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Inside the Classroom and around College: Weeks 9 & 10 Highlights and Happenings

02.07.25

Riverland Music Tour Visit from CBC Adelaide

This week, we were delighted to welcome Christian Brothers College, Adelaide (CBC) as part of their Riverland music tour. Our students were treated to outstanding live performances by CBC’s Guitar Ensemble, Big Band and Rock Band, each group showcasing exceptional talent, teamwork and musicianship.

The performances were a source of inspiration and engagement for our students, offering a powerful reminder of how music can connect people, spark curiosity and open minds to new ideas.

As leading music education advocate Dr Anita Collins explains, learning and playing music is one of the most beneficial activities for the brain. It enhances memory, focus, problem-solving and emotional wellbeing, all while encouraging creativity and joy. In her words, “Music education isn’t a ‘nice to have’ – it’s essential for developing young minds.”

Thank you to CBC Adelaide for sharing your passion, inspiring our students and bringing the joy of music to our College.

To learn more about the benefits of music education, watch Dr Collins' TED-Ed talk!

Miss Niamh Graney, Music Teacher

Year 7–9 Netball Team Shines at Interschool Carnival

This week, our Year 7 to 9 netball team travelled to the Barossa to compete in the interschool netball carnival. The team played four games and finished the day with three impressive wins.

Match Results
Game 1: Lost to Faith Lutheran (13–20)
Game 2: Defeated Maitland Lutheran (26–12)
Game 3: Defeated St Ignatius College (23–9)
Game 4: Defeated St Joseph’s School (27–8)

The team showed excellent communication, strong defence and consistent effort throughout the day. Despite tough competition, the players remained positive and encouraged one another in every game.

Thank you to Miss Curtis and Mrs Van Dyk for their support in training, coaching and umpiring, both in the lead up to and on the day.

Interschool 9-a-side Football

On Friday of Week 9, 59 students from Years 7 to 9 represented the College at the Interschool 9-a-side Football carnival held in Waikerie. We fielded six teams, with many students stepping out of their comfort zones and playing football for the first time.

A standout moment from the day was the Year 9 boys team making it through to the Grand Final against Berri Regional. The match was a hard-fought contest, with our team narrowly missing out by a couple of goals.

Stella O'Bryan was acknowledged for her consistent effort and leadership throughout the day, receiving the Good Sports Award.

Thank you to Mr Goodman for his organisation in the lead up to the event, and to Mr Prokopec, Mrs Vater, Mr Anspach, Mrs Empedocles, Miss Gibbons, Mr Marks and Mr Sampson for their support in coaching and umpiring on the day.

Year 7 Art

Year 7 students from 7A and 7C recently showcased their Element Cube artworks in a gallery walk. Each student created a cube featuring the six elements of visual art: line, shape, colour, texture, space, and value. The gallery walk allowed students to observe and appreciate their peers’ work while reflecting on their own creative choices. The classroom was transformed into a vibrant display of colour, creativity, and expression. It was a fantastic display of the skills and concepts learned throughout the unit.

Miss Haylee Poulish, Art Teacher

Year 8 Food Technology: Exploring Global Cuisines

This term, our Year 8 students explored food from around the world as part of their cooking unit. They learned about different cultures and the important role food plays in traditions and daily life.

Each group selected a country to research before preparing a traditional dish using authentic ingredients and cooking techniques from that culture.

From Italian pasta to Japanese sushi and Mexican tacos, students gained hands-on experience experimenting with new flavours and developing their kitchen skills. It was a fun and engaging way to learn about global cultures through food.

Miss Mikayla Curtis, Food Technology Teacher

Year 9 Girls Attend Young Women in STEM Excursion

Recently, a group of Year 9 girls participated in the Young Women in STEM excursion at The University of Adelaide, where they explored the fields of architecture, engineering and mathematics through a series of engaging, hands-on workshops.

Cranes and Cantilevers
Students took on the role of civil engineers and construction managers, designing and building their own cantilever cranes. After testing each for strength, durability and stability, only the strongest design remained standing.

Build Your Own Motor
Using everyday materials, students constructed functioning electric motors, gaining insight into the work of electrical and mechanical engineers and how these fields contribute to advances in health, defence and sustainability.

Deltahedra
In this mathematical challenge, students explored the fascinating world of deltahedra—geometric shapes that continue to intrigue researchers. They gathered data, made conjectures and formed logical arguments, mirroring the work of real mathematicians.

The day was a fantastic opportunity for students to discover the diversity of STEM careers and the exciting possibilities that lie ahead. Thank you to The University of Adelaide for hosting such an inspiring and empowering event.

Mrs Natalie Meuret, Science Teacher 

Year 9A Food Technology – Mystery Ingredient Challenge

In an engaging double lesson, Year 9A Food Technology students worked in pairs and each received a unique set of four mystery ingredients, combining sweet and savoury items. Multiple ingredient sets were placed around the kitchen to ensure every pair had a distinct challenge.

Students were tasked with finding or creating a recipe that incorporated all four ingredients, using additional pantry or fridge items as needed. The activity emphasised teamwork, planning and problem-solving as students cooked, plated and enjoyed their dishes within the allotted time.

The results were both inventive and delicious, ranging from deluxe burgers, fried rice and breakfast wraps to English muffins with creative fillings, sweet tarts, savoury pies, scrolls, slices, pasta dishes and more.

Well done to Year 9A for demonstrating creativity, adaptability and strong culinary skills throughout the challenge.

Miss Mikayla Curtis, Food Technology Teacher

Exploring Chemical Reactions in Year 9 Science

Year 9 Science students have been diving into the fascinating world of chemical reactions, learning how to identify the signs that a reaction has occurred.

Through a series of hands-on experiments, students observed light and heat being released, gas production, colour changes and the formation of new substances known as precipitates.

It has been a highly engaging and interactive way to see chemistry in action and bring classroom learning to life.

Mrs Natalie Meuret, Science Teacher

A Taste of High Tea at Hotel Renmark

As part of their High Tea unit, Year 9A students visited the Temperance Restaurant at Hotel Renmark for an authentic high tea experience.

Following their own high tea creations in class, students had the opportunity to observe how this tradition is presented in a professional setting. They analysed the menu, style and presentation of dishes, comparing portion sizes, food types and decorative details with their classroom efforts.

Executive Chef Anthony Cresp spoke with students about his role and the craft of designing a high tea menu. Students enjoyed hot chocolates and a selection of sweet and savoury items, including finger sandwiches, pastries, muffins, tarts and petit fours. Many students embraced the chance to try new flavours and textures.

We sincerely thank Anthony, Megan and the Hotel Renmark team for their warm hospitality and for providing our students with a memorable and inspiring culinary experience.

Miss Mikayla Curtis, Food Technology Teacher

Year 10 Child Studies Students Lead STEM Activities at Barmera Kindergarten

Our Year 10 Child Studies students recently had the opportunity to visit Barmera Kindergarten to deliver a range of hands-on STEM activities as part of their Group Action Plan and Practical Project.

In preparation, students studied how play supports early learning and designed age-appropriate toys and activities to promote development in children aged one to four years.

Activities included lemon volcanoes, lava lamps, slime, scented playdough, pom-pom launchers and paper cup phones. Each was created to spark curiosity and encourage learning through play.

The kindergarten children were fully engaged throughout the sessions, and our students demonstrated confidence and care in leading the activities. It was a rewarding experience for everyone involved. We thank Barmera Kindergarten for their warm welcome and support.

Mrs Amber Burgess, Child Studies Teacher

Faith in Action at Calvary St Catherine's

Throughout the term, Year 10 Religious Education students visited residents at Calvary St Catherine’s Retirement Community over three sessions as part of their Faith in Action unit.

Through games, activities and conversations, students had the chance to form meaningful connections while practising empathy, respect and active listening. These visits provided more than just enjoyment—they were an opportunity for students to live out discipleship by following the example of Jesus through kindness, companionship and care for others.

We are proud of the way our students embraced the experience with openness and a genuine willingness to learn and serve.

Mr John Lyons, RE Teacher

Year 10 Food and Hospitality – Café Creations

Our Year 10 Food and Hospitality students have been exploring the world of café cuisine, developing skills to design menus that are both delicious and practical.

As part of their project, students researched a variety of sweet and savoury items suitable for a café setting. They considered factors such as taste, cost and appeal to their target audience. Each student created detailed recipe cards that included ingredients, measurements, step-by-step instructions and a cost breakdown for their chosen dishes.

To bring their ideas to life, students selected one recipe to prepare during a double lesson. They submitted food orders in advance, planned their cooking process and presented their final dishes for the group to enjoy.

Some of the café-worthy creations included caramel slice, chocolate chip cookies, loaded Biscoff cookies, scones with jam and cream, peppermint slice, spiced chicken wraps and hearty chicken and vegetable pies.

Well done to our Year 10 students for showcasing creativity, organisation and real-world food skills in action.

Mrs Amber Burgess, Food and Hospitality Teacher

Stage 2 Outdoor Ed Bushwalking Camp​

Year 11 students recently completed their Bushwalking Journey for Stage 2 outdoor Education in Deep Creek Conservation Park. The group covered close to 30km on their three-day expedition across undulating and challenging terrain from sandy beaches to rocky climbs. The group used teamwork , tolerance and tenacity each day to keep group morale high, support each other and form new connections. 

Thank you to Mr. Smith and Miss Fenwick for their leadership, support and guidance.

Mr Luke Cotter, Outdoor Education Teacher

Year 11 Chemistry Students Compete in RACI Titration Competition

Our Year 11 Chemistry students Riley B, Aaron, Ael, Yvette and Noorkomal recently participated in the Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI) Titration Competition.

This prestigious national event challenges students to carry out a series of precise chemical analyses to determine the concentration of an unknown solution of oxalic acid. Accuracy is crucial, with the most precise teams earning a place in the state finals.

A special mention goes to Year 10 student Mila, who stepped in to support the team in the absence of another member. Despite having never used the titration equipment before, Mila handled it with a high level of precision, demonstrating impressive focus and adaptability.

We are thrilled to announce that both teams have progressed to the state finals!

  • Riley, Noorkmal and Aaron achieved a combined percentage error of just 1.07%.
  • Ael, Mila and Yvette achieved a combined percentage error of 1.72%.
  • The top performing student was Aaron, with an outstanding individual error of only 0.14%.

Well done to all involved. We are proud of your determination, precision, and teamwork.

Mrs Sarah McGorman, Chemistry Teacher 

Growing in harmony