Monday 28 April - Student Free Day
Tuesday 29 April - Term 2 recommences
Monday 5 May - Outstanding Achievers Assembly
Thursday 15 May - Parent Teacher Interviews
Monday 19 - Thursday 22 May - Dental for schools
Monday 9 June - Public Holidays
Friday 4 July - Term 2 concludes
To download the calendar for Term 2, Click here
It is hard to believe that we are at the end of term 1. It has certainly been a very busy and productive term.
Teaching and Learning
Throughout this term, our teachers have actively engaged in exploring new elements of our pedagogical framework to further support the development of effective learners. Recognising the power of collaborative learning, teaching teams used their Professional Learning Team (PLT) time to dive into current educational research, read thought-provoking articles, and engage in meaningful discussions. These conversations led to shared understandings and informed decisions about strategies that best support student growth. This reflective and intentional approach continues to strengthen our collective practice and ensures our learners are at the heart of everything we do.
Year 12 Formal
On Friday, March 21, our Year 12 students celebrated their formal—and what a fantastic evening it was! Students looked absolutely spectacular in their outfits, showcasing style, confidence, and elegance. The night was filled with joy, laughter, and plenty of dancing, as students enjoyed spending time with friends and creating lasting memories. It was a wonderful celebration of their final year, and a night to remember for all who attended.
A very big thank you to Ms O'Brien-Dent and the Student Formal Committee for all their planning and organisation of this very significant event for our Year 12 students.
Pedal Prix
The recent Pedal Prix competition held in Mount Gambier was a great success, with enthusiastic feedback from both students and staff who attended. Many highlighted how much fun they had and the positive experience of being part of the event. A big thank you to Jess Hanlin for all the planning and organisation that ensured the smooth running of the event. We also extend our sincere thanks to Iain Price who generously volunteered their time to attend and supervise students. As always, the support of Fast Cats racing ensured that everything ran like clockwork. A very big thank you to everyone involved!
David Kschammer
On Thursday 11 April we farewelled and celebrated an exceptional educator, and leader, Mr David Kschammer —as he retires after an incredible 45 years of service in public education.
David’s journey began in 1980 in the country, where he took on contract teaching roles in schools such as Penola and Port Lincoln. His passion for teaching and his deep commitment to student learning soon led him to a permanent position at Norwood Morialta High School, where he began shaping the minds and futures of countless students. It was there that his leadership journey also took root, starting as Science Coordinator.
In 2002, David transferred to Modbury High School, where he would spend the next 22 years making an extraordinary impact. Over the years, he took on several key roles—including Assistant Principal and, later, Deputy Principal. His contribution to our school community has been nothing short of outstanding.
On behalf of the entire school community, we wish Mr Kschammer a happy retirement filled with joy, relaxation and quality time spent with his family. He will be deeply missed by all his colleagues and students.
Congratulations and all the very best for your retirement.
Congratulations Gargee Vyas
Congratulations to Gargee for being awarded the prestigious Virtual War Memorial Excellence Award for her outstanding written biography of CARTER, Stanley Russell—a soldier who was injured during the war. Her work is one of only 18 biographies selected from students across the state, a remarkable achievement that reflects both her dedication and skill.
The biography was completed as part of a Year 9 History assignment, which encourages students to develop empathy for fallen World War I soldiers and their families, while gaining a deeper understanding of the sacrifices made by others in times of conflict. Our school community is incredibly proud of Gargee and the thoughtful, high-quality work she produced. A big thank you to both her 2024 History teacher, Pippa Sheridan, and the wider team of Year 9 Humanities teachers for their passion and commitment to our students.
Modbury High School looks forward to continuing our partnership with the VWMA to ensure that all servicemen and servicewomen
Term 1 School Holidays
Wishing you all a wonderful and safe break and we will see you next term. School recommences Tuesday 29th May.
Joanne Costa
Principal
Last year, Purruna Kuu Café was lucky enough to be sponsored by Ona Coffee. Rhys Woods, Account Manager at Ona Coffee and also a coffee award winner, flew in from Melbourne this week to speak to some of our Café Volunteers and Stage 2 Business Innovation students. Rhys shared with the students the process used to develop coffee beans and the many people and communities who contribute to the production. The end of the presentation saw Rhys demonstrate his excellent barista skills and gave the students insight into the best way to work with Ona coffee beans.
Rhys spoke to the students about the importance of a team to make a team successful. Everyone in the business brings their strength, or ‘power’ as Rhys referred to it, to make an effective business that benefits many. Rhys didn’t go to Uni or TAFE but found his passion and strength in the coffee industry and it has seen him travel the world and impact many people’s lives for the better. Ona Coffee prides itself on benefiting and connecting communities and that is definitely something he strongly represented by coming out to Modbury High School. We are very proud of our partnership with them and appreciative of the time Rhys took to visit.
Ms Freeth
Tailored Learning and Year 9/10 Leader
This term, our Year 7 Humanities students have been learning about Ancient Greece and the important role artefacts play in understanding history. They explored what an artefact is and how it helps us uncover details about the past.
As part of the learning, students were asked to choose an Ancient Greek artefact, researched its origins and significance, and then recreated it using clay. This hands-on activity not only expanded their knowledge of the ancient world but also gave them a chance to get creative and show off their artistic skills.
It was great to see the enthusiasm and effort students put into their work. Well done to all our Year 7s for their impressive creations!
Ms Brooke Hoppo
English, Humanities and Entrepreneurship Teacher
On Wednesday 2nd April I took a group of SVC leaders to the GRIP leadership conference at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre. The conference was an opportunity for aspiring leaders to network with like minded students while learning about what it means to be a leader. Students were given strategies and shared ideas about how they can make their school a better place, and build a positive culture through student driven initiatives and events.
Here’s what the kids had to say:
“The Leadership conference gave me so much information about how to be a young leader at school. It taught us how to be a good role model to the students around us.” - Payton Richards.
“I thought the experience was very insightful, as it provided a lot of information as to how I can make a change in Modbury High School, from the smallest changes, to the changes that feel impossible” - Tyler Gaskin-Osbourne
“The conference was a fun learning experience and I learnt a bunch about being a leader” - Lahnee Carter
Mr Rob Yeend
Assistant Principal - Years 7/8 and Learning Environment
Modbury High School has some fantastic supports in place for our students and families. SchoolTV is the latest resource our community can access for FREE.
Because parenting doesn't come with instructions, SchoolTV is a wellbeing resource implemented at our school to help support you in the challenges of modern-day parenting relating to youth mental health and wellbeing. Parenting is a learning journey and SchoolTV supports families by providing credible information from trusted sources with practical strategies to help alleviate some of the challenges being faced by young people today.
Watch video interviews with leading wellbeing specialists and browse a library of resources. Each topic is accompanied by factsheets, podcasts, books, articles, apps and other videos.
This award-winning resource helps families build relationships, foster connections, enable understanding and break down barriers to navigate a pathway towards better mental health and wellbeing for young people. It will assist you in starting those conversations on topics that can sometimes be awkward or difficult to tackle.
Parents and caregivers are the greatest influence on a young person's life and SchoolTV focuses on empowering confident parenting.
You can access SchoolTV on your phone or on a computer, here is the link;
https://modburyhs.sa.schooltv.me
To help us better understand the needs of our community there is a short survey parents and caregivers can fill out, details are below.
The Wellbeing Barometer survey is an invaluable tool for schools, providing critical insights into the mental health and wellbeing of young people. This annual survey identifies areas of concern, highlights resilience and adaptability in students, and emphasises the importance of preventative strategies to promote positive outcomes.
The survey is part of an ongoing longitudinal study, and we encourage you to take a few moments to complete the survey for each of your children. Responses remain anonymous and should be based on your observations over the last 12 months. By working together, we can reduce the long-term impact of mental illness and make a meaningful difference to the lives of our young people for a brighter future.
We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this Special Report, and as always, we welcome your feedback.
If you do have any concerns about the wellbeing of your child, please contact the school for further information or seek medical or professional help.
Here is the link to your special report:
https://modburyhs.sa.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-wellbeing-barometer-2025-au
On March 29th, our Pedal Prix teams raced to success at the Mount Gambier round of the AIPP Human Powered Vehicle (HPV) Super Series — and what a race it was with a total of 89 trike teams on the track!
All four of our dedicated teams competed fiercely against 35 school teams from South Australia and Victoria, showing incredible teamwork and determination.
After 8 hours of high-speed racing and pit stops, and the occasional roll-over, the results were in:
Our senior school trike, Cheetah secured a solid 6th place after 120 laps (35th overall) and some crashes and mechanical issues – Just 2 laps behind 4th place.
Our middle school trike, Lynx raced into 5th after 101 laps (63rd overall) – Just 2 laps behind 3rd place, and our all-female trike, Pink Panter, stormed the track with an impressive 3rd place finish in sub-category with 88 laps, landing a spot on the podium!
Our developmental trike, Puma, finished 91 laps for 15th in category (74th overall).
All up, our Modbury High School teams rode an impressive 400 laps of the 2.4 km track, totalling a massive 960 km over the 8-hour race.
We had many parents taking to the track racing with community FCR teams and at times racing against their children. Two parents finishing 1st in Masters category, one of which achieving the fastest lap in the category. We’re set to have even more parents riding with their children at upcoming races this year.
The Mount Gambier race is always a true test of endurance and stamina, and our students rose to the occasion. A huge congratulations to all the riders, pit crew members, Team Managers, support staff and support from Fast Cats Racing, who made this event a success. We’re now looking ahead to the next race in the series – the 6-hour race at The Bend Motorsport Park in Tailem Bend. If Mount Gambier is anything to go by, exciting things are on the horizon for all our teams!
Parent Teacher interviews will be held on Thursday 15th May. There will be no classes running, however, students are expected to attend their interviews in school uniform. Bookings for interviews are now open on Daymap. Please ensure you sign in the parent/carers daymap to book as it is not available from Students Daymap.
Wellbeing and Behaviour Workshops are also available, please follow the link to book in https://forms.office.com/r/6srN6nLvCc
Term 1 has been a busy time in the Music Building, the performance year commencing with the Year 12 Music class performing the National Anthem for the Celebration and Achievement Assembly in Week 3.
Working hard in preparation for their trip Generations in Jazz in early May, the Big Band performed at the SVC Induction Assembly, and the Brass Ensemble kicked off the Lunchtime Concert Series with their performance in Week 10. The Concert Band, Vocal Ensemble, Rock Band, and Woodwind Ensemble are looking forward to their lunchtime concert performances in Term 2.
Year10 singer/songwriter/guitarist Grace Grindle wowed audiences with impressive performances in the youth performance collaboration, “Bloom”, at this year’s Adelaide Fringe.
Throughout the term the Year 9, 10 and 11 Music students have refined skills in performance and composition, while Year 8 students have begun their musical journey in Modbury High School’s curricular concert band program. Year 7 students will have their own musical experience throughout 2025, applying their musical knowledge to the bucket drums and keyboards.
Modbury High School boasts an impressive number of students enrolled in Instrumental Music lessons. This year more than 110 students are accessing weekly tuition with our nine instrumental specialists.
We look forward to sharing the hard work of all involved at the Semester 1 Music concert in Term 4.
Kate Mawson
Music Teacher
The 2025 Year 12 Formal Committee worked hard to produce an unforgettable night for the Year 12 cohort and their teachers. Holding the Formal in Term 1 was a new experience this year, but daylight savings and warmer weather made for a beautiful evening.
The night began with canapés by the lake at Glen Ewin Estate, followed by a lovely meal, stunning decorations for the enchanted garden theme, the much-anticipated awards, and a buzzing dance floor. Students also enjoyed capturing memories at the film photo booth.
A huge thank you to Glen Ewin Estate, all of the outstanding vendors, the Formal Committee, and the staff helpers, we couldn’t have done it without you.
Once again, feedback from the Glen Ewin staff was extremely positive, they commented on the positive, respectful behaviour of our Year 12 students. You did MHS proud!
Ms O'Brien-Dent
Year 11/12 Leader
www.dentalforschools.com.au/registration
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