Newsletter - Term 1, Week 11 2025
Principal's Update
It has been a challenging couple of weeks for the school due to the negative media attention we have once again experienced. I want to reassure our community the incidents were expertly managed by senior staff and our focus at all times was the safety and wellbeing of everyone involved. The footage, shown on the channel 7 news, was unfortunately obtained because a student who filmed the incident shared it with friends and from there it spiraled out of our control. As the incident occurred before school students still had access to their phones. I have worked closely with the student and their family in an educative process to ensure they understand the impact sharing the footage with others has had on the school, and how they would make a better choice in the future.
The school’s position on mobile phones remains the same. Student phones must be off, locked in their Yondr pouch and stored in lockers between the hours of 8.40am and 3.10pm (2.15pm on Mondays). I am pleased to report strong compliance with these expectations and phone infractions are generally low. All incidents involving a breach of our mobile phone expectations are always followed up with a conversation with parents.
Interestingly, I am currently reading a book called The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness, by social psychologist Jonathan Haidt. In the book Haidt examines the rise in anxiety and depression among young people particularly since the Apple smart phone became widely available during 2010-2016. He attributes these trends to two main factors:
- The Rise of the Phone-Based Childhood – where the widespread access to smartphones and social media has led to significant changes in how children interact and develop. Haidt identifies four key harms associated with a largely phone-based childhood.
- Social Deprivation - reduced face-to-face interactions hinder the development of social skills and emotional connections.
- Sleep Deprivation - excessive screen time, especially before bedtime, disrupts sleep patterns, affecting overall health and cognitive function.
- Attention Fragmentation - constant notifications and multitasking impair concentration and the ability to engage deeply with tasks.
- Addiction - the design of social media platforms encourages compulsive use, leading to dependency and reduced engagement in face-to-face (non-internet based) activities.
- The Decline of Play-Based Childhood - Haidt argues overprotective parenting and shifts in society have reduced opportunities for children to engage in unsupervised, adventurous play. He argues this lack of free play deprives children of experiences that build resilience, problem-solving skills, and social competence, essential for healthy development.
To address these challenges, Haidt proposes several key reforms:
- Delay Smartphone and Social Media Use – he recommends no smartphones before high school and no social media before age 16 to allow children to develop without the pressures and distractions these technologies can introduce (The Australian Government has proposed laws to introduce a minimum age for access to social media. The proposed laws will require technology companies to restrict individuals under the age of 16 years from accessing their social media platforms).
- Implement Phone-Free School Policies - encouraging schools to ban phone use during the school day to promote better focus, learning, and in-person social interactions (which is exactly what we have noticed since our ban on mobile phones in 2023).
- Encourage Unsupervised Play and Independence - allowing children more freedom to engage in unstructured play fosters independence, creativity, and resilience.
Reading Haidt’s book has really made me stop and think, both as a parent and as a teacher. If you are currently looking for a book to read this one might be well worth considering.
When you are reading this, it will most likely be the school holidays. I wish everyone all the best for a relaxing and enjoyable Easter break, and I look forward to welcoming all students back to school on Tuesday 29 April. Please note – Monday 28 April is a student free day with all staff engaged in professional learning.
Meet GGHS Family
NAME - Marc Wallis
Position - Wellbeing Leader and Student Leadership Teacher
Education - Northfield High School Education (Tertiary) – Magill University
Interest/Hobbies – Any sport
Favourite Drink – Coffee and I have too many
Favourite Book - The Foxtel guide
Favourite Movies – Definitely not Marley and Me that movie scarred me, Lethal weapon two and gladiator were great
Overseas Travel – Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Canada, USA, New Zealand, Maldives, Turkey, Germany, Spain, France, Wales, England, Cook Islands, Fiji, yeah I like traveling
If I could go to dinner with anyone - Jessica Alba because she seems intelligent or Ryan Reynolds because I love Deadpool
Proudest Accomplishment – Having a lovely wife and three terrific kids
Senior School
The class of 2025 are now 33.33% through their final year of school.
Sports Day attendance was at an all-time high! And the Year 12’s did not disappoint (see the photos for evidence) with their costumes or their willingness to enter events for their last sports day ever.
Retreat Day began at the Rotunda in Elder Park with students organising themselves into teams, completing their first challenge and getting their next clue for the AMAZING RACE to start. Photo evidence had to be uploaded as the race progressed and brought the teachers much joy, seeing the antics and creativity the students came up with to win.
The race ended in the Summerhouse at the Botanical Gardens with a supplied lunch and picnic activities. This day was fun-filled and a great opportunity for both staff and students to further develop the bond and friendships already shared.
This term has had somewhat of a food focus with bacon sandwiches, and hot cross buns as you can see from the photos.
Hunting for the elusive yellow Easter bunny was a hit with incredibly difficult, creative, and ingenious hiding spaces found by the year 12 team with numerous frustrated students begging and even trying to bribe for clues, which brought us nothing but delight.
Students are still rising to the highest of expectations and leaving their Year 12 space immaculate. They really are a pleasure to be around.
Term 2 is sure to be a busy one!
Middle School
What an incredible first term we have had in the Middle School. To our Year 7s and their families, congratulations on completing your first term of high school, and doing it with such positivity, integrity and success. It has been a period of adjustment, growth, and new experiences as both students and families navigate the transition from primary to high school, and we’re incredibly proud of how well this cohort has embraced this. They’ve quickly settled into their new routines, formed friendships, and embraced the opportunities that high school has to offer.
Earlier this term we saw the majority of our Middle School students participate in NAPLAN. During Weeks 7 and 8, we saw over 500 Year 7 and Year 9 students undertake all 4 national tests in Writing, Reading, Conventions of Language, and Numeracy. This was a huge undertaking, but one that went smoothly, with many students showing our School Values of ‘Resilience’ and ‘Respect’. A special congratulations to our Year 9s who have completed NAPLAN for the last time! We look forward to sharing the results with families once they are published next term.
As we bid farewell to Term 1 and prepare for a well-deserved break, we encourage all students to rest, rejuvenate, and return refreshed for the next chapter of their learning journey.
Wishing you an enjoyable break. See you in Term 2!
Year 7
We are so excited about our upcoming Year 7 camp at the Woodhouse Activity Centre, scheduled for May 19- 21 Week 4 Term 2. This camp promises to be an unforgettable experience, filled with adventure, learning, and personal growth for our students.
Woodhouse offers a unique blend of outdoor activities and team-building exercises. Students will have the opportunity to engage in a variety of activities such as orienteering, obstacle courses, and laser skirmish. These experiences are designed to foster resilience, teamwork, and leadership skills, all while having fun in a safe and supportive environment.
Camp Details:
- Location: Woodhouse Activity Centre, Adelaide Hills
- Dates: Camp 1 (701-705) Monday May 19th to Tuesday May 20th
Camp 2 (706-710) Tuesday May 20th to Wednesday May 21st
- What to Bring: A detailed packing list is provided on the consent forms via Edsmart
To ensure your child’s participation, we kindly remind you to complete the camp payment ASAP. This will help us finalise arrangements and ensure a smooth experience for all students. Payment can be made via the Qkr App.
We believe this camp will be a valuable experience for your child, providing them with memories and skills that will last a lifetime. Should you have any questions or require further information, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Thank you for your continued support and cooperation.
Kristy Power
Assistant Principal - Year 7 Oversight
Year 8
Wow what a term for our year 8's!
From navigating new classes and subjects, to blowing us away with their enthusiasm and community spirit at Big Day Out, we couldn't be prouder of how our year level have connected with each other and pushed themselves outside of their comfort 'zones' this term.
Our new Year 8 Leader Brodie Forbes has forged strong relationships with students and families alike, always around the school supporting our learners and teachers to make the most of every school day. This is no easy task whilst also learning the ins and outs of a new school, so we are sure Brodie has finally crashed on the couch and enjoying a well-deserved break!
Recognising positive behaviours and kindness to others has been a strong theme for our year level this term, and we are proud that out of the 3564 Positive Behaviour Chronicles that have been sent to families across the school this term, Year 8 students were the recipients of 906 of them! We were only just beaten by the year 9s who have also had a wonderful term and look forward to some friendly competition in this space next term. Our team are already brainstorming opportunities for our students to live and breathe our school's values and learner dispositions!
What we have noticed creep in a little this term is some wandering out of lessons that is taking away from learning time. This will be our focus for next term, ensuring that all students are arriving to lessons organised and on time, leaving very few reasons to need to leave the classroom. We would love your support in this over the holiday break, ensuring your child has all the stationery and supplies they need for the new term, and a charged laptop each night.
There will be a few changes to classrooms next term, with some of our Year 8 classes migrating out of the Middle School building into the wider school. Students will need to check their timetable on the first day to see if their classroom has moved. This move is to support more productive student learning in classes and to support our year 8s in becoming familiar with other areas of the school. In year 9, our students will transition out of the Middle School building, which we have found in previous years that this can sometimes be a big shift for some students, so we hope by slowly moving some classes, this transition may be easier for next year.
From Brodie, myself and Rebecca (Year 9 Leadership Team), we hope all our year 8s and families have a wonderful break, switch off and spend time with those they love. We can't wait to see you all back next term!
Sarah West
Assistant Principal - Year 8 Oversight
Year 9
Hungry Jacks Seminar
Along with the improved maturity and increased responsibility that comes with Year 9 , our students are now at the age where they can seek employment. This year our Year 9s will hope to experience workplaces coming to our school to showcase what their company can offer as far as employment and give students an insight on pay rates, hours available and what type of citizen they are after.
On Monday 24th Match, we were fortunate enough to have Hungry Jacks come to visit and go deeper into their company to demonstrate to students that there are many opportunities available and that the experience of working for Hungry Jacks can open future career doors for them.
Daycare Visits
This year some of our Year 9 students will be given the privilege of completing a term of work experience at our local Daycare Centre. Students have been building positive relationships with kids by participating in building structures, science experiments, reading, writing and outdoor play. Our GGHS students have loved their time so far and have received praise from the Daycare staff.
On completion students will receive a work experience certificate that will help with future employment.
Kirsty Ujhelyi
Assistant Principal - Head of Middle Years
Communications
Have you joined our Facebook page yet?
Keep up to date with all school events, our weekly 'Roundup' videos that showcase all going on in the school that week and local opportunities available to our students.
If you aren't following us yet, hit that follow button, we would love to see you over there!
Faculty Focus
Mathematics
In Term 1, Golden Grove High School's Mathematics program concentrated on Statistics, with students from Years 7 to 10 actively enhancing their statistical literacy.
Year 7 students delved into data stories, Year 8 students evaluated measures of centre, Year 9 students investigated data representation, and Year 10 students analysed correlations.
Statistical literacy is an essential lifelong skill, empowering students to make informed decisions and strengthening their critical analysis abilities Below is a Year 7 class collecting data and exploring methods for grouping data and Year 9 students analysing the different features of graphs.
Year 11 Child Studies
Our Year 11 Child Studies students at Golden Grove High School have been diligently working on a unit focused on outdoor play activities for young children. This week, their hard work culminated in a practical session on the C-Block lawns, where they hosted an engaging hour of play with invited children. The students demonstrated excellent planning and execution, creating a joyful and educational experience for all. This hands-on approach not only enriched their learning but also brought smiles to the faces of our young visitors. Well done to all involved!
Year 10 Outdoor Education
During week 9, the year 10 Outdoor Education class visited Port Noarlunga for a day of surfing and snorkeling. There were several large stacks and a lot of sea water drunk, but there were also some interesting fish, including a starfish that tried to devour Alicia's hand.
Students also had a considerable amount of success standing up on their surfboards and catching some whitewater waves, which was impressive given that most had never surfed before. We spent the night in Moana Tourist Park, where the entire class participated in a game of cricket. The next morning, we went down to the beach for a sandcastle competition and some beach sports.
It was a terrific camp with an awesome group of kids!
Discovery Centre
For the end-of-term Staff Association Luncheon, Golden Graze had the absolute pleasure of catering—and what a spread it was!
We had a ball putting the grazing table together, and the students were absolutely thrilled with the final result. The smiles and sense of pride on their faces said it all. Staff, without question, enjoyed every bite and appreciated the effort that went into it. What many may not see is the *lot a lot a lot* of work that happens behind the scenes to bring it all to life. From planning and prepping to setting up and presenting, every step was a valuable learning opportunity for our students.
We're incredibly proud of what we achieved and even prouder of the way our students rose to the occasion, learning real-world skills in the process.
Cherie Dawkins
Discovery Centre Leader
Sport
Female AFL Nines Carnival at GGHS!
Monday 31 March we proudly hosted the Term 1 Female AFL Nines Carnival, thankfully the weather was far cooler than it has been over the past month.
With 5 teams of 12 students representing GGHS across the two age groups, it was fantastic to see our players showcasing their skills, making new friends, and supporting one another to learn and grow.
A huge shoutout to our outstanding Year 11 umpires, Milly, Ruby, Indi, Indah, Belle, and Hayley, who helped the day run smoothly and demonstrated great leadership throughout.
A special mention to our Year 7 competitors, many of whom played in their first competitive carnival representing GGHS. You represented GGHS with great enthusiasm, resilience, and team spirit!
In total, over 150 female footballers from GGHS, Blackwood High, Charles Campbell College, and Roma Mitchell College took part in the carnival. The biannual competition is a brilliant celebration of the growth and passion for girls’ footy in our community.
Our strongest teams were crowned winners in both the Year 7/8 & 9/10 divisions, remaining undefeated across the past two editions of the tournament. An excellent achievement!
School Life
The Big Al Foundation
The Big Al Foundation sausage sizzle was an overwhelming success, bringing the school community together in support of an incredible cause. Students and staff turned out in huge numbers, eager to purchase a sausage and contribute to raising funds for the foundation. Thanks to the hard work and dedication of our leadership students, the event ran smoothly, with a well-organized cooking station, efficient service, and plenty of enthusiasm from volunteers. The atmosphere was buzzing with excitement, and it was fantastic to see so many people rallying behind a meaningful initiative.
Not only did the sausage sizzle raise a significant amount of money for the Big Al Foundation, but it also sparked important conversations about the foundation’s mission and the impact it has on young people. The leadership students demonstrated outstanding teamwork and commitment, securing donations, organizing logistics, and ensuring everything went off without a hitch. Their efforts, combined with the generosity of the school community, made this fundraiser an unforgettable success. The event not only supported a worthy cause but also strengthened the spirit of giving within the school.
Marc Wallis
Student Wellbeing Leader
Golden Grove High School Sports Day 2025: A Milne Masterclass!
Sunshine, school spirit, and some serious sporting talent—this year’s Golden Grove High School Sports Day had it all. Students from all four houses brought their A-game, filling the field with colour, cheers, and friendly rivalry. Whether it was sprinting down the track, pushing personal limits in field events, or showing teamwork in team games, every moment was packed with energy and pride.
And while the competition was strong across the board, one house delivered a truly standout performance...
Congratulations to Milne House—Sports Day 2025 Champions!
Milne stormed ahead with a dominant display, finishing with over 300 points more than their closest rival.
Final House Results:
🏅 1st Place – Milne: 1101 points
🥈 2nd Place – Tilley: 778 points
🥉 3rd Place – Stevens: 662 points
4th Place – Robertson: 567 points
A huge well done to all houses for their spirit, enthusiasm, and competitive drive. The level of participation and sportsmanship on display was truly outstanding.
Year Level Champions 2025
At each year level, one girl and one boy are crowned Year Level Champions based on the points they earn for their house through their efforts in individual athletic events. These students exemplify dedication, skill, and house pride. Congratulations to the following champions:
- Year 7 Girls Champion: Chloe
- Year 7 Boys Champion: Chris
- Year 8 Girls Champion: Olivia
- Year 8 Boys Champion: Sullivan
- Year 9 Girls Champion: Mia
- Year 9 Boys Champion: Cooper
- Year 10 Girls Champion: Alicia
- Year 10 Boys Champion: Toby
- Year 11 Girls Champion: Isabelle
- Year 11 Boys Champion: Rory
- Year 12 Girls Champion: Simone
- Year 12 Boys Champion: Jesse
- Discovery Centre Girls Champion: Tashara
- Discovery Centre Boys Champion: Kai
A round of applause to all our champions, record-setters, and every student who competed with heart and effort. Your involvement is what makes Sports Day such a highlight of the school year.
A Final Thank You
An event like Sports Day doesn’t happen without the help of many hands. A massive thank you goes out to the staff and student volunteers who helped set up, run events, and support the day behind the scenes. Your hard work is truly appreciated!
We also extend our sincere thanks to the Golden Grove Little Athletics Club Officials for the generous use of their equipment and their support on the day.
Here’s to the success of Sports Day 2025—and to making next year even bigger and better!
Matt Sharpe
HPE Learning Area Leader on behalf of the HPE Faculty
Positive Behaviour Chronicle Record!
We’ve Hit a New Record!
This term, our incredible students have been recognised 3,564 times for living our school’s values and demonstrating their learner dispositions!
We've done the math, and it means one of our students was celebrated every 4 minutes of lesson time this term! Talk about making every moment count!At our school, we believe in celebrating the good stuff — and thanks to Compass, families get to be part of these special moments too. Every time a Positive Behaviour Chronicle is sent home, it’s a chance for our students’ biggest supporters to cheer them on. 
You can revisit every Chronicle your child has received any time in the Compass app. A shoutout to our spectacular young people — we are so proud of you! Keep shining! 
Sarah West
Assistant Principal - School Culture and Behaviour Support
Dental benefits for school children
The Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) is a government program designed to make sure that every child has access to necessary dental care. It helps cover dental costs for eligible children, making essential dental services more accessible.
The program covers up to $1,132 for each eligible child aged 2 to 17 for basic dental services. It covers check-ups, x-rays, cleaning, fillings, and more, focusing on preventing dental problems and keeping kids' teeth healthy.
Visit the SA Dental website below for more details and to book an appointment.
Wellbeing
SA Youth Week
SA Youth Week is South Australia’s biggest celebration of young people aged 12 to 25, will take place from 9 – 17 April 2025, supported by the Department of Human Services.
We have a couple of events to mark in your calendars!
Youth Jam Fest 2025 – our FREE, all ages festival where the hottest local bands and solo artists take the stage. Created by young people for youth people, this is your exclusive pass to hear your new favourite bands before the rest do.
There will be market stalls featuring young creators, delicious food available, photobooth, calm and chill zone, hearing loop for accessible audio and a alcohol-free zone.
- Wednesday 9 April
- Doors open at 4pm
- Golden Grove Art Centre
- Tickets essential HERE
Skate Park Mural Launch - Join us for an epic afternoon of food, music, and art as we celebrate the end of term! Check out the brand-new skate park mural, meet the artist Sam Brooks, and hand out with mates while enjoying live music and delicious eats from the food truck. Don’t miss this free event!
- Friday 11 April
- 4pm – 8pm
- Golden Fields Skate Park
- Click here to book
SCHOOL HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES
Pickleball Come and Try – Give pickleball a go these school holidays! Whether you’re a total beginner or keen to try something new, this easy to learn game is a great way to have fun and make new friends!
- Monday 14 April
- 11:30am – 2pm
- Ages 12 - 25
- Turramurra Recreation Centre
- Bookings essential – Book HERE
Neuro Fluro Disco – Glow and dance in the dark at a silent disco for neurodiverse teens aged 12 to 18 years. Create your own glowstick outfit and get a neon makeover at the glow-up station. Quiet spaces, fidgets and headphones will be available.
- Tuesday 15 April
- 2pm – 4pm
- Ages 12 - 18
- Harpers Field Community Building
- For more information and to book your tickets HERE
AFL Nines – Get ready to run, kick, and have a blast with AFL Nines! This fun, non-contact version of footy is perfect for all skill levels – whether you’re a first -timer or a seasoned player.
- Tuesday 15 April
- 11am – 12pm
- Ages 12 – 18
- Illyarrie Reserve, Surrey Downs
- For more information and to book your space HERE
Aerosol Art Workshop – Unleash your inner artist and experiment with techniques in this hands-on workshop! Led by artist Jimmy Dodd, you’ll learn the basics of stenciled aerosol art and create your own unique piece to take home
- Wednesday 16 April
- 11am – 1pm
- Ages 12 – 25
- Harpers Field Community Building
- For more info and to book click HERE
Skateboarding Workshop – Hang out and learn some tips and tricks from the legends at Free.Mind.Skate!
- Thursday 17 April
- 11am – 1pm
- Ages 12- 25
- Bentley Reserve
- For more info and to book click HERE
Old Scholars Association
We are on the look out for more alumni to join our Old Scholars Association!
If you are an ex student, or know of someone who attended our school, please share the link below so we can maintain a connection and share exciting opportunities available to support our school and celebrate with old friends at reunion events.
Our reunion celebration night this year will be for the classes of 1995, 2005 and 2015. The reunion event will take place in Term 3, stay tuned for more details!
Download the Compass app!
Have you downloaded the Compass app yet?
Easily accessible from your app store, the Compass parent portal app is the ultimate tool for parents and caregivers. It connects you directly to your child's learning, assessment and timetable. This is also where you can read all about the positive behaviour Chronicles their teachers have awarded them. It is also a useful portal to check our calendar, report on any absences or communicate with your child's teachers.
Using the app you can stay in the loop as we will often send push notifications to your phone for daily updates and reminders.
