Dear Parents and Caregivers,
Over the last three weeks, students under the expert guidance of their teachers, have continued to engage enthusiastically in their learning and have been working diligently to complete their assessment tasks.
Soup and Sleep Event
On Thursday 4 June, our Year 12 students, under the leadership of Ms O'Brien-Dent, organised the second annual Soup and Sleep Event. Despite the cold and wet weather, students bravely spent the night outdoors while also running a number of fundraising activities to support people experiencing homelessness. Not only did they raise an impressive $6,000, but the event also helped increase awareness of homelessness and food insecurity within our community.
Congratulations to all the students who participated and to Ms Maddie O'Brien-Dent for her outstanding planning and organisation. Thank you also to the many staff members who supported the event by supervising on the night or preparing delicious soups for our students to enjoy.
Virtual War Memorial Excellence Awards
On Wednesday 10 June, I had the pleasure of attending the annual Virtual War Memorial Excellence Awards. These awards recognise outstanding biographies researched and written by students.
It was a proud moment to see two of our students, Sienna Hutchison and Prithvi Patel, receive Excellence Awards for their biographies. I was also delighted to see Gargee Vyas, last year's award recipient, invited to share her reflections on the learning she gained from the project and the connection she developed with the soldier she researched.
One of Gargee's comments particularly resonated with me. She said, "I have completed many assignments over the years that I can no longer remember, but I remember many things about Soldier Day." Her words highlight the power of meaningful learning experiences and the lasting impact they can have on our students.
Semester 1 Music Concert
Following the Virtual War Memorial presentation, I had the pleasure of attending our Semester 1 Music Concert. It was wonderful to see so many students performing and showcasing the skills and knowledge they have developed throughout the semester. The confidence, dedication, and talent on display were truly impressive.
Congratulations to Ms Kate Mawson for her passionate leadership of the Music program, and to Music teachers Ms Chloe Warrick and Ms Anne Matthews for all they do each day to inspire a love of music in our students and encourage them to aim high.
Listening Labs
We recently held our second Listening Lab evening with a group of interested parents. During this session, parents worked together to analyse the feedback gathered from all Listening Lab groups including teachers, SSOs, parents, and students. Together, they identified three possible priorities that could guide our work over the next three years.
Next week, staff will undertake the same process during our Monday meeting. Members of the leadership team will also work with students to analyse the data and identify their priorities. Once all groups have completed the process, we will compare the results, identify the common themes, and determine the key priorities that will shape our strategic direction over the coming years.The work does not stop there. Once our priorities have been identified, we will work collaboratively to determine the actions required to bring them to life.
We would love to see more parents involved in this important work. If you are interested in joining the parent group, please keep an eye out for the EdSmart communication regarding our next meeting.
Learning Expedition
This year's Learning Expedition is well underway, with Ms Kate Thomas and the Humanities faculty working passionately with our Year 7 students to deepen their understanding of democracy and Australia's electoral process.
This year's guiding question is:
"Are we active citizens, or are we simply waiting our turn?"
Earlier this week, students visited Tea Tree Gully Plaza and interviewed local community members about the issues that matter most to them. They will use the information gathered to develop their own political campaigns, which they will present to parents and invited guests during Election Day on Wednesday 22 July.
This authentic learning experience provides students with a valuable opportunity to develop their understanding of citizenship, civic participation, and the democratic process while strengthening their research, communication, and critical thinking skills.
Year 9 Drama Performance
I was disappointed to miss the Year 9 Drama Performance on Thursday 11 June, as I was required to attend a workshop focused on wellbeing. However, I was fortunate to see a number of students rehearsing the day before. Their enthusiasm was evident in the way they spoke about their upcoming performance and the excitement they had for sharing their work with an audience. It was wonderful to see their passion and commitment, and I have no doubt they delivered an outstanding performance. Congratulations to all of the students involved, and thank you to the Drama staff for supporting them to develop their confidence, creativity, and performance skills.
Thank you, as always, for your ongoing support of our school and our students' learning.
Ms Joanne Costa
Principal
Today, the first half of our Year 7 cohort (701, 702 and 703) headed out on their fieldwork excursion to Tea Tree Plaza as part of their 2026 Election Day Learning Expedition.
This year’s Learning Expedition asks students the big question: Are we active Citizens… or just waiting our turn? Throughout the term, students have been learning about Australian democracy, local issues, political campaigns, and the power young people have to create change in their communities.
As part of today’s fieldwork, students worked in their Election Day campaign groups to collect data about the issues that matter most to the Tea Tree Gully community. Students interviewed community members, and gathered ideas that will help shape their own political campaigns ahead of our major Election Day event on July 22.
We are incredibly excited that our Election Day will once again involve real political and community leaders, including Olivia Savvas MP, Tony Zappia MP, and Lucy Hood MP, Minister for Education. Students will present their campaign ideas and participate in a full preferential voting election experience as they explore what it truly means to be civically active citizens. An invitation to attend is open to all Year 7 Parents/Carers so if you haven’t RSVPed yet, make sure you do!
Our students represented Modbury High School brilliantly today. They showed confidence in their public speaking, demonstrated impeccable manners, and engaged respectfully with members of the public throughout the excursion. Teachers even received a wonderful compliment from a local community member who praised the students’ confidence, passion, and maturity while discussing issues affecting their community.
A huge congratulations to all students involved today.
704, 705 and 707 will head to Tea Tree Plaza this Friday for their fieldwork excursion, so if you are around the centre then, keep an eye out for our future leaders in action!
Ms Cait Thomas
Humanities Coordinator | English and Humanities Teacher | 703 HG Teacher (ITEP)
Multiple Junior staff member required for Long Shot Café Modbury Hospital.
Monday – Friday 4pm-7.30pm
Please email Nikki.clavell@whsmith.com.au with a copy of your resume and availability
Whole School Community Project
This term, Modbury High School is running a whole school charity drive, providing a wonderful opportunity for our students to put our school values into action and support members of our wider community.
Each year level will be collecting donations for a different charity (please see the images for details). Our SVC students are leading this initiative and will be coordinating the promotion and collection of items for their respective year levels.
We encourage students, families, and members of our school community to contribute any donations they can. Donations are requested by the end of Week 8, although items will still be gratefully accepted during Week 9.
Thank you for supporting this important community project and helping make a positive difference in the lives of others.
Swati Phatak, Kruz Wilson, one of our year 11 student, and I, Marisa Hammer, attended the National Reconciliation Week breakfast and it was a highly privileged experience. Gathering alongside more than 3,000 like-minded individuals, the atmosphere was powerfully emotional and charged with deep significance. There was a deep sense of pride in our collective identity, a profound sorrow for lost histories, and an enduring hope for a future built together in unity and respect.
The morning commenced with a respectful smoking ceremony outdoors, setting a reflective tone for the event. Attendees gradually entered the venue, taking their seats with a sense of anticipation. The proceedings were expertly guided by Shelley Ware, who served as MC and contributed to the warmth and engagement throughout the morning.
One of the keynote addresses was delivered by Eddie Betts, whose presence and words offered invaluable insight, inspiration, and a timely reminder of the importance of reconciliation within our community. Contributions from Aunty Ros Cameron Stolen Generations survivor, educator, and author offered profound reflection on her story and legacy, deeply reinforcing the morning’s themes of unity and reconciliation.
The event was further enriched by outstanding artistic performances, including Nathan May with the Adelaide Baroque String Quartet and a moving performance by Casey Donovan. These artists added to the emotional impact, elevating the focus on pride, reflection, and hope.
Overall, the event left a lasting impression by highlighting pride in identity, reflection on the past, and hope for a united future. It was a meaningful and memorable occasion for all who attended.
Marisa Hammer
ASETO
Our Year 12 Student Voice Council team, along with several staff members, braved the weather and slept outside last night for our second MHS Soup and Sleep event, raising funds and awareness for homelessness and food insecurity in support of the charity Food on the Table.
We are incredibly proud of what our students have achieved this year. Our School Captains, Krishea and Rylen, led the SVC team with enthusiasm, initiative and a can-do attitude. Together, they raised $6,824.91 and, more importantly, helped educate our school community through a casual day, raffle, impressive bake sale and a staff vs SVC basketball game.
Students enjoyed a soup dinner and an evening of activities, including a fun quiz that sparked meaningful conversations about homelessness and food insecurity. It was fantastic to see everyone learning more about these important issues.
This event would not have been possible without the support of our students, staff, families and wider community. A huge thank you to everyone who:
Donated money, purchased baked goods, participated in the casual day or bought raffle tickets
Cooked soup
Cooked the BBQ
Donated rolls and butter
Helped set up, pack up, photograph the event or stayed overnight
A special thank you also goes to our local sponsors who generously donated raffle prizes. Every dollar raised through the raffle has been donated directly to the charity:
Kmart Tea Tree Plaza
Grill'd Modbury
Lone Star Rib House Golden Grove
Timezone
Hidden Pig Pizza
Hoyts
Finally, to the students and staff who braved the cold and put in the hard work to make the event such a success, thank you!
Bring on 2027! After raising more than $6,800 this year, we're already setting our sights higher. Word on the street is that if we can crack $10,000 next time, Ms Costa might finally join the students and sleep out too... we'll hold her to it 
.
Kind regards,
Maddie O'Brien-Dent
Ms Maddie O'Brien-Dent
Year 11/12 Leader
Modbury High School is proud and excited to officially introduce you to Senior Clinical Psychologist, Kerry Jones-Kuys, who is commencing the School Mental Health Practitioner (0.5FTE) role from Term 2, 2026. As part of the Department for Education’s School Mental Health Service (SMHS), Kerry is part of a broader, multi-disciplinary team which also includes Occupational Therapists, Social Workers and Aboriginal Cultural Advisors.
Kerry comes with over 15 years of professional experience working within child and adolescent mental health (from primary through to tertiary mental health care), including over a decade supporting young people and their families within Child & Adolescent Mental Health Services, including as part of a statewide Adolescent Outreach Service. She brings a level of skill and expertise that will both align with and positively support, the wellbeing and mental health outcomes for Modbury High School students and the broader school community.
A note from Kerry:
I’m genuinely looking forward to supporting the Modbury High School community, complimenting the amazing work the wellbeing team and broader school community are already doing. I’m passionate about the work that I do and offer evidence-based, trauma-informed, neuro-affirming support through strengths and resilience-based approaches, in collaboration with family, relevant professionals and school staff. In my spare time, as a busy mum you’ll find me soaking up precious time with my family, often cheering at basketball courts, keeping fit at the gym, hiking, gardening and enjoying plenty of dog walks.
On Wednesday, May 27, our staff came together for Cancer Council’s Biggest Morning Tea. We were delighted by a delicious spread generously donated by the Dreamers Youth Organisation. Their support not only made the day extra special, but also allowed even more donations to go directly to Cancer Council’s vital work. Thank you to everyone who participated and contributed to this important cause!
Vaping and nicotine use are becoming increasingly visible in the lives of young people, with many children exposed to it well before adolescence through social media, advertising, gaming culture and peer conversations. What can often begin as curiosity or experimentation may quickly develop into nicotine dependence due to the highly addictive nature of these products.
Many young people are unaware of the impact nicotine can have on brain development, emotional regulation, concentration and overall wellbeing. For families, early and ongoing conversations can play an important role in helping children and teens build critical thinking skills, resist social pressures and make informed choices.
This edition of SchoolTV explores nicotine addiction, the risks associated with vaping and practical ways to support young people through this growing challenge.
Here is the link to this topic http://modburyhs.sa.schooltv.me/newsletter/nicotine-addiction-au
Tailem Bend 6 Hour Race – 2.8kms
Despite cold and windy weather, our teams had a fantastic day out racing!
Pink Panther powered through with a strong finish, securing 3rd place in their sub-category after a determined final stint against Murray Bridge High School, completing 58 laps. The trike performed superbly, and the teamwork and spirit of our all-girls squad was truly impressive and applauded. Well done, team!
Cheetah finished 15th in the S3 category, with five riders achieving 75 laps. Building on success from Mt Gambier, Liam H stepped up as team captain, expertly coordinating rider order and pit crew expectations. Liam N did a great job as vice captain, keeping everyone on track. The team supported each other throughout, with Liam H kicking things off with an excellent first ride to finish the opening stint in 7th place.
Puma team showed great improvement in their second race, finishing 32nd in category and 142nd overall out of 167 teams. Pit changes were quicker, averaging 2:25.
Lynx riders managed consistent laps between 5–5:30 minutes, with some under 5 minutes and finished 9th in category. Special thanks to Callum and Felix for their support with timing and rider swaps. The whole Lynx team was impressive—always ready, supportive, polite, and exhibiting great team spirit.
Huge thank you to Tony White for capturing fantastic photos, to Fast Cats Racing for your continued support, and to Ben and Print Lord for supplying amazing stickers that made our trikes truly stand out!
Onwards to our next race at Victoria Park – let’s keep the momentum going!
We believe in a culture of achievement in a respectful and rigorous learning environment
