Newsletters
Annesley News Issue 235
Principals News from the Director of Primary School
Supporting our Students’ Growth: Beyond Reading, Writing, and Arithmetic
For many generations, schools have focused primarily on reading, writing, and arithmetic—what we at Annesley refer to as the Foundational Skills. While these remain essential, education systems worldwide now recognise that success in today’s world requires more than just academic knowledge. Human connection, collaboration, and adaptability are just as crucial in navigating an increasingly complex world.
At Annesley, we dedicate significant time to supporting students’ personal and social development. This means helping them understand themselves and others, build strong relationships, and make responsible decisions. Both the Australian Curriculum and the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) provide comprehensive frameworks that guide students in developing positive behaviours. These frameworks emphasise social and emotional learning, ethical understanding, and intercultural competence while fostering student agency and a lifelong love of learning. By integrating these elements into our daily practices, we create a nurturing environment that helps students develop empathy, resilience, and effective communication skills—essential qualities for teamwork and constructive problem-solving.
At Annesley, we believe that all children thrive when they feel valued and understood. We embrace an approach of unconditional positive regard, which means that every child is respected, supported, and cared for—regardless of the challenges they may face. This approach underpins our interactions with students and ensures that they feel safe, heard, and encouraged to learn from their experiences.
A Holistic Approach to Wellbeing, Behaviour, and Engagement
We recognise that a student’s wellbeing, behaviour, and engagement in learning are deeply interconnected. If a child’s wellbeing is impacted, this can affect their behaviour, and if their behaviour is impacted, their ability to engage in learning can also be affected.
With this in mind, we have updated our previous behaviour policy to reflect a more holistic and proactive approach. Now called the Wellbeing, Behaviour, and Engagement Policy, this new framework acknowledges that behaviour is learned over time and shaped by developmental stages, family experiences, and social settings. Our focus is on supporting students to develop the skills and strategies they need to navigate challenges in a positive and constructive way.
As highlighted in our last Annesley News, our Essential Agreements set clear, high expectations for learning, achievement, and behaviour. To provide effective support, we have developed the Pathways of Support Document, which summarises the key processes in our updated policy. This document—displayed in every classroom and regularly referenced by teachers—outlines the reasonable responses and support systems in place to help students learn and practise positive behaviours in an inclusive and respectful environment. Our goal is to foster a safe, happy, and engaging learning space where every student feels a sense of belonging.
A Strong Partnership with Families
Parents and families are their children’s first and most important teachers. Every student at Annesley comes from a loving and caring family that wants the best for their child. At Annesley, we deeply value our partnership with parents in supporting students’ learning, wellbeing, and behaviour development. We take a solution-focused approach when addressing concerns and are committed to maintaining privacy and confidentiality in all student support matters.
We are grateful for the Annesley community and for the shared commitment to nurturing each child’s growth. Our personalised approach, rooted in unconditional positive regard and commitment to ensuring that every student feels safe, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential. Thank you for being part of this journey with us.
Sharyn Darrell
Director of Primary
International Mother Language Day
Thank you to all the children and families who participated in our International Mother Language Day video, sharing greetings from your home and family languages. And a special thank you to Teresa Hudson, mother of Charlie and Isabel, for filming and editing this incredible piece. In our Morning Circles and library sessions we have also enjoyed sharing the different languages within our learning community helping us build our sense of belonging and connection.
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child states that all children have ‘the right to learn and use the language of their family’ (Article30). At Annesley we recognise the significant and continuing role our students’ home or family languages can play in building identity, self-esteem, and enhancing our students’ capacity for learning. For our bi-lingual students it is important that we empower them to become self-directed learners and users of home and family languages, with the ability to think in, and move fluidly between their languages to enhance their learning.
Thankyou to our Annesley Parents’ Association (APA)
We are pleased to share that our APA have generously supported two new projects in our School. A new shed has been installed in our farm, housing supplies for our chicken friends near their coop. This has allowed the other shed to be better used for gardening and farming tools. We have also had installed in Gillingham Hall an Honour Board to recognise our AJS School Leaders, the first honour board commemorating Annesley Junior School history! Thank you to our APA and community for supporting these projects in our school.
Parent Welcome Back Drinks
Our Annesley Parents Association (APA) hosted a fantastic Welcome Back Drinks under the sails on a warm evening in our beautiful school gardens. It was a great opportunity to reconnect with familiar faces and warmly welcome new families into our Annesley community. A huge thank you to tour amazing APA Committee for organising such a successful and enjoyable event. Your hard work and dedication is truly appreciated!
Surf's Up! - Year 4 Quest
The weather was perfect as the Year 4 cohort embarked on their first Quest adventures for 2025. We boarded the tram and made our way to Glenelg beach. On route we received numerous compliments regarding the exemplary behaviour and manners of our students. At the beach we met our instructors and began our learning. We learnt about the potential dangers of the coastal environment, we practised our board skills and learnt about rescues. We are excited to return to the beach again next week.
Reef skills - Year 6 Quest
Banksia News
We have welcomed 13 new friends to the Banksia Room this term! Starting in a new centre can be an exciting yet challenging time for young children and their families. We are thrilled that our older children have welcomed our new friends. Along with our educators, our older friends are helping to set an example for our new friends during our routines, gently modelling what to do as we move though the day.
Our Mission Statement in the Banksia room is:
Nurturing relationships and welcoming individual needs creates a sense of belonging.
We believe this to be true of our relationships with children, families and colleagues. We strive to support our children, families and each other in a way that best suits each individual’s needs, and unique personality.
We have been curious to see what each of our children are drawn to throughout our day. We follow and extend on these interests and skills, as we know our children are capable and curious learners. Some of the highlights so far include:
- Visits to the Farm to feed the chickens and eat cherry tomatoes
- Cooking in the mud kitchen
- Using scissors to cut leaves and paper
- Reading stories in the Early Years Library
- Watching the garbage truck lift and empty the bins in the alley (from over the fence)
- Playing with cars
- Painting our hands
- Saying hello to Jim as he fixes things
- Pretend play
- Water play
- Making friends
- Singing the Acknowledgement of Country in Kaurna language
- Dancing and Yoga
We are excited about the year ahead!
Year 3 Bernie News
This term, our Base 3 class has been diving into the exciting world of narrative writing, with a focus on developing their storytelling skills in line with the ACARA outcomes for Year 3 literacy. The children have been working hard to craft their very own Mr. Men and Little Miss characters, exploring creative ideas and using their imaginations to design characters with unique personalities and traits.
To begin the process, students brainstormed ideas, considering what qualities would make their characters both interesting and relatable. We encouraged the students to focus on one of the school values when designing their character. After drafting their ideas, they have been carefully planning their stories by mapping out their story, ensuring their narratives have a clear structure.
Throughout the process, they will be focusing on using descriptive language, dialogue, and character development to bring their stories to life. The culmination of their hard work will be the creation of beautiful picture books. Each student will publish their very own story, complete with illustrations, and we are incredibly excited to share them with our grandparents and special friends later in the term – if we can get them finished in time!
Our Year 3 students have been working hard on their writing skills, and we can’t wait for you to see their wonderful Mr. Men characters and the stories they will bring to life!
Teddy Bears Picnic - Reception
Uniform Policy
Class Teachers are sharing about our Uniform Expectations in Announcements as part of Welcome Circles. In the last fortnight, our focus has been on:
- Hats: Maroon bucket hat or Navy House Bucket Hat
- Socks: Short navy or white socks are to be worn
- Tops and Bottoms: Uniform items with Annesley Logo (old or new logo)
Thank you to our families for your support in helping your children present themselves proudly each day in their Annesley Uniform as they prepare for school.
Sports Day 2025
Get ready for a fun night out
Pancake Day! Tuesday 4th March
Shrove (Pancake) Tuesday is coming up in couple of weeks. The Uniting Church is promoting this day featuring the winning entry from last year’s colouring competition – Annesley student, Hamish M. from Year 2 Jodie.
On Tuesday 4th March our Primary students will have the opportunity to reflect on Shrove Tuesday. Staff will prepare and serve students a small pancake each, with a dietary option available for those with allergies or dietary preferences.
So, what is the meaning behind this special day? How and why is it celebrated around the world? Shrove Tuesday is a Christian festival celebrated in many countries across the globe. It falls on the Tuesday before the beginning of Lent – a period of around six weeks leading up to Easter. During Lent, Christians give up luxuries to remember when Jesus went into the desert for 40 days to fast and pray, to prepare him for his greatest test.
The exact date of Shrove Tuesday changes from year to year in line with Easter, which is set according to the lunar calendar. The name ‘Shrove’ comes from an old word ‘shriving’, which means to listen to someone’s sins and forgive them. In Anglo-Saxon England, Christians would go to church on Shrove Tuesday to confess their sins and clean their soul. In other words, they would be ‘shriven’.
Traditionally during Lent, Christians would give up rich, tasty foods (luxuries) such as butter, eggs, sugar and fat. Shrove Tuesday was the last chance to eat them – and what better way to do so than with a delicious pancake!
Primary students, Get your House T-Shirt!
Grandparents and Special Friend Days
Annesley Policies
For your information, we include in this newsletter recently updated Annesley Policies:
AJS Allergy and Nut Aware Policy
Annesley Policies can be found our website (selected policies only) and other relevant policies for families are kept in the Policies Tab on School Stream.
U-Turns on Rose Terrace
We ask our families to refrain from undertaking U-turns on Rose Terrace when bringing your child to school or collecting them at the end of the day. It is unlawful to do a U-turn over the yellow barriers on the road and a safety concern during peak times for our community along Rose Terrace during these busy times.
Applications for siblings
A reminder to all families that if you have younger children that you have not yet submitted an application form for, that it can be done via this link: https://enrol.annesley.sa.edu.au/application-for-admission/start
An application must be submitted in order for a child to be considered for a place.
If you are not sure if you have submitted an application and wish to check, or for any other questions, please contact Laura in the Student Enrolments Office on 8422 2211 or email enrolments@annesley.sa.edu.au
Kiss & Drop
Through recent engagement with the Unley Council, they have confirmed guidelines for our community to follow when using the Kiss & Drop zone. Drivers must remain within 3 metres of their car in this zone and can only remain stopped for 2 minutes. If a driver moves further than 3 metres away, the 2-minute period no longer applies. We have had regular inspections from Unley Council of this zone recently. We ask our community members to adhere to these guidelines to avoid getting fined, and to keep our Kiss & Drop zone functioning effectively.
Supervision before and after school
A reminder to Primary families that supervision for our students is provided from 8.30am on school grounds. Prior to this time, students are not to be left onsite without an adult family member. Our Before School OSHC Service is available to families requiring early supervision from 7.30am to 8.30am. Similarly, staff supervision is provided after school until 3.45pm. OSHC is available to families needing care after school until 6pm.
Calling for Unify donations
Calling all families to donate gently used Annesley uniforms to Unify, our student-led pop-up shop for second-hand uniforms. Your contribution not only promotes sustainability but also helps support many of the school’s initiatives. Your ongoing participation is greatly appreciated and contributes to the continued success of our school community. Donations can be left in the Unify tub located in the Front Office.
Bouncing Bean hours
Our Bouncing Bean Café and Unify Second-Hand store are open at the following times each week:
Before School: 8.15am – 9am, Everyday
Morning Break: 11.05am – 11.45am, Everyday
Wednesday Afternoons: 3pm – 4pm
Upcoming Dates Term 1
Monday 24 February: Year 4 Quest – Surf Life Saving – Glenelg Beach
Wednesday 26 February: 9am Chapel
Thursday 27 February: Vision Screening – Reception
Friday 28 February: Parent Class Representative Coffee 8:45am
Monday 3 March: Year 4 Quest – Surf Life Saving – Glenelg Beach
Tuesday 4, March: Shrove Tuesday
Wednesday 5 March: 9am Assembly, 9:30am Year 3 Grandparents and Special Friends Day
Thursday 6 March 06: SAPSASA District Swimming Carnival
Friday 7 March: Year 5 Theatre Excursion
Would you like to volunteer at Annesley?
Our website now has a volunteering page under the Community Tab that outlines clearly the process we require our family members to follow to volunteer at Annesley. This process meets legislative requirements in order to keep our children and volunteers safe at Annesley. See more here.
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