Newsletters
Annesley News Issue 246

Lessons at Camp Willochra

I have spent four days this week with our Year 5 students at Camp Willochra, in Melrose. It was a week filled with genuine joy. I witnessed our dedicated teachers investing deeply in our students, helping them grow in independence, resilience, confidence, social skills, and consideration for others.

I also found immense joy in watching our students ride bikes, hike through the gorge, play outdoors, skip, play sports, cook on camp stoves, enjoy books and card games, run freely through fields, laugh, and connect with one another. Not a screen was in sight—and not once did they ask for one.

Interestingly, The Advertiser published an article this week titled ‘Why Australian students are skipping school camps and what they’re missing out on’. It highlighted a concerning trend – some children are opting out of school camps, and schools are struggling to convince parents to let their child attend camp.

At every camp I attend, I see how hard our teachers work, every waking hour and often many of the sleeping hours too – providing support, guidance, and the gentle stretch needed for students to grow. It’s demanding work, and it pulls them away from their own families. Yet their commitment is unwavering, because they understand that camp helps children stand a little taller, smile a little wider, step a little further and their horizons become a little broader. These skills aren’t to be underestimated, they are essential in any learning or life journey.

On the final evening of Base 5 camp this week, I watched on as Penny, Darren, and Kate read a personal reflection for each child, celebrating the growth they had observed in them throughout the camp. Each student lit up with pride, knowing their achievements had been seen and valued. They shook hands with one of their teachers and received their Quest badge and Quest passport—a rite of passage in our Year 5 Quest program, acknowledging their achievements to date and their readiness for what is to come in Year 6.

This work is at the heart of what teachers do.

Jo Rossiter
Principal

Neither rain nor cold could dampen the determination of our Year 5 students as they earned the final stamp in their Quest passports during an unforgettable week in Melrose. Capping off a term filled with challenges and growth, students spent three nights camping in tents, cooking their own meals on camp stoves and embracing the elements with resilience and enthusiasm.

Their adventure included navigating mountain bike trails and hiking through the breathtaking beauty of Alligator Gorge. These experiences were the culmination of an eight-week transformative Quest program designed to prepare them for this final challenge. Along the way students engaged in orienteering, hiked Mt Lofty, planted trees, explored social justice and leadership, and completed a 35km bike ride. They also mastered practical skills like cooking on a trangia, pitching a tent and perhaps most importantly cleaning up after themselves.

On the final night teachers celebrated each student’s journey by sharing the character strengths they had witnessed throughout the term. As students received their physical Quest badges the pride on their faces and the heartfelt cheers from their peers created a truly magical moment.

We are incredibly proud of our Year 5 cohort. Their courage, camaraderie and personal growth throughout this experience have laid a strong foundation as they prepare to step into leadership roles in the coming year.

The Banksia children enjoyed celebrating Book Week with various experiences, special visitors and of course reading many wonderful books! Many thanks to Sarah Scott for her efforts in preparing the experiences for us.

Book Week dress up day was lots of fun! We read lots of stories, we visited the library for the story trail and read ‘One Little Dung Beetle’ and examined a range of beetles and mini beasts. We learnt a new word- ‘fragile’ as the beetles and minibeasts were real, so the children needed to just look!

It was great to be inclusive for a range of children who didn’t want to dress up, to those who initially didn’t want to, but then changed their mind, to those who were very excited to dress up! There were lots of conversations about stories and characters, so it was a fun and educational day to celebrate books and stories.

‘We would like to thank the Annesley community for your kind donations. Together we raised $202 in cash and received enough sport equipment to fill 2 bins. All these donations will go to a charity called Kitbags For Kids that helps kids that want to play sport have the equipment they need to play sport.’
Mac and Harvey Year 6

Last Wednesday, 32 of our Year 4 to 6 students proudly represented Annesley at the SAPSASA Athletics Carnival, the largest and most successful team we have ever had!

The day was filled with personal bests, outstanding performances, and plenty of Annesley spirit. Our athletes brought home 5 firsts, 5 seconds and 2 thirds.

Special congratulations to ribbon winners Emmii, Lily, Philinda, Indigo, Max, Mila, Hugo and Kobe. All representatives ensured Annesley values were evident throughout the competition in their effort, principled conduct and fair play.

Thank you to Zac for leading this team of athletes, Penny and Gail for their training of the students and support, Emily for her help on the day, and all the parents who cheered from the sidelines.

We are so proud of you all. Well played, Team Annesley!

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 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 – Sausage Sizzle

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.