Term 3 Highlights
Term 3 has been a very busy and rewarding term, with our students embracing opportunities to learn, connect, challenge themselves and support one another. I am very proud of what has been achieved and sincerely thank all staff and parents for their continued support.
Congratulations
It is with great pride and pleasure that I congratulate the following students on their outstanding achievements.
Phoebe Conelly who was nominated by Ms Brooke Hoppo for a Tea Tree Gully Youth Award in the Everyday Hero category. I am delighted to share that Phoebe was selected as the runner-up in her category. This is a wonderful recognition of her positive contribution and character.Well done and congraulations Phoebe!
Our students also had the exciting opportunity to exhibit their artworks at Gallery 1855, alongside students from five neighbouring schools. This was a wonderful celebration of student creativity and talent. Well done and congratulations to all the students whose work was exhibited, and a very special congratulations to:
· Mirand Elder, who won first prize
· Erika Griffiths, who received second prize
· Scarlett Taylor, who was awarded highly commended
Our school community is very proud of these students and all those who represented our school so beautifully.
Democracy Conference
On Wednesday 26 August, seven of our Year 10 students, accompanied by Ms Cait Thomas and Mr Charlie Stivahtaris, attended the Active Citizenship Convention.
This was a valuable opportunity for students to deepen their understanding of democracy, explore different perspectives, and engage with community and youth leaders through a range of interactive learning experiences. Ms Thomas spoke highly of the event and was impressed by the opportunities our students had to collaborate with peers from across the state. Experiences such as these help our students develop confidence, curiosity and a stronger understanding of their role as active citizens.
R U OK? Day
During Week 8, all students took part in learning about the importance of R U OK? Day and the value of checking in on others.
Our Year 9 and 10 students showed great creativity by decorating T-shirts and shoes to help promote the R U OK? message. On Thursday morning, Home Group teachers wore the decorated T-shirts and paraded in front of students while music played through Mr Nick Apostolou’s sound system. This created a fun and positive atmosphere across the school, while also reinforcing the important message of looking after one another’s wellbeing. It was wonderful to see our school community come together in such a meaningful and engaging way.
Thank you to Ms Lauren Freeth and Ms Lindsay Shire for your organising and running the R U OK Day activities.
Operation Flinders
A group of 10 students, supported by Ms Maddie O’Brien-Dent and Mr Paul Harris, participated in the Operation Flinders Camp.
This experience gave students the opportunity to challenge themselves, reflect on their personal growth, and develop a deeper understanding of their own strengths and capabilities. Most importantly, the camp helped students build resilience and learn strategies to overcome challenges.
A very big thank you to Ms O’Brien- Dent for all the organisation and planning, Mr Harris for attending the camp, Mrs Louise Woolford and Ms Kate Mawson for driving the bus to the camp and back.
Pedal Prix
Last weekend, our Pedal Prix students participated in the 24-hour race at Murray Bridge.
What a fantastic event it was. The dedication, teamwork and commitment shown by our students and staff were evident throughout the weekend, and I am very proud of their efforts. Events such as this not only showcase skill and determination, but also the strong sense of teamwork and perseverance within our school community.
A huge thank you goes to Mrs Jess Hanlin for all her organisation and planning, which helped ensure the event ran smoothly. I would also like to sincerely thank Fast Cats Racing, the parents who attended, and staff members Mr Iain Price, Mr Wayne Ferguson and Mr Ron Gibbins for the ongoing support they provide to our students.
PLT Sharing
On Thursday of Week 6, all staff participated in a professional learning sharing session.
Working in groups of three, teachers used a structured protocol to discuss aspects of our improvement work, either in pedagogical practice or the James Anderson framework, that they had been implementing in their teaching. These conversations gave staff the opportunity to reflect on what had worked well, the challenges they had faced, and the evidence they had gathered about the impact on student learning.
The feedback from staff was overwhelmingly positive, with many describing the session as a great success and appreciating the opportunity to learn from one another. I have also continued meeting with teachers in groups of three to discuss their work, and the feedback from these sessions has been equally positive. Staff have again highlighted how valuable it is to share their practice, reflect together, and continue learning from one another in ways that benefit our students.
Draft Strategic Priorities 2027
As mentioned in previous newsletters, earlier this year, we consulted with a range of stakeholders, including parents, students, teachers and support staff, about our future directions as a school.
Through this process, we gathered valuable feedback about what is working well, what could be improved, and what we would like future learning experiences for our students to look like. As a result, we have identified the following draft priorities:
1. Harmonious Environment
To foster a positive and respectful school climate that prioritises communication, wellbeing and a strong sense of belonging to support effective learning.
2. Engaging Teaching
To create and sustain engaging, innovative and inclusive learning experiences that respond to the diverse needs of every learner, allowing all students to thrive.
3. Empowered Learners
To empower students to take charge of their learning by making informed choices, seeking guidance when needed, and actively engaging in meaningful ways.
I would like to thank everyone who contributed their ideas and feedback throughout this process. Your voice is an important part of shaping the future direction of our school. This work will continue over term 4 with the aim of completing our strategic plan for the next 3- 4 years.
As Term 3 draws to a close, I would like to thank our students, staff and families for their continued partnership and support. I wish everyone a safe, restful and enjoyable break, and I look forward to all that Term 4 will bring.
Joanne Costa
Principal
Congratulations to Phoebe Connolly, who was recently nominated for a Youth Achievement Award in recognition of her outstanding contribution to our school community.
Phoebe was nominated in the Everyday Hero category for consistently demonstrating our school value of Unity. Through her kindness, care and willingness to support those around her, Phoebe makes a positive difference to the people in our school community every day.
We are thrilled to share that Phoebe was shortlisted as a finalist for the award and went on to be named runner-up in her category, a fantastic achievement!
Whether it is offering encouragement, helping others when they need it or simply making someone’s day a little brighter, Phoebe is someone others can rely on. Her thoughtful actions are a wonderful example of how small acts of kindness can have a meaningful impact.
We are incredibly proud of Phoebe and congratulate her on this well-deserved recognition and fantastic achievement!
Ms Brooke Hoppo
English, Humanities and Cross Disciplinary Teacher
In week 8 the year 9s went on an excursion to the Central Markets to learn about food security. We have been learning about how biomes impact the availability of food, and why some people don’t have access to affordable and healthy food. We talked to people working at the Central Markets and compared prices of food from Coles and the markets to find out which one is more affordable and asked them where they get their produce from to find out if the food is grown locally. We also got to explore the markets and buy lunch. The whole day was fun and memorable, and a great learning experience.
Abbie Carrol
Student
This week, our Year 7 Humanities students took their learning outside the classroom with an exciting fieldwork excursion to Wynn Vale Dam!
Students got hands-on with Geography as they tested the pH levels of the water, created detailed fieldwork sketches, collected data and explored how water is managed within our local area. It was a fantastic opportunity for students to put their classroom learning into practice and investigate the environment around them.
The data and observations collected during the excursion will soon become the foundation for our student’s first fieldwork report, where they will analyse their findings and use real-world evidence to draw conclusions about the water and environment at Wynn Vale Dam.
Ms Brooke Hoppo
English, Humanities and Cross Disciplinary Teacher
Our Year 9 and 10 students marked R U OK? Day in a creative and meaningful way by designing t-shirts and shoes that highlighted the importance of empathy, connection and checking in with others.
The Year 9 students designed shoes that represented what it can feel like to walk in the shoes of a young person. This powerful activity encouraged students to build empathy by reflecting on both the challenges that can weigh young people down and the positive influences that help lift them up.
The Year 10 students designed vibrant R U OK? Day t-shirts that emphasised the importance of asking friends how they are and being there for others. Their colourful designs were a wonderful celebration of the message behind the day and a reminder of how important it is to reach out and support one another.
Students worked on their designs with their home groups, and on R U OK? Day the creativity was proudly showcased. Home group teachers modelled the t-shirts, while Ms Freeth and Ms Ouwerkerk modelled the shoes. Congratulations to 9A6, who were declared the winners of the shoe design competition, and to 10A2 and Mr Greenfield, who took out the t-shirt competition, as announced by Ms Costa.
The morning assembly fashion parade was made even more memorable by Mr Apostolou, who brought along his DJ equipment and helped create a fun and energetic atmosphere. The session concluded with a mini dance-off that brought plenty of positive energy to the start of the day.
The fun continued at lunchtime with another dance-off, a sausage sizzle and a range of activities run by Ms Shire and the Year 11 SVC students.
It was a fantastic whole-school celebration that not only showcased student creativity, but also reinforced the important message of kindness, empathy and looking out for one another.
Ms Lauren Freeth
Acting Assistant Principal - Year 9/10
Tailored Learning Leader
Our school was lucky enough to have some of our students exhibit in Gallery 1855's multi-schools 'The In-Between' exhibition. The opening last night had an amazing atmosphere and we are very proud to share that three of our MHS students won the following judge's awards:
First prize: Miranda Elder
Second prize: Erika Griffiths
Highly commended: Scarlett Taylor
Congratulations to all of the students who had their work selected for 'The In-Between' - we are extremely proud of all your efforts and creativity. The exhibition is running until October 24th - make sure you visit to see the varied and interesting works on display.
"The theme of this exhibition was “The In-Between”. For my painting, I explored this theme through the idea of a physical moment suspended between times, a space between the good memories and reality. Through this work, I want viewers to experience a sense of nostalgia, as well as the feeling of a memory slowly being carried away. I believe this exhibition provides an important opportunity for young artists in schools to express themselves, explore their creativity, and share their art publicly." - Isabella Wright, Year 11 MHS Student (artwork of girls on swing set)
Ms Caitlin Brown
Visual Art Teacher
Modbury High School students showed incredible determination, teamwork, and resilience at the weekend’s 24-Hour Pedal Prix race in Murray Bridge, with our three trike teams delivering an outstanding performance across an event that ran continuously from 12:00 pm Saturday to 12:00 pm Sunday.
Our Pink Panther trike, our all-girls team of 6 riders, completed an impressive 563 kilometres across 329 laps. The team supported one another every step of the way and demonstrated fantastic perseverance throughout the race.
Our Cheetah team, made up of 10 riders, completed an exceptional 788 kilometres over 461 laps, showing strength, consistency, and determination across the full 24 hours.
Our Lynx team, with 9 middle school riders, also performed brilliantly, riding 629 kilometres, and completing 368 laps.
Across the three teams, Modbury High School completed a remarkable 1,980 kilometres and 1,158 laps in total — an amazing achievement. Their effort, focus and teamwork were outstanding.
There were also some fantastic individual highlights. Marcus G recorded the fastest lap of the event for our school with an incredible time of 2:11. Liam H achieved the fastest average lap time with a brilliant 2:34 average. A special mention also goes to Emily and Georgia, who each rode more than 100 kilometres, while Harsheen was just one lap short of reaching the 100-kilometre mark.
Students raced through a wide range of conditions, from the heat we weren’t accustomed to, to the cold overnight temperatures, and then a hot and windy finish on Sunday. Despite this, every team continued to encourage one another, and all riders were supported not only by their own teammates but by the wider our amazing families and supportive Community Club, Fast Cats Racing. It was wonderful to see each team rally together and support every rider throughout the event.
We would like to sincerely thank all students for their amazing behaviour, incredible effort, and determination. Even while sleeping in shifts and racing throughout the night, students remained positive, resilient, and motivated, constantly encouraging one another to keep going.
We are also proud to share that Modbury High School and Fast Cats Racing received the “Best Presented” award for our pit set-up and the consistently excellent presentation of our trikes throughout the season. This is a wonderful recognition of the pride, organisation and teamwork shown by everyone involved.
Thank you also to our families and the wider Fast Cats Racing community for their amazing support across the event and throughout the season. Your encouragement and assistance play a significant role in the success of our teams and the continuation of our Pedal Prix program.
As we wrap up the 2026 Pedal Prix season, we are already looking ahead and beginning preparations for 2027. If you are interested in joining Pedal Prix next year, please contact our Pedal Prix Coordinator, Jess – Jess.Hanlin802@schools.sa.gov.au
Over the last few weeks, the Year 8 cohort have been busily creating Landscape models for their geography unit. 801 & 803 partnered up this morning to present their work to each other in a join class exhibition. There were a range of models to showcase, with a variety of materials; including cake! The Year 8 Cohort has ended this term on a high note in HASS and will continue to do even greater things going into term 4.
Candle making for youth
Pour & Sip Candle workshops are the perfect blend of connection, creativity, and a little indulgence.
For ages 12+ | Cost $30 | Monday 28 September | 12.30pm – 3.00PM | Holden Hill
Booking Essential Here
Whimsical visual journaling workshop
Use pen, watercolour and pencil and explore various techniques to tell a story through pictures and effectively portray your surroundings.
for ages 12 to 16 | Cost $18 | Monday 28 September | 10am – 12pm | Gallery 1855
Bookings Essential Here
Aerosol art workshop for ages 12 plus
Experiment with spray paint skills in this artist-led school holiday workshop.
For ages 12+ | Cost $25 | Tuesday 29 September | 1pm – 4pm | Gallery 1855
Bookings Essential Here
Spring photowalk
A sensory friendly photography walk with Mama Jane. The session will introduce some simple photographic principles and the benefits of walking for emotional, physical and mental wellbeing.
For ages 10+ | Cost $18 for individuals or $30 for families | Wednesday 7 October | 1pm – 3pm | Gallery 1855
Bookings Essential Here
Basketball fun with Brett Maher
Join 3-time Olympian and Adelaide 36ers Hall of Fame legend Brett Maher for an exciting one-hour basketball clinic
For ages 8 to 14 | Cost $20 | Wednesday 7 October | 11am – 12.30pm | Golden Grove Recreation Centre
Bookings Essential Here
Headset Heroes: Virtual reality workshop
Step into the world of Virtual Reality and learn to use cutting-edge VR headsets, design and explore your own 3D virtual worlds.
For ages 10 to 17 | Cost $5 | Friday 9 October | 10am – 4pm
Bookings Essential Here
You are warmly invited to join us to celebrate the publication of acclaimed South Australian author Phil Cummings’ new novel ‘Bodder Finn at the Edge of the World’. The novel, suitable for 8 to 12 year olds, is a fast-paced adventure that takes children on a wondrous journey of discovery. Join Phil as he takes you on the journey of how he created this book over many years.
Date: Tuesday, 20 October 2026
Time: 4pm
Location: Para Hills Community Hub
This special book launch is a wonderful opportunity for you to meet the author, hear about his creative journey, discover more about the story, and celebrate the arrival of his brand-new book. Light refreshments will also be available.
About the Author
With a career spanning more than 30 years, Phil Cummings has published over 80 books for children, from picture books to novels. His work has received numerous honours and awards in Australia and internationally, including CBCA Notable Book, Shortlist and Honour Book recognition. Phil’s much-loved book BOY, illustrated by Shane Devries, was recognised by IBBY as an outstanding book for children with disabilities and received the Children’s Peace Literature Award in 2017. His book Feathers, illustrated by Phil Lesnie, was also shortlisted for the 2018 Prime Minister’s Literary Awards.
Beyond his writing, Phil is a proud Premier’s Reading Challenge Ambassador. He champions the importance of reading and literacy across South Australia and his ongoing involvement with the Challenge reflects his commitment to inspiring students to develop a lifelong passion for reading.
We would love you to join us for this special opportunity to meet Phil, hear about his incredible career and celebrate the power of books to inspire young readers. For registrations, please click here
https://philcummings.eventbrite.com.au
We look forward to welcoming you.
-School Library Association South Australia
North East Community Day is being held on Saturday 7th November from 10am until 2pm. It’s a free entry event, with street parking only so we strongly encourage locals to walk to and from Queensborough Reserve (Queensborough Ave, Hillcrest) if they can. We have loads to keep the kids entertained with free face painting, free bouncy castle, free paw prints trail, free animal experience with Wilbur’s Wildlife, free 9-hole mini golf, free magic shows, and roving entertainment. There will be over 30 stallholders in attendance so you can get some of that all important Christmas shopping done and they’ll be ice-creams and hot donuts available to purchase. We will have a food truck in attendance selling Indonesian street food and hot chips, but we encourage families to bring a picnic from home and settle in for the day.
Families can keep up to date with all things North East Community Day via our Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/NECommunityDay
We believe in a culture of achievement in a respectful and rigorous learning environment
