Term 3 2025

From the Principal

As we head towards the end of term 3, we take the time to reflect on what has been another busy term with lots of new enrolments. 49 cultural and 46 language groups are currently represented across the school and our recent International Peace Day assembly highlighted the importance of finding ways to live together, work together and help each other. Students and staff were reminded that each and every one of us can make a difference to the world we live in, by the actions we take, so we were all encouraged to choose to be kind, learn about others, to speak up for fairness and to be grateful, because Peace starts with us.

Our guest speaker, Mr Sam Chan, shared his experiences of living in-between cultures, as someone who was born to migrant Malaysian parents in Australia. We also had students share their stories, poems and thoughts on the theme of Peace. Earlier in the day, students viewed the installation of the first peace pole at Adelaide Secondary School of English, which contains the message “May peace prevail on Earth” in English, Kaurna, Dari, Arabic and Chinese.

The peace pole was donated by the Medical Association for the Prevention of War (MAPW) and presented by the national vice president, Dr Amanda Ruler, a 2024 Peace Award recipient and Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom award recipient. MAPW is the founder of the international campaign to abolish nuclear weapons, and won the Nobel Peace prize in 2017. On Wednesday the 6^th of August, Dr Ruler, who was accompanied by Dr Nick Wickham and Fernando Conclaves, spoke to students and staff about the 80^th anniversary of the bombing of Hiroshima, and the impact of atomic bombs that were detonated 60 years ago here in Maralinga South Australia.

The Peace Pole is a very special addition to our Peace Garden, and is a symbol of our promise to be kind to each other as we support the prevention of war and violence around the world. It reminds us that peace is not something that just happens – it’s something we must choose every day as we build bridges between cultures.

Week 5 gave us an opportunity to thank and acknowledge our amazing team of School Services Officers (SSOs) through a range of events, including a morning tea and displays of works of art completed by several classes. Students, with the support of their Art teachers, painted portraits of all 38 SSOs, which were displayed around the school.

As a school, this term we also acknowledged and held events for the national day of action against bullying and violence, Walk a Mile in My Boots, RUOk? day and Wear It Purple day. These events, enabled students and staff to show their support and acceptance of diversity and inclusion. Students were also involved in a range of events with community groups and other schools, enabling them to learn skills such as team work and collaboration, and help to build their confidence, leadership and communication skills.

No doubt term 4 will bring many more opportunities for students whilst also presenting some challenges, particularly for those preparing to transition to their next school.

Wishing students, families and staff, a restful and safe holiday.

Ms Anti Macri

Peace Pole

Wednesday, August the 6^th was Hiroshima Day. The day when world history was made as the world’s first atomic bomb was dropped on the innocent people of Hiroshima.

Here at ASSoE, we commemorated the installation of a peace pole donated to us by the Rotary Club. The ceremony was attended by Dr Amanda Ruler and Dr Nick Wickham of the Medical Association for the Prevention of War, by our principal, Anti Macri, class 36, and two students, Mahdia Noori from class 3 and Mursal Gardezi from class 13, who hosted the event.

The presentation included speeches to highlight the evils of war, poetry, and a call to action to promote peace around our school, and around the world.

The peace pole will now be permanently housed in our school peace garden, for every adult and child to see and reflect on.

Ms Michelle Smith

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International Peace Day Assembly

Assembly hosts: Asli Ahmed Abdi (class 12) and Fatema Ebrahimi (class 11)

Student speakers:  Kiza Musangwa (class 23), Mahdia Noori (class 3) and Veda Hakizimana (class 40)

Student assembly hosts and speakers have been hard at work practicing in front of their classes, during home group, in front of friends, family and the mirror in preparation for hosting and speaking at the student achievement peace week assembly. Their courage and hard work are paying off - the standard of public speaking has never been so high! Music performances were beautiful!

Asli and Fatema, as hosts, clearly introduced guest speakers and performances, including Kiza, Mahdia and Veda, who shared their stories and thoughts about Peace.

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Port Power Carnival

On Friday the 8^th and Saturday the 9^th August, 76 of our students and 5 of our staff were involved in the Port Adelaide Power Multicultural Cup. Students had been learning and practicing Australian Rules Football for many weeks and they were very excited to be able to be involved in the event.

Students were at Alberton oval on the Friday where they played a range of games and were able to enjoy different presentations from a range of community groups. One of our students, Ehra Santome, was selected as the Ambassador of the program and was interviewed by the club about her experiences, while also meeting players and being presented with a football signed by all the team.

On the Saturday evening, we had nearly 150 students and families attend the Port Adelaide vs Fremantle game. Ehra was able to present the game ball to the umpires on the field and all of the staff and students were able to do a lap of honour around the ground before seeing a great game of football. 

We were very proud of our students’ excellent efforts and they enjoyed their time greatly. Many of them said that they had grown in their teamwork, sense of fair play, skill development and learnt to communicate, work together and care for others through the program, while also making new friends.  We are looking forward to again being involved next year. 

Mr Jonathan Turland

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Walk a Mile in My Boots

On Friday 8^th of August, our school participated in the Walk a Mile in My Boots fundraiser and Class 35 helped organise the event. In addition to walking two laps around the school, the class set up four quiz stations. Each station had two questions about people experiencing homelessness – one for the first lap and another for the second. For every correct answer, students received a stamp on their hand.

We also had a team of student reporters walking around the school with a camera. They asked participants about their thoughts on homelessness and invited them to share messages of support for people going through hard times.

Through this event, we hoped our school community would gain a better understanding of the challenges faced by people experiencing homelessness and develop empathy for those who are struggling. We raised $269.45 on the day.

Following are some reflections shared by students from Class 35.

• In my view, “Walk a Mile in My Boots” is a meaningful activity that helps us know more about people experiencing homelessness. It is an easy way for students to help and for students to have knowledge about information of people experiencing homelessness. (Hazel)
• We did these activities to make us and everyone understand more about the people who are experiencing homelessness. My role was to ask students a question. I gave them a stamp for a correct answer. When I did my role, some students just skipped the question or they had a correct answer but they didn’t want a stamp. After this activity, I feel very proud of myself as I can help them learn more about people experiencing homelessness, and maybe it can help them to avoid becoming homeless in the future. If I could send a message to people experiencing homelessness, I will say their strength and resilience in facing daily challenges are truly admirable… (Quan)
• … I think today is so fun and I am proud of myself because I did help the students to have an interesting experience by walking around the school, answer the questions, then have some stamps on their hands. (Catherine)

Ms Angel Cheng and class 35TC

R U OK?

RUOK? Day was held on Thursday 11^th of September at our school. RUOK? conversations are important every day. The theme for this year is Ask RUOK? Any Day!

We held a lunch time event where students participated in activities and games. Class 10 made yellow bracelets with RUOK letters on them. Julia and Ehra set up the bracelet stand and collected some donations from students. It got a lot of interest.

A morning tea was also held for staff. Staff dressed up in 80’s clothes on the day.

Ms Martha Maiorana

Wear It Purple

On Friday 29^th of August, we celebrated Wear It Purple Day. This year marks the 15^th Anniversary of this event. The theme for this year was Bold Voices, Bright Futures.

Wear It Purple is a day where we can help raise awareness of the challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ young people, whilst celebrating diversity. We foster an inclusive culture here at ASSoE.

Students enjoyed music and games on the day. Staff were encouraged to wear purple to show their support.

Ms Martha Maiorana

Soccer Clinic

On Tuesday 12^th August 2025, a group of our students attended Coopers Stadium for the launch of Adelaide United’s partnership with AMES Australia. Students took part in an engaging soccer clinic run by Adelaide United coaches, developing their skills while having fun on the field. They also had the exciting opportunity to meet new people and experience the vibrant atmosphere of the stadium. It was a fantastic day that combined sport, community, and new friendships.

Mr Teo Zoitakis

Beacon Polish Program

On Wednesday 13^th August, students from classes 15TC and 41TC, together with Ms Yelena and Ms Gosia, attended the Beacon Polish Program at the HIA Building in Hindmarsh. It was a lovely day that started with a short bus trip, leading us to a warm welcome from the amazing facilitators of the workshop, who introduced us to a program designed to build confidence and prepare students for the transition to employment.

Students participated in a lively panel session where industry professionals shared their experiences and advice. This was followed by a hands-on workshop, which gave students the chance to practise skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem solving. During the networking lunch, students engaged in meaningful conversations with mentors, gaining insights into career pathways and the importance of transferable skills.

The program was practical, inspiring, and highly relevant to our students’ futures. By the end of the day, many felt more confident about their next steps and motivated to pursue their career goals. Every student also received a certificate of participation, making the experience even more rewarding. It was a valuable day that combined learning, interaction, and real-world preparation.

Ms Yelena Timochshenko

Job Club Success Story!

Melat (class 7TA1) came to job club at Wednesday lunchtimes to write a resume (an essential document for finding a job; documenting her skills, strength and experience). She printed her resume and took it to her local fish and chip shop. She asked "can I please speak to the manager about part time work? I am a full-time student" They said "Yes" and offered her an interview. She spoke with the manager about why she wanted a job, when she was available to work (without interrupting her learning) and what skills she could offer. They were very impressed and offered her a job! She now works after school some week nights and on the weekend. We are so proud of you Melat!

Ms Leila Haq and Mr Ben Hilterbrand

SRC Multicultural Leadership Event

Around 60 members of the Student Representative Council attended a special multicultural leadership event on Friday 19^th September. A panel of leaders of different cultural backgrounds from a range of different contexts shared their experiences and wisdom about leadership skills and qualities, and the challenges they had overcome to become leaders in their respective fields. Guests included Ms Zeina Moughnie, Inaugural Cultural inclusion Captain at Parafield Gardens High School, who impressed the students with her confidence and passion as a leader of anti-racist education amongst her peers at school. Also presenting on the panel, and in small group discussions afterwards, were

• Ms Victoria Cirocco, Cultural Inclusion Coordinator at PGHS
• Counsellor Akram Arifi, City of Playford
• Ms Bushra Rasheed, Ms Fariba Ahmadi and Ms Aye Sandar Sein, Community Liaison Officers
• Mr Fida Hussein, School & Outreach Engagement Coordinator, Australian Refugee Association (ARA) and
• Mr Aref Ahmadi, Senior Accountant at MYSA.

Mr Paul Coats

Peer Mentoring

This term we have had 23 mentors from Transition classes supporting Foundation students in their first language to feel safe and welcome at school, proud of their language and cultural background, and able to address bullying and harassment. On Thursday 18 September, students were involved in a final presentation and cultural sharing session for the term 3 Peer Mentoring program. Students shared flags, clothes, music, special saying and fabrics and symbols from various cultures including Pashtun, Congolese, Thai, Hazara, Eritrean, Chinese, Vietnamese, Tamil and Syrian cultures.

Mr Paul Coats

Rypen Camp

We had three students: Mahdia Noori (class 3AB2), Shakila Nabizada (class 3AB2) and Maisam Jafari (class 50IA2) participate in the Rypen Camp, organised and run by the Rotary Club. The camp was held from 29^th to 31^st of August at the Nunyara Conference Centre.

The camp aims to support young people to build connections and team work with other young people and to work on their leadership skills.

Student Wellbeing Team

Cootie Catcher

A "Cootie Catcher for Maths" is a paper fortune teller game adapted to practice various maths skills, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and vocabulary, by folding a square piece of paper and writing maths problems or definitions on the flaps.

Players choose colours and numbers to be prompted with a maths question, they then try to solve it before the answer is revealed, making maths practice interactive and engaging.

Our class used Cootie Catchers to learn and practise division. Students chose their own version. Some chose division by 8 or 7, while others selected easier ones, such as division by 3 or 2. However, even if a student chose an easier version, they could still be asked harder questions by their peers. Students played with one peer, and after finishing, they found another peer to continue the activity until the teacher asked them to stop.

Students enjoyed this activity. They are practising twice per week, either at the beginning or at the end of Maths lesson, to consolidate the concept.

Ms Michelle Peng

EIF (Exploring Identities and Futures) Expo

EIF is a Stage 1 SACE subject that supports students to learn more about themselves and explore their aspirations and future. On Tuesday 16^th September, classes 15, 30, and 41 proudly hosted an EIF Expo for Parents alongside the parent-teacher meetings. Students shared an impressive range of projects that highlighted their creativity, curiosity, and personal interests. Visiting parents thoroughly enjoyed exploring the displays and were full of praise for the talent, effort, and enthusiasm shown by the students.

Mr Ash Parekh

Post School Pathway and Career Education

Students from classes 15, 30, and 41 participated in a school-based incursion on 22^nd September. Facilitators from Apprenticeship Support Australia delivered a presentation on post-school pathways and career education, followed by mock interviews. Students engaged by asking questions about study and career options after high school and received constructive feedback on their interview performance.

Mr Ash Parekh

Our Gardens

For six weeks, we worked in the school gardens, clearing weeds and helping native plants grow. In our EALD class, we learned about global issues like climate change and the importance of acting locally to make a difference. This community service project, as part of our PLW, provided us with an opportunity to connect our learning to real-life action by caring for our school environment.

Working together taught us valuable lessons. We learned how sharing responsibility and helping each other can make hard work easier. This experience also helped us see how small actions, such as tidying the garden, are linked to big ideas about protecting the planet and creating a better future.

We feel proud of what we achieved as a team. This project showed us that even small efforts in our school can contribute to global goals. It inspires us to keep helping both our local community and the environment, and we hope others feel encouraged to do the same.

Ms Lili Liang & Class 9AB2

Exploring Creativity at "Come and Try Day"

Students from classes 3 and 41, along with three class 12 students, recently took part in the "Come and Try Day" at the Adelaide College of the Arts - a program designed for young people considering a future in the creative industries.

Participants had the opportunity to immerse themselves in one of two hands-on workshop streams. The first offered a taste of Graphic Design, Lighting and Sound, and VFX, while the second invited students to explore Photography, Visual Arts and Sculpture, and Performing Arts.

The day was not only inspiring but also eye-opening, giving students the chance to experiment with different creative disciplines, discover hidden passions, and learn about the many study and career pathways available. For some, it even sparked an interest in pursuing stackable VET courses as a stepping stone into the arts.

Mr Ash Parekh

City Orientation

Students from classes 21FA2 and 37FA2 recently went on an exciting city orientation excursion designed to help new arrivals become familiar with Adelaide's key landmarks.

As part of the experience, students explored two of the city's most iconic locations: the Adelaide Central Market and North Terrace.

At the Central Market, students had the opportunity to engage with the vibrant multicultural atmosphere, sample fresh produce, and learn about the variety of foods and cultures that make up Adelaide's community.

Following the market, the group enjoyed a walk along North Terrace.

This orientation was a valuable experience, helping students gain confidence navigating the city while deepening their appreciation of Adelaide’s rich cultural and historical landscape.

Ms Raj Bhatti

Peer Reading Brings Students Together

This term, students from class 41TC and class 22FA1 enjoyed Peer Reading sessions in week 4 and week 9. The Transition students in class 41TC partnered with the younger Foundation students to practise reading, share stories, and build confidence with words.

The sessions created a warm and supportive atmosphere, where older students became mentors and role models, patiently guiding their younger peers through books. The Foundation students were excited to read aloud, while the Transition students encouraged them and celebrated their progress.

Teachers, Ms Yelena and Ms Gabi, guided the groups, helping ensure that every child had the opportunity to join in and make progress. The program highlighted the importance of collaboration, kindness, and learning together.

Ms Yelena Timochshenko

Collaborative Learning

Once a week, students from classes 21FA2 and 37FA2 come together for a collaborative learning session. During this time, they participate in a range of literacy activities, including guided reading, shared reading, and paired reading, followed by word-building games.

This initiative provides a wonderful opportunity for students to strengthen their reading skills while also building meaningful connections with peers from the other class in a supportive and engaging environment.

Ms Raj Bhatti

SA Museum and Botanic Garden Excursion

Advanced students from classes 9, 10, 32 & 39 explored the SA Museum and Botanic Gardens to learn about Aboriginal knowledge and lifestyles. The excursions were very enjoyable and we had great weather to explore the Botanic Gardens.

Mr Tim Braund

Blood-Borne Virus Workshop

Transition students this term attended a special workshop on Monday 22 September about blood-borne viruses, hosted by Hepatitis SA, Relationships Australia and Thorne-Harbour Health. Students learnt about how viruses affect the body, can be passed from one person to another, and where they can access safe and free testing for serious infections. Students asked questions about how viral infections could be treated and managed, to help people live long and healthy lives, and to avoid the shame and stigma of discrimination. The workshop helped students build on the knowledge learnt in their Transition Health lessons. The presenters provided show bags and played a special ‘barrel of questions’ game to help the students explore the topics further, and several students won prizes.

Mr Paul Coats

History Presentation

Early in the term, History students had the opportunity to learn about Australia’s deep past. Uncle Eddie Peters shared some Zendath Kez (formerly Torres Straits) culture and Ms Rebecca Milne presented on Archaeology.

Mr Tim Braund

Student recounts:

Uncle Eddie told us about dance, song, instruments, costume. He told us about ceremony and celebration and law. “Tak mauki mauki” means don't touch what is not yours, don't step on what is not yours. (Tamana, class 39)

Yesterday's presentation helped me learn about Australian history. I told my mother everything so she got information too. This presentation helped me to remember about Australian history and never forget it. Finally, I would like to thank Uncle Eddie about this amazing presentation. (Lama, class 39)

The second presentation was about Archaeology and was presented by Mrs Rebecca Milne. She is an excellent speaker who spoke clearly about things that are hard to understand. (Oliver, class 32)

Ms Rebecca Milne taught us things about Archaeology. She worked with Aboriginal people. She explained what she did. The most interesting part from her talk was about the scarred trees. Rock Art can tell us how long ago the aboriginal people arrived here and how they lived. Rock Art also tells us some stories about aboriginal people, where they are from and what they did. It helped me to know archaeology is an important way to learn about the Aboriginal people. (Yinuo, class 32)

Hair and Beauty "Try-a-Trade Day"

Classes 8TC and 36TB students visited TAFE SA Adelaide to attend Hair and Beauty 'Try-a-Trade Day' on Monday, 30^th June. The students enjoyed this excursion and found it helpful.

Mr Ash Parekh

Term 4, 2025 Dates

• Monday, 13 October 2025 - First day of Term 4

• 20 - 21 November 2025 - High School visits (Transition students)

• Thursday, 20 November 2025 - Governing Council Meeting

• Friday, 12 December 2025 - Last day of Term 4