Newsletters
Annesley News Issue 245

Child Safety in the Digital World

It has been a challenging time for everyone working in the Early Childhood sector, and we feel deeply for any children and families that have experienced harm in Victoria and NSW resulting from misconduct in Early Childhood services. Whilst there are many reforms yet to be pursued in the sector, some regulatory changes are coming into effect from September 1, 2025.

The State Government has announced a ban on personal mobile devices in Early Childhood settings to better protect young children. All services are required to implement this ban in policy and procedures, in line with the National Model Code. The National Model Code outlines that only service-issued devices are to be used when taking images or videos of children when providing education and care. Personal mobile devices capable of taking images or videos, personal storage, or file transfer media cannot be in possession of any person while they are working directly with children.

As this directive affects all staff, caregivers, visitors (such as Allied Health providers) and contractors who enter the ELC, we are declaring our ELC to be a NO PHONE ZONE.

From Monday 1 September, you will see this information displayed at each of our ELC entrances.

In the ELC the development of our Safe Use of Digital Technologies and Online Environments Policy has provided reflection on how we create a safe environment with the use of digital and online technology.

As part of our implementation of this Policy, we are currently reflecting upon:

• How we gain consent from a child to capture and share their image
• Our priority to be with and engage with children, rather than documentation
• The intentionality of the photographs taken in documenting and sharing learning with families
• How to minimise the use of devices when with children so that play and learning is not impacted

With both the new regulation and the recent introduction of ‘Anney’, as a professional team we are continuing to review our documentation practices. Our intent is to share a child’s learning and growth with families and continue to utilise technology in safe ways, but not at the cost of staff and child engagement through play and discovery, active supervision and building social connections, which devices can so often distract us from.

Please be assured of our commitment to the safety of the children in our care. We continue to reflect upon our practices and implement changes for the benefit of our students.

We value your feedback and the opportunity to discuss our approaches to Child Safety with our ELC families at anytime.

Donna Nicolle
Director of ELC

Tuesday Week 8 – 9th September

For our final round Specialist Showcases we invite our Reception and Year 1 students to lead their parents on a tour of the favourite Specialist Learning areas and share highlights of their Learning. Further information about this event will be shared with families on School Stream on Monday.

Reception: 3:40pm-4:10pm
Year 1: 4:10pm-4:40pm

Reminder

Student-Free Day

Friday 5 September

ELC & OSHC available

Staff Professional Learning Day

Last week, Base 4 Michelle had an incredible time celebrating Book Week! First, we had an inspirational visit from Dave Atze, where the children were able to develop their illustrative skills before beginning their own masterpieces! On Friday afternoon, we were privileged to connect with author Andy Griffiths via Zoom. During the Zoom, children listened to Andy discussing his work, including the much-loved Treehouse series. His advice to the pupils was to “imagine boldly, play with ideas and keep writing!” And finally, who could forget the wonderful Book Week Parade that took place on Friday morning. The children looked remarkable in their creations and enjoyed having their time to shine. Thank you to our parents for all of your hard work and effort in the preparation process.

Serving Up Skills and Spirit: PE in Full Swing at Annesley

It’s been a fantastic term in Health and PE, with students across all year levels diving into movement, connection, and personal growth. From our littlest learners to our Year 4 tennis stars, there’s been a real buzz around the courts and classrooms.

Reception to Year 2: Getting Moving

Our Reception to Year 2 students have been working hard on their fundamental movement skills like running, jumping, catching, and throwing. These skills are the building blocks for everything that comes next, and it’s been so rewarding to see their confidence grow each week. They’re learning how to move with control, play cooperatively, and celebrate each other’s wins, big and small.

Year 3–4: Hot Shots Tennis Carnival Prep

The real excitement this term has come from our Year 3 and 4 students, who are preparing for the Hot Shots Tennis Carnival in Week 9. Each lesson has been packed with energy, challenge, and collaboration. We’ve been focusing on tennis-specific skills like serving, rallying, and footwork, while also building teamwork through fun games and challenges.

We’ve also linked our learning with traditional Indigenous games, which has added a rich layer of cultural understanding and respect to our sessions. It’s been a great way to explore movement in different contexts and connect with the broader community.

IB Learner Profiles in Action

What’s really stood out is how beautifully our students are showing the IB learner attributes through their tennis journey:

• Risk-Takers are trying new techniques and stepping into match play with courage.
• Reflective learners are setting goals and thinking about what’s working and what needs tweaking.
• Knowledgeable players are learning about grips, strokes, and game rules.
• Communicators are thriving in doubles matches and supporting their teammates.
• Balanced students are focusing on both physical movement and emotional regulation.
• Principled players are making fair calls and showing great sportsmanship.
• Thinkers are planning their shots and reading the game.
• Open-Minded learners are giving tennis a go for the first time and loving it.
• Caring teammates are encouraging each other and celebrating effort.

It’s been amazing to hear students reflect on their progress and connect their learning to these attributes.

Linking to the Curriculum

This unit ties directly into the Australian Curriculum for Years 3–4, where students are encouraged to refine movement sequences, apply strategies in team settings, and explore the cultural significance of physical activity. It’s been a great way to bring those outcomes to life in a meaningful and fun way.

As we head toward the carnival, I couldn’t be prouder of the effort, enthusiasm, and growth our students have shown. Whether they’re mastering a backhand or cheering on a friend, they’re showing us that PE is about more than just sport, it’s about building character, confidence, and community.

Let’s keep the momentum going and finish the term strong!

Zac Venning and Millie Walker, Health & PE Team

This morning, our Year 1 students warmly welcomed their Grandparents and Special Friends for a joyful celebration of family and learning. The children proudly shared family trees they had created, sparking meaningful conversations about heritage and connection.

As part of the morning’s activities, students interviewed their special guests about what school was like in their day. The stories shared were full of fascinating memories, laughter, and reflections on how education has changed over time.

The event concluded with a lovely morning tea in the Dining Room, where guests and students enjoyed delicious treats and continued their conversations. It was a beautiful way to honour the important role grandparents and special friends play in our lives and learning journeys.

Zoe (Yr 2) and Edie (Yr 6) competed in the State Championship (SA, NT and Tas) of Irish Dancing last weekend. Zoe came away with 2nd place in Under 7’s and Edie with 4th place in the under 11’s. Both Zoe and Edie have found a passion in Irish Dancing, and we are delighted to see them both rewarded for their dedication, commitment and effort.

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.

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

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.

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.

From 4.30pm each day, OSHC requires exclusive access to the eastern playspace (including the soccer field and Adventure playgroun). After this time, families are asked to move to the western end, utilising the Court and Daphne Gum playground.

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.

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
Monday & Wednesday Afternoons: 3pm – 4pm

Tuesday 2 – Thursday 4 September: School Photos

Wednesday 3 September: SAPSASA District Athletics Carnival

Thursday 4 September: Father’s Day Celebration

Friday 5 September: Student Free Day/Teacher Professional Learning Day (ELC & OSHC available)

Tuesday 9 – Thursday 11 September:
ELC – Celebrating Learning through Play (8am)

Tuesday 9 September:  Reception – Year 1 Specialist Showcase

Monday 8 to Thursday 11 September: Year 5 Camp

Tuesday 16 September: Year 2: Production – Grandparents and Special Friends Day

Thursday 18 September: Year 2: Production (for families)

Friday 19 September: SAPSASA Track & Field Metro Athletics Championships

Friday 19 September: ELC Orientation Day (10am)

Monday 22 – Tuesday 23 September: Year 6: Exhibition

Tuesday 23 September: Year 6: Parent Road Trip information session

Thursday 25 September: Year 3 Celebration of Learning (3-3:30pm)

Thursday 25 September: Year 4 Celebration of Learning (am & pm)

Thursday 25 September: ELC Orientation Day (10am)

Friday 26 September: Year 3: Celebration of Learning (8:15 – 8:45am)

Friday 26 September: Jump Rope for Heart

Friday 26 September: Last day of Term 3

If you need further information about upcoming events at Annesley, please contact enquiries@annesley.sa.edu.au.

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.