Dear Parents and Caregivers,
Welcome back to the final term of the year! It’s hard to believe we have only six weeks remaining before we farewell 2025. The year has certainly flown by, and the start of Term 4 has been exciting and full of activity.
Achievement Assembly
We began the term with our Whole School Achievement Assembly, where we celebrated students who excelled in their studies during Term 3. Over 100 students received either an Academic Excellence or Commitment to Achieve award. Congratulations to all our award recipients. Their hard work, perseverance, and passion for learning are truly inspiring.
Year 12 News
After five years of high school, it was time for our Year 12 students to say farewell and celebrate the completion of their journey at Modbury High School.
In Week 2, under the guidance of Ms O’Brien-Dent and Mrs Woolford, students enjoyed a week of special activities — including dressing up as their favourite teacher and taking part in a lively scavenger hunt filled with fun challenges and friendly competition.
The celebrations continued in Week 3 with a delicious pancake breakfast prepared by staff, much to the delight of the students.
The highlight of the week was the Valedictory Assembly, where more than 120 students were recognised for their achievements and each graduating student received their certificate. As the Class of 2025 exited the hall, the room erupted in cheers, applause, and a few tears of joy. The morning tea that followed provided a lovely opportunity for parents, families, and teachers to reminisce and celebrate together.
Visit by the Governor of South Australia
On Thursday, 29 October, we were honoured to welcome the Governor of South Australia to Modbury High School. A select group of students, including representatives from our Student Voice Council (SVC) Executive, had the privilege of engaging in thoughtful conversation with the Governor. Students asked insightful questions and gained valuable knowledge from the Governor’s leadership and experience. It was a memorable visit that highlighted the strength of student voice and leadership within our school community.
Music Night
Following the Valedictory Assembly, our talented Music students held their Music Night Performance on the evening of Tuesday, 29 October. It was a wonderful event showcasing a variety of performances by students both individually and in groups. Families and friends thoroughly enjoyed an evening of entertainment that celebrated the students’ creativity and dedication.
Quiz Night
On Saturday, 2 November, the Basketball Committee hosted a highly successful Quiz Night to raise funds to reduce travel costs for students. The event was very well attended, with approximately 350 people participating, and an impressive $16,000 was raised. Congratulations and thank you to the committee and all who supported this fantastic community event.
Planning Day for 2026
On Tuesday, 6 November, the Executive Team dedicated the day to planning for the start of the 2026 school year. The team reflected on what is currently working well, identified areas for improvement, and considered adjustments to ensure a smooth start to the year.
Key topics of discussion included behaviour management, the Learning Centre, school priorities, curriculum, and learning plans.
Student Attendance
A gentle reminder about the importance of regular attendance — there is a clear connection between consistent attendance and academic success. Students who attend school regularly not only achieve better results but also build stronger social connections and develop valuable life skills.
If your child is finding it difficult to attend school, please reach out to us. We are here to work in partnership with you to support their engagement and wellbeing.
School Uniform
As we approach the end of the school year, we have noticed an increase in the number of students not following our uniform policy. Wearing the school uniform fosters a strong sense of identity and belonging within our school community.
We appreciate your support in reminding your child of our uniform expectations and ensuring they attend school dressed appropriately.
Prize Giving Assembly
On Thursday, 27 November, we will hold our Prize Giving Assembly to acknowledge students who have excelled in their studies, sport, community service, and commitment to learning.
Invitations will be sent to parents and caregivers of award recipients by Friday, 7 November at the latest.
Student Free Day
Our final Student Free Day for 2025 will be held on Friday, 14 November. The focus for this day will be the Child Protection Curriculum.
Thank you for your continued support throughout the year. We look forward to sharing the final weeks of 2025 with our students and families and celebrating their achievements together.
Joanne Costa
Principal
Modbury High School
Farewell, Class of 2025!
Spirit Week
What a week. Modbury’s 2nd annual Spirit Week, this year our Year 12s lifted their game in the costume department! We saw childhood movie characters, and some impressive ‘dress as a teacher’ outfits, with a class of Gavini’s, a very accurate Ms Strawbridge costume, and plenty of others, noting the numerous buns and knits for the Mrs Nash costumes. Anything but a bag day is always a good laugh and brings out the creativity in the students, this year we had a wheelbarrow, birdcage, younger sibling and a baby stroller, just to name a few! Primary school throwback was great to see the Ardtornish crew bonding with their peers in their class of 2020 jumpers. Decades had some great fits, with a fabulous 80s tracksuit, and plenty of 90s clothes making a strong comeback.
Scavenger Hunt
Our first ever Senior Scavenger Hunt was a highlight of the final two weeks of school. Staff jumped in right alongside students which made for great moments of connection. There were photo challenges that had everyone laughing and some very impressive home baking that made its way into the mix (go F7!). The cakes were as big of a hit as our Deputy in a dance video and Principal taking selfies. We’re looking forward to continuing this tradition that saw improved attendance and engagement amongst the cohort!
Water Fight
The water fight finale saw teachers and students have some fun, getting drenched in good spirits, huge smiles on everyone’s faces.
Celebration Breakfast
Year 12s and their teachers enjoyed a deluxe pancake breakfast, as tradition holds, our students re-designed their uniforms into some runway-worthy works of art!
Valedictory Assembly
The Valedictory Assembly was outstanding. Our students carried themselves with maturity and warmth, and the atmosphere in the gym matched that. Some stand out performances form the music department! We congratulate all of our award winners and extend that congratulations to the entire 2025 Year 12 cohort. We wish you all the very best for your upcoming exams!
Ms Maddie O'Brien-Dent
Year 11/12 Leader
R U OK? Day Celebration: Connecting, Creating, and Caring
In Week 8 of Term 3, the Year 9 and 10 Students embraced R U OK? Day with a variety of meaningful, fun, and creative activities designed to strengthen connections and promote mental health and wellbeing. Students from across the two year levels mixed together during Monday morning extended home group to came together for a morning of engaging initiatives that encouraged empathy, creativity, and community spirit.
Year 9: Walking in Someone Else's Shoes
Our Year 9 students explored the idea of empathy and self-awareness through an artful activity called "Walk in Someone Else's Shoes." Representing both positive and negative contributors to wellbeing, they designed shoes that told powerful stories of resilience and compassion. The activity was a wonderful challenge to delve into diverse experiences and understand what others may face.
Year 10: Wellbeing Rocks for Primary Students
Year 10 students extended this community connection to our younger neighbours. Due to the thoughtful and creative work of the students, Highbury Primary School students will soon enjoy a treasure hunt of vibrant 'wellbeing rocks' hidden around their grounds. Designed as a playful check-in tool, these rocks symbolise acts of kindness, encouragement, and joy.
Letters and Treats: Reaching Out Across Generations
Students from both Year 9 and 10 wrote heartfelt letters to local communities, including Highbury Primary students and residents at Estia Health Lifestyle Village. Accompanying these letters to Estia were handmade face biscuits, a delightful creation spreading smiles to every recipient. Estia residents were deeply touched by the thoughtful gesture, with some returning the favour by writing back. This exchange created a beautiful dialogue of care and connection across generations.
Sweet Success for a Worthy Cause
Another highlight was the bake sale, where students raised funds to support the R U OK? Foundation. Delicious cupcakes and brownies made by the students were sold on Thursday, the R U OK official day, adding a sweet touch to this important initiative and raising money for a very important cause.
Sports and Social Fun
For students interested in teamwork and active engagement, sports brought additional joy to R U OK? Day. Home groups teamed up for friendly dodgeball games, bringing energy and a sense of camaraderie to the week’s celebrations.
R U OK? Day was more than a celebration—it was a reminder of the importance of connection, creativity, and caring for one another. By reaching out to peers, younger students, and senior residents in the community, the students of Modbury High demonstrated how small acts of kindness can spark big smiles and boost wellbeing. The day was a shining example of the values our school holds dear, and the positive impact was felt far beyond the classrooms and school grounds.
Thank you to all involved for making R U OK? Day a resounding success!
Lauren Freeth
Tailor Learning Leader
Pedal Prix 2025: A Strong Finish at Murray Bridge!
Murray Bridge marked the grand finale of the 2025 Pedal Prix season — and what an incredible weekend it was!
Held at Murray Bridge’s Sturt Reserve in September, the 24-hour endurance race tested our riders’ skill, stamina, and teamwork. It was also the first opportunity for Team Puma to put their new trike through its paces, and they certainly pushed it to the limit!
With solid performances and favourable weather, Pink Panther secured a consecutive 3rd place series finish, while Cheetah narrowly missed the podium, finishing 4th in the Senior School category — both outstanding achievements.
Throughout every round of the season, our riders, pit crews, and volunteers represented Modbury High School with pride, demonstrating teamwork, leadership, and resilience. This year, 49 students from Years 7–12 took part, racing alongside an enthusiastic group of parent riders through Fast Cats Racing (FCR), making Pedal Prix one of Modbury High School’s most exciting community-driven programs.
A huge thank you goes to our dedicated team managers, supportive parents, and the entire FCR community — we couldn’t have achieved such success without you.
Congratulations to all involved on an amazing 2025 season! The teamwork, sportsmanship, and determination shown by our students made Modbury High proud at every race.
Bring on 2026 — the wheels are already turning!
Empowered Leadership Conference
Wednesday 22nd October 2025
I had the privilege of accompanying six of our year 10 girls to Alberton Oval for the second session of the Empowered Leadership Conference, with a focus on women and girls in leadership. We were inspired by the Port Power AFLW leadership team, along with other women in executive positions and some of the AFLW players who spoke about their paths and overcoming obstacles to the positions they are now in. After lunch the girls had the opportunity to kick the footy and run through some footy drills on the oval with some of the AGLW players.
It was a truly inspirational experience for myself as well as our students.
Mrs Vanessa Tricker
Year 7/8 Leader
Hidden Worlds Exhibition Opening Evening
Ms Caitlin Brown, Art teacher, coordinated our participation in the multi-school exhibition. Our works look wonderful in the public gallery space. Hannah Merrett gave a great speech about our school's involvement, how the theme was interpreted by our students and the personal developmental journey undertaken to reach the final practical.
Congratulations to all of the students who had their work selected for 'Hidden Worlds'.
Ms Caitlin Brown
Art'/Design Teacher
Govenor of South Australia
We were honoured to welcome the Governor of South Australia to Modbury High School recently. A select group of our students, including representatives from the Student Voice Council (SVC) executive, spent the morning engaging with the Governor, asking thoughtful questions and learning from the Governor’s wealth of experience and leadership.
Our students found the visit truly inspiring—the opportunity to hear firsthand about the Governor’s journey and insights has sparked new ideas and ambitions across our community. Thank you to the Governor for sharing your time and wisdom with us; it was an unforgettable experience for all involved
Year 10 Australian Space Discovery Centre
Tuesday week 2 this term, Mr Agalidis, Mr Chance, Ms Scholtz and myself took my two year 10 science classes to visit the Australian Space Discovery Centre on North Terrace, Adelaide. Unfortunately, it was probably the wettest day of the year (it literally rained ALL day) but despite the weather, we had a lovely time. After walking (in the rain) up to the TTP interchange, catching a bus to the city and walking (in the rain again) down the North Terrace, we were welcomed by the lovely staff at the Discovery Centre, who provided us with some information regarding what the Space Agency is involved in, followed with a Q&A session.
Students were then able to explore the exhibits and interactive rooms where they were inspired to come up with ideas for research their Science as a Human Endeavour reports. We then left to wander the Botanic Gardens for about half an hour before heading up to the David Jones food court for lunch.
Before leaving the Discovery Centre, the staff approached me to praise the behaviour, engagement and respect our students showed throughout their time with them. They made us very proud!
Mrs Vanessa Tricker
Year 7/8 Leader
North East Hockey Club U14s Crowned Premiers!
Congratulations to five talented Modbury High School students who recently tasted grand final glory on the hockey field!
Year 9 students Hudson Mentha and Kai Toonen, along with Year 7 students Thomas Sharpe, Ben Toonen and Noah Toonen, were part of the North East Hockey Club U14 team that claimed victory in a thrilling grand final match on Sunday.
In a nail-biting contest against Seacliff, the team showed determination, teamwork and skill to come away with a 3–2 win and secure the U14 premiership title.
Well done, boys — what an outstanding achievement!
We believe in a culture of achievement in a respectful and rigorous learning environment
