Principal’s Update – Term 2, Week 5

Seaview High School Community,

At the conclusion of Term 1 and as we launch into Term 2, I am delighted to reflect on the vibrant and successful events that have marked our school year. Below is a summary of the significant activities across the school since our Week 10 Principal Update.

On a personal note, I continue to be grateful and excited about the opportunity to lead Seaview High School and thank you for your continued support and engagement. Joining this wonderful community as principal has already been a rewarding experience, and I am eager to continue building on our achievements.

Our school has seen a dynamic start to the year, with a range of events and initiatives that have engaged students, staff, and the wider community. From the enriching cultural experiences of our Student Free Day to the spirited participation in Sports Day, each event has contributed to the positive culture and learning environment at Seaview High School.

As we move forward, I am committed to fostering this momentum and ensuring that our school continues to thrive.

Student Free Day

On Monday, 28 April 2025, we held a successful Student Free Day, which provided an invaluable opportunity for staff to engage in professional development and collaborative planning. The day was structured to support our Site Learning Plan Goals, focusing on enhancing collective teacher efficacy and amplifying resilience in wellbeing and learning.

The day commenced with a Coffee Meet and Greet at various local venues, fostering a sense of community among staff. This was followed by an immersive experience at Tjilbruke Spring, led by Cali Galouzis and the Aboriginal Education Team, which enriched our understanding of cultural perspectives.

A wellbeing and team-building activity at Kingston Park Foreshore, facilitated by Shaun Walsh and the Conditions for Learning Team, further strengthened staff culture, cohesion and morale.

The core of the day was dedicated to consolidating our Site Learning Plan Goals. All teaching staff participated in a session led by Craig Duguid, Bill Stapleton and Leigh Charlesworth, focusing on the further development of our goals:

Goal 1: Enhancing collective teacher efficacy through Collaborative Workshops, with a focus on:

  • Metacognition
  • Self and co-regulation
  • Assessment design for learner equity
  • Effective utilisation of AI
  • Dispositional teaching
  • Fostering resilient learners.

Goal 2: Amplifying resilience in wellbeing and learning, with a focus on:

  • Positive conditions for wellbeing and learning
  • Promoting student agency in assessment to support productive struggle and drive learning
  • Literacy and numeracy intervention.

The day concluded with Learning Area Collaboration sessions, where teaching staff worked on assessment task design and dispositions aligned with the South Australian Curriculum. These sessions, led by Leigh and Learning Area Leaders, provided a platform for staff to apply insights gained throughout the day.

Overall, the Student Free Day was a productive and enriching experience, aligning with our strategic goals and reinforcing our commitment to fostering positive school culture and an effective and resilient learning environment.

Sports Day

Despite the cool and rainy weather, Sports Day was an energetic celebration of house spirit, teamwork, and community. Students across all year levels participated in a broad range of events, from competitive athletics to novelty games, contributing to a strong sense of camaraderie throughout the day. Students proudly dressed in their house colours and themed costumes and approximately 30 parents and caregivers were in attendance.

Open Night

A heartfelt thank you to all who supported the Open Night event. Engaging with families is always a pleasure, and we received numerous positive comments about our school, the opportunities we offer, and our vibrant learning culture. Feedback has been collected from both staff and families and will be used to inform future decisions regarding the event.

Year 12 Formal

Held on Friday 2 May at the Adelaide Convention Centre, the Year 12 Formal was an evening of glamour and celebration. Students made a grand entrance via red carpet arrivals, pausing for live interviews with Mr Stapleton and Ms Riley as part of our livestream. The night was filled with happiness, and nonstop dancing, as students and staff came together to celebrate the final year of high school.

Parent/Teacher/Student Conferences

I extend my gratitude to staff for their hard work during the recent conferences held over two nights in late Term 1. We conducted 1,685 conferences across the two evenings. A parent shared the following feedback: “These were the best interviews we have ever attended. The staff were friendly and well-prepared. We really appreciate the teachers and what they are doing for our son.”

2026 Special Interest Program Trials

We are actively preparing for the Transition to High School process for our incoming 2026 Year 7 students. The trials for our Special Interest Programs in Tennis and Dance have been successfully completed, and we are in the process of finalising enrolment offers. The calibre of applications has been exceptional, reflecting the strong demand for places in our school.

HR Update

We are pleased to welcome the following new staff members:

  • Jo Slatter – Finance SSO
  • Kristi Miller – Student Services SSO
  • Melissa Begue has transitioned to the Excursions and Wellbeing Reception role
  • Casey Hurrell – Learner Support
  • Sarika Khurana – Maths/Science Teacher
  • Kyle MacPhail – Science/HPE Teacher

Current HR activities include:

  • Ongoing panel process for the Business Leader position, contract until January 2027.
  • Semester 2 Year Level Manager roles in progress due to planned leave – Year 9: Jack Monaghan, Year 8: TBC.
  • Discussions are ongoing with the placement team regarding the School Mental Health Practitioner (SMHP) role.
  • We are working to confirm the appointment of an additional Grounds person.

Parent Engagement

The Parent Engagement Group convened in Week 1, Term 2 for a productive discussion between parent and staff reps. Ideas were exchanged on how parents and friends can support the school’s engagement goals. Our Governing Council have confirmed the formation of a Parents and Friends subcommittee. Look out for further information about how to join soon.

Facilities Update

Native Nunga Room Garden

This term, Margaret Hannam (ASETO) has been working with Bunnings, successfully securing support through their Community Program funding. Thanks to her efforts, we welcomed our local Bunnings team, where they generously donated all the plants, materials, and time to help us bring a new garden space to life, featuring a raised garden bed filled with edible native plants. The estimated value of this project is $5,150.

Oval Upgrade and Pavilion Project Grant and Project

I recently attended the SA Football Facilities Fund celebration at Adelaide Oval, where Seaview High School was presented with a certificate alongside the Hon. Rob Kerin, Chair of the SA Football Commission; Shayne Ward, AFL Head of Venue Network Enhancements and Partnerships; and Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing, Emily Bourke MLC. The event marked the awarding of a $300,000 grant to the Glenelg Football Club and Seaview High School for our oval upgrade and pavilion project. On Tuesday 27 May, we hosted Erin Thompson, MP for Davenport and the Sarah Andrew, MP for Gibson as they confirmed a $440,000 grant from ‘The Power of Her’. We look forward to keeping our community informed about this project as we progress.

Outdoor Banners

Our banners along Seacombe Road have been given a fresh new look!

Air Conditioner Upgrade

Construction is underway in the Kingston Building to upgrade the air conditioning system. This project is a significant investment in improving the overall comfort of our learning spaces and is aimed at providing better conditions for both teaching and learning. The upgraded system will ensure a more consistent and efficient climate throughout the building, supporting student focus and staff wellbeing. Work is scheduled for completion by the end of this term, with the new system expected to be fully operational for the start of Semester 2.

Uniform

With cooler weather upon us, we kindly remind families to review our school uniform policy. Please see school uniform information here.

Upcoming Key Dates

– Year 10 Drama Production Thursday 5 June
– Year 12 Drama Production Thursday 5 June
– Kings Birthday Public Holiday Monday 9 June
– Governing Council Meeting Wednesday 11 June
– Year 12 Drama Production Thursday 12 June
– Year 10 Drama Production Friday 13 June
– Dance Nights Wednesday 18 June and Thursday 19 June
– Year 10 Immunisations Tuesday 24 June
– Big Gig Thursday 26 June
– Year 10 Work Experience Monday 30 June – Friday 4 July

 

Craig Duguid
Principal

Translate