Newsletters
Annesley News Issue 248

Annesley is proud to be an independent school

It has been reported recently that Independent School enrolments are growing at more than three times the national average. A new national report shows that parents across Australia are choosing Independent schools for their child’s education. In 2023–24, enrolments increased by 3.9% – the strongest growth in over a decade.

There is also media circling in NewsCorp publications today regarding the salaries/income of parents who enrol their children in ‘private’ schools. The Chief Executive of Independent Schools Australia, has provided these comments:

“Most Independent school families are ordinary hard-working Australians, 60% are from low and middle-income households, often working two jobs, and especially as cost of living pressures continue, are making real sacrifices so their children can attend the school that’s right for them.

Independent school parents are taxpayers too, hardworking, aspirational, and doing their best for their children. They deserve fairness, not outdated labels.”

Funding models are also often misreported, noting that Independent school students receive, on average, just half the government funding of government school students. Independent schools receive an average of $13,080 per student in government funding, compared to $24,860 for public school students. This means families choosing an Independent school are not just investing in their child’s future—they are supporting diversity, choice in education, and easing pressure on the public system.

Annesley is proud to be part of a sector that reflects the choices and aspirations of families across Australia. We will never take for granted in the choice and trust that Annesley families place in our team, to educate your child/ren for their important early learning and primary schooling years.

You can access the full report here.

Jo Rossiter
Principal | Annesley Junior School

Last week, Millie competed in the World Triathlon Championships in Wollongong, NSW, and placed 14^th in her age group!

We are thrilled to have a World Champ in our community and inspired by Millie’s commitment to her sport and personal best.

Transdisciplinary Theme: How We Express Ourselves

Central Idea: Imagination is a powerful tool for extending our ability to think and create.

Last week, our students had the exciting opportunity to visit The Studio at the Art Gallery of South Australia, where the theme of heroes and villains sparked their imaginations. Inspired by Layne Dhu-Dickie’s Captain Hedland comic, students designed their own unique hero or villain and began crafting original comic stories. These creations have returned to school with us, now serving as a springboard for narrative writing in the classroom this term.

During our visit to the Art Gallery of South Australia, students engaged in thoughtful discussions about their personal responses to various artworks. A highlight was seeing Kuḻaṯa Tjuṯa (ceremonial spears) in person, after previously exploring it through images in class. Students also shared diverse perspectives on the striking Dark Matter Collectivesculpture and admired the craftsmanship of the intricately carved wooden archway. These experiences deepened their understanding of artistic expression and cultural storytelling.

Feeling inspired, our Year One students have been enthusiastically creating their own artworks both in class and during Specialist Art lessons. These vibrant pieces will be proudly showcased at our upcoming Celebration of Learning, highlighting the creativity and growth of our young artists.

Activated OSHC service!

Activated OSHC is an evidence-based program designed to help children at OSHC get the right amount of physical activity and screen time so that they can be healthy and happy.

As an Activated OSHC service, we are committed to providing your child with opportunities to be physically active. This includes plenty of time for free play and structured games, as well as limiting the time available for some screen-based activities such as playing video games and watching movies.

By being an Activated OSHC service, we are ensuring that we deliver physical activity and screen time activities of the highest standard. Receiving our accreditation means we have developed a Physical Activity and Screen Time policy that adheres to the Australian OSHC Physical Activity and Screen Time guidelines, and our staff have completed extra training. The accreditation lasts 3 years.

You can also help your child to be physically active by role modelling an active lifestyle at home. For ideas on fun activities for the whole family, look here: raisingchildren.net.au

Congratulations to our Year 2 students Oliver and Jaime!

Both students represented Annesley Junior School at the Oliphant Science Awards presentation on Friday night and achieved first place in their categories.

Oliver received top honours in Science Writing for his piece “The Future of Space Exploration: Safeguarding Life Beyond Earth” and was also awarded a sponsor prize for his outstanding entry.

Jaime impressed in the Photography category with his beautiful images capturing the different textures of tree bark.

Well done to Oliver and Jaime for this incredible achievement.

Last night, Annesley Junior School welcomed back alumni from graduating years 2012 – 2024 for a landmark reunion, the first of its kind since the beginning of Annesley Junior School in 2012. Held on Thursday, 23 October, the event brought together past students, teachers, and community members to celebrate the enduring legacy and remarkable transformation of one of Adelaide’s most cherished educational communities.

“This was more than a reunion, it was a celebration of the success of Annesley Junior School, our community spirit, and the enduring legacy of MLC/Annesley,” said Jo Rossiter, Principal of Annesley Junior School. “We were thrilled to welcome graduating alumni back to the campus and showcase their ongoing success since graduating from Annesley.”

The evening featured opportunities for alumni to reconnect, share memories, and witness the vibrant learning environment that has been rebuilt over the past decade.

Today, Annesley stands proudly as a leader in ELC and Primary education – a testament to the strength and commitment of its community and its ability to adapt and thrive.

Thank you to all who were able to join us last night, it was a truly special evening of reconnection, reflection, and celebration. Your presence helped make this landmark reunion a memorable one.

Parents, Grandparents and Friends of Annesley

The Annesley Parents Association (APA) would like to thank our community for their wonderful contributions throughout 2025. We’ve enjoyed an incredible year of events — from our Term 1 Welcome Drinks to Sports Day, Mother’s and Father’s & Special Friends’ Days and of course, Musical Bingo! None of these events would have been possible without your participation and support — thank you.

Last term, the APA team conducted a survey to get to know our community a little better. We wanted to understand what types of events, fundraising initiatives, and ideas you’d like to see from your APA.  We were thrilled to receive so much positive and thoughtful feedback — thank you to everyone who took the time to participate!

If you didn’t have a chance to share your thoughts or would simply like to learn more about the survey results and what the APA does, please join us for our APA Annual General Meeting later this term, more details will be shared shortly.

At the meeting, we’ll be:

• Sharing the results of the community survey
• Discussing how we can run even better events and fundraisers
• Talking about the role of the APA and how you can get involved

Whether you’d like to join as a member, volunteer at events, or simply share your ideas, your input is valuable to us. The APA exists to make a positive difference in our school community — and we’d love for you to be part of it.

Please come along, enjoy some light refreshments, and take part in what promises to be a positive and engaging discussion.

More details to follow soon — we hope to see you there!

Pastor Pete is hosting a special Chapel service on Wednesday 12 November at 9am in Gillingham Hall, which is also open to Old Scholars and community members.

U-Turns:
We kindly ask families to avoid making U-turns on Rose Terrace when dropping off or picking up children. Performing a U-turn over the yellow road barriers is not only unlawful but also poses a safety risk during peak times.

Permit Zones:
As a courtesy to our neighbours, please also ensure you are not parking in any designated permit zones along Rose Terrace.

Thank you for your cooperation and commitment to road safety.

Friday 7 November 7-9pm

Calling all MLC and Annesley Old Scholars to join us in the majestic Gillingham Hall to celebrate our 120th birthday of the Old Scholars Association. Cocktail food, bubbles, wine, beer and soft drinks are included in the ticket price. It’s time to party!

Purchase tickets here

This year two projects have been undertaken to enhance our School’s environment and safety. They are the resurfacing of the café outdoor space and laying new café internal flooring. Both projects have improved functionality, safety and aesthetics of the area – an important and busy community hub in our School. Both projects were funded by a capital works grant from the State Government. Annesley is very grateful for this contribution to support upgrading of School facilities.

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 playground). 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

Monday 27 October: Base 6 Road Trip
Thursday 30 October: Year 4 & 5 Once Upon a Festival Excursion
Monday 3 November: Base 5 Himeji Gardens Excursion
Wednesday 5 November: Children’s University Graduation
Thursday 6 November: SAPSASA Indoor Volleyball Carnival
Friday 7 November: Nemea House Breakfast
Friday 7 November: Drinks@Gillingham (Old Scholars)
Tuesday 11 November: Remembrance Day
Wednesday 12 November: Old Scholars’ Chapel
Friday 14 November: Olympia House Breakfast
Friday 14 November: Base 4 – Camp Out
Friday 14 November: Reception Grandparents Day and Special Friends’ Day
Thursday 20 November: Year 1 Celebration of Learning – Art Gallery at School
Friday 21 November: Local Buy Annesley Market
Friday 21 November: 2025 Annesley Christmas Concert
Wednesday 26 November: Year 6 Graduation Assembly
Monday 1 December: Year 6 Pool Day
Tuesday 2 December: Year 4-6 Pétanques Incursion
Wednesday 3 December: ELC Orientation Day
Thursday 4 December: Year 6 Graduation Celebration
Friday 5 December: End of Term 4

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.