there is a reason.”
“I’ve never met anyone who had been in a road accident before so I thought of it as someone else’s problem, but through this program I have realised that road accidents can happen to anyone.”
“The personal stories and real-life examples show it can happen to anyone.”
This eye-opening session was a vital part of preparing our students for the responsibility that comes with driving. We’re grateful to the MFS for their work in helping our young people stay safe and we look forward to welcoming them back next year.
Ms Maddie O'Brien-Dent
Year 11/12 Leader
This month, some of our students collaborated with Rusted Tin - Contemporary Aboriginal Arts to bring our values of United, Passionate, and Accountability to life. Scott then turned this vision into reality by creating a stunning mural for the Year 7 stairs. A beautiful reminder of what we stand for!
"Green representing earth, the foundation and stability. Represents the school as a place where students can feel grounded and safe. Earth is the base on which connections grow. It's the routines, the values, the trusted adults and friends that help students feel they belong.
Blue representing water, the growth and adaptability, symbolising learning, emotional flow, and support. Water helps things grow just as relationships and learning do. When students feel supported and free to express themselves, their sense of belonging deepens.
Orange representing fire, the passion and transformation, standing for the energy of creativity, identity, and feeling seen and heard. Fire is the spirit of each student’s voice and the warmth of community. It can light the way for others and fuel change when things need to shift.
Connection and Belonging is the space where these elements meet. When earth holds us, water nurtures us, and fire energises us, we feel a deep connection to self, to others, and to place. At school, this looks like friendships, inclusion, respect, and shared purpose."
We cannot thank Rusted Tin - Contemporary Aboriginal Arts enough for the amazing work he did.
The Tailem Bend 6-Hour Endurance Race kicked off at The Bend Motorsport Park under wet and windy skies, setting the stage for a challenging day of competition. Riders and pit crews braved the elements from the start, with teams even resorting to drilling holes in windscreens to improve visibility on the rain-slicked track. A huge thank you to Fast Cats Racing for your continued support throughout the season!
Despite the tough conditions, all teams pushed through with determination and skilful riding. This round also saw an exciting increase in parent participation, with more parents joining the FCR (Fast Cats Racing) community club who support Modbury High School’s Pedal Prix program — a welcome boost in both spirit and support.
One of the day’s most dramatic moments came at the finish line: team Cheetah narrowly missed out on a podium finish, falling just 10 seconds short of third place after six gruelling hours of racing.
Congratulations and thanks to all Modbury High School and FCR teams for their incredible efforts and sportsmanship. The endurance and teamwork on display were nothing short of inspiring!
Bring on our next race at Victoria Park on Sunday, June 15th. Be sure to come and check out the race if you’re in the area.
On Thursday 6 June (Week 6), our Year 12 SVC are hosting Modbury High School’s first ever Year 12 Soup and Sleep Out, an overnight event to raise awareness about homelessness and food insecurity.
The event includes a soup dinner, outdoor sleep-out, and team-led activities to help students better understand the reality of sleeping rough.
In the lead-up, we’re also running a lunchtime soup fundraiser open to all students and staff on Thursday June 5th (Week 6). For just $3 a cup (bread roll included!), you’ll get to choose from a range of delicious soups, with options that are gluten-free (coeliac friendly), dairy-free, vegan and halal. Make sure you get in before we sell out!
To wrap up the experience, we’ll be holding a whole school casual day on Friday 6th June (Week 6). This is for a gold coin donation to support the cause.
All funds raised will go toward our $2000 goal. So far, the SVC team have done an awesome job, raising $1407.
Want to help out or donate directly?
Visit: https://soupandsleep.org.au/t/modbury-high-school
We’re proud of our Year 12s for leading such a meaningful event and grateful for the support from our community!
For any questions or more information please contact Ms. O’Brien-Dent on 08 8264 1955 or at madelin.obriendent779@schools.sa.edu.au.
Ms Maddie O'Brien-Dent
Year 11/12 Leader
Last year, Grace was selected through a competitive audition process to participate in a production by BLOOM, an initiative associated with the Fringe festival that showcases emerging young musical talent. The production featured Grace's entirely original work, including both composition and lyrics, demonstrating her creative abilities.
Grace worked and practiced at Thebarton college for all of last term performing for three consecutive nights on the last weekend of the Fringe Festival, and several teachers from the school were able to attend and witness her performance. We would like to take the opportunity to congratulate Grace on this fantastic achievement.
For Stage 1 EIF, students do a personal project or 'action' connecting to something important for them as one of their major assessments. 3 Year 10 EIF students, Sam, Elisha and Alyssa, have put in a phenomenal effort baking delicious treats and planning out some cold drinks to sell - this aligns with their passions in baking, hospitality, and supporting a great cause with all money raised going to Beyond Blue. Students can go along and support them outside Home Ec on Monday Wk 5 - 26th May at lunch time - cash and card available.
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