Newsletters
Annesley News Issue 252

From the Principal

We have enjoyed a happy and settled start to the school year at Annesley, our students are engaged in rich learning experiences and enjoying strong connections within our school community. I extend a warm welcome to the new families joining Annesley this year and I look forward to connecting with many families at the Welcome Back Drinks this evening, hosted by our Annesley Parents’ Association Committee. Thank you, APA!

2026 – 2030 Strategic Plan

The 2026 school year marks a new strategic phase for Annesley Junior School. Over the last two years, sustained engagement with key stakeholders across our organisation has shaped our new Strategic Plan 2026 to 2030. In our new Strategic Plan, you will find reflected the essence of all that we value at Annesley Junior School, but also aspirations and priorities as we continue to pursue excellence in all that we do.

Throughout this term, I will share elements of the Strategic Plan in each newsletter, along with broader communication across our community in the coming weeks. This year, our Annesley Council will host an Open Council Meeting, inviting interested families to learn more and engage further with Annesley’s strategic direction into our future.

Deputy Principal/Director of Primary – Sharyn Darrell

I am pleased to share that in 2026, Sharyn Darrell, who has led with distinction as our Director of Primary since 2023, has been appointed Deputy Principal/Director of Primary. This adjustment reflects a change in title more so than a change in role. Sharyn will continue to lead as Director of Primary (R–6) while also continuing to provide executive support in the leadership of our School.

With a Masters of Educational Leadership and experience in many leadership roles across all education sectors, along with her passion for wellbeing-informed practices and the ELC & Primary learning environment at Annesley, we are indeed blessed to have Sharyn’s leadership at our school.

Jo Rossiter
Principal

Isabelle and Blair, our newly appointed 2026 School Leaders, addressed the audience at our first assembly this year. Their words set an inspiring tone for our students and our Annesley community.

Year 6, Student Leader Induction Assembly

On Wednesday we inducted our Year 6 students at our Student Leader Induction Assembly, officially welcoming our 2026 Year 6 Leaders to their roles as senior students and student leaders in our school community, including our School, Community, Environment and House Leaders.

It was a proud and meaningful occasion, as the students were presented with their leadership badges, from Jo, our Principal and also from our youngest primary students in Reception. Our Year 6 students were also presented with 6 symbols that represent the qualities of a leader, encouraging them to BECOME – Balanced, Empathetic, Creative, Open-minded, Motivated and Energised.

Thank you to everyone who joined us this morning in Gillingham Hall to celebrate and support our Year 6 leaders.

We are thrilled to announce our upcoming Grandparents & Special Friends’ Days! These special events will be held on the following dates:

• ELC: Wednesday, 29th April. 2:00pm – 3:30pm
• Reception: Wednesday, 1st April, 12:00pm – 1:00pm
• Year 1: Friday, 4th September, 10:00am – 11:30am
• Year 2: Tuesday, 8th September, 10:00am – 11:00am (Performance)
• Year 3: Monday, 27th April 10:00am – 11:30am
• Year 4: Thursday, 7th May, 10:00am – 11:30am
• Year 5: Friday, 23rd October, 10:00am – 11:30am
• Year 6: Monday 4 May 2:45 – 3:30pm.

We warmly invite all Grandparents and Special Friends’ to join us for a session of connection and learning. Please mark these dates and times in your diaries. We are excited to share the wonderful learning experiences of our students and to foster a sense of belonging and impact within our community.

David Taylor
PYP Coordinator & Highly Able Teacher | Annesley Junior School

Vacation Care Highlights

Throughout December and January, our OSHC students enjoyed a vibrant and engaging Vacation Care program filled with fun, immersive, and educational experiences. Children splashed their way through Water Play Day, explored the delicious world of confectionery at Melba’s Chocolate Factory, tested their skills at Mini Golf, participated in Martial Arts workshops, bounced their energy out at Inflatable World, and much more.

These experiences extend far beyond enjoyment, they provide valuable opportunities for children to develop socially, emotionally, and physically. By engaging with peers of different ages and forming new connections outside of their usual friendship groups, students strengthen their sense of belonging and community. Annesley Vacation Care encourages children to build resilience, take positive risks, and develop an understanding of inclusivity and fairness through shared play and group experiences.

The April Vacation Care Program will be released, and bookings will open in Week 5 of Term 1.

To enrol your child in our OSHC Service, please contact our team at: oshc@annesley.sa.edu.au

At the start of each school year, we seek 1-2 Class Representatives for each class (ELC-Year 6). This is a wonderful opportunity to get involved in our school community and make a positive impact.

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to those parents who have already nominated themselves. Your willingness to contribute is greatly appreciated!

There are still a few positions vacant, so if you’re interested, please reach out to your class teacher. We look forward to working together to create a vibrant and supportive environment for our children!

The 2026 school year has begun smoothly, with students settling confidently into their new classes. Teachers have already started sharing news items and photos on Anney, helping families stay connected to classroom life from the very beginning of the year. Communication about classroom and year level activities will continue to be shared via News on Anney with consent and payments being completed on School Stream, while we embed this approach into Anney.

As with any new technology, there is a period of adjustment, and we appreciate your patience as we continue to refine and strengthen Anney. Since launching the parent‑facing version in Term 3, 2025, we’ve made several important improvements—including resolving the previous login issue that caused frequent logouts. If you continue to experience any difficulties, please reach out to Anney Support.

A range of written and video guides is available on the Anney support page. You may find this video helpful on how to access the Anney support page useful: Anney Support Video

More parent‑friendly videos, including how to view News and Learning Moments, will be released soon and will be published on the Anney support page.

Anney brings together several platforms to support communication, learning, and family engagement. Our long‑term intention is for Anney to become a one‑stop shop for families—a single place where communication, learning, consents, payments, and essential information can be easily accessed. Building a system with this level of integration takes time, and ongoing coordination and feedback are essential. Emails sent to the support address inform our weekly implementation meetings and have already led to updates such as improved login processes and layout enhancements.

Throughout 2026, Anney’s features will continue to grow including the development of an Anney App which is currently in development. We will provide updates – and a step by step guide – once release date is confirmed.

Scholastic Book Club has returned for 2026

By making a purchase you are supporting your child with their engagement and love of reading. The school also benefits with credits earned from orders placed. Items are then acquired and added to the library collections.

For those of you are new to the school community please read the Book Club LOOP parent information sheet and frequently asked questions.
All orders are to be placed and paid online in advance of the items being delivered to school free of charge for distribution. The closing date for placing an order for Issue 1 is 4pm Friday 13^th February 2026. The items will be delivered in the coming weeks and sent home with your child.

Thank you for supporting Scholastic Book Club at Annesley Junior School.

Sarah Scott
Library Officer

After a tram ride into the city, our students and staff wandered along the River Torrens, where we met Drew who shared stories and insights about Kaurna culture. Everyone had the chance to try some hands‑on activities, a favourite was grinding the buckwheat to make flour.

Drew shared perspectives of First Nations people on protecting country, including the implications of the proposal to upgrade the North Adelaide golf course on culturally significant Kaurna land. He challenged our students thinking as he shared his knowledge and stories.

Even though the first day of 2026 already feels like a distant memory, it was a wonderful start to the school year. There were smiling faces all around as Annesley welcomed children and parents alike back onto campus.

Our students are all a little bit taller and a little more grown up, arrived ready to embrace the year ahead. It was certainly a hot start, but the school was full of happy, energetic learners who relished the chance to reconnect with their friends and meet their teachers in their new learning spaces.

Wishing all our Annesley students a wonderful year of learning and fun.

A reminder to families

If you have younger children for whom you have not yet submitted an application form, applications can be submitted via the following link: Enrolment

An application must be submitted for a child to be considered for a place. Places are subject to availability and are not automatically guaranteed for siblings, so early application is strongly recommended.

If you are unsure whether you have already submitted an application and would like to check, or if you have any other questions, please contact Laura in the Student Enrolments Office on 8422 2211 or email enrolments@annesley.sa.edu.au.

The safety of our students and their families, along with respectful consideration for our neighbouring residents on Rose Terrace, remains a priority at Annesley.

Kiss ’n Drop Zone

• 8:15am – 8:45am and 3:15pm – 3:45pm each school day
• Extends from the Pedestrian Crossing to the Cubby House
• 3‑minute stop only — please remain within 1 metre of your car

For the safety of children, please avoid:

• Making U‑turns on Rose Terrace
• Double parking

Please consider our neighbours by not:

• Parking across driveways or in no‑standing zones
• Moving rubbish bins on bin day (Tuesday)
• Parking in permit zones

Thank you for your ongoing attention to these guidelines — it makes a positive difference for everyone.

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
Tuesday & Wednesday Afternoons: 3pm – 4pm

We have a busy and exciting Term 1 ahead at Annesley, with a range of learning experiences, excursions, and community celebrations planned for our students. Please see the key dates below and add them to your calendar.

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.

Wishing all our Annesley families a wonderful year of learning, adventure, and community ahead. May the months ahead be filled with curiosity, connection, and the joy that comes from growing together as a school community.