Our Strategic Framework, 2026 – 2030 

Learner Growth – A Strategic Focus Area

In our new Strategic Framework, three Strategic Focus Areas guide our work and live our Purpose and Vision:

• Belonging
• Learner Growth
• Learning Environment

Learner Growth

Learner Growth as a Strategic Focus Area reflects our commitment to:

‘An evidence‑based approach to the acquisition of knowledge, skills, understanding and learner attributes to develop capable learners.’

In alignment with this Strategic Focus, Steph Bates was appointed to a new role on our Senior Leadership Team, as the Director of Learning Engagement and Growth in 2026.

Two recent initiatives supporting this work include the implementation of SmartLab and the introduction of Learning Moments on Anney. 

SmartLab

SmartLab is a literacy and numeracy diagnostic and learning platform for Years 1–6. It supports learning engagement and growth through high‑quality diagnostics, differentiation, and multimodal learning experiences. SmartLab’s diagnostics are aligned with the Australian Curriculum and the General Capabilities.

This year, all students in Years 1–6 have completed a Numeracy Curriculum Diagnostic Module, assessing their knowledge, skills, and understanding, mapped to the curriculum.

Our Data Analysis Team and Year Level Teaching Teams are already using this data to inform planning, teaching, and learning. Each diagnostic highlights strengths and next steps for classes, groups, and individual students. SmartLab is also used as a digital learning tool in learning spaces, and our teaching teams are now beginning similar testing in Literacy.

Learning Moments

Here you will find the Anney support page and a new featured guide to explain how to comment on Learning Moments.

What is a Learning Moment?

A Learning Moment is a purposeful snapshot of your child’s learning. Rather than simply showing what your child did, it explains:

• Why the learning mattered (the Learning Intention)
• What your child achieved (the Assessment)

This helps families see the thinking, skills, and growth behind the activity—not just the activity itself.

 Written Feedback

Learning Moments on Anney do not include a 👍 option, and this is intentional. While a quick reaction is easy, it doesn’t tell teachers—or children—what their family noticed or valued in their learning.

Short written comments make a meaningful difference. They:

• Strengthen the home–school partnership by creating real conversations about learning
• Show your child that their effort and progress are genuinely seen
• Provide teachers with insight into what families appreciate or are curious about
• Build a meaningful learning record your child can be proud of over time

Even a simple message like “I can see how hard you worked on this” or “Your writing is really improving” creates impact on learner growth.

Jo Rossiter
Principal

Working Towards a Better World

This week, our Year 5 classes have been immersed in the World Peace Games, stepping into the challenging but inspiring role of global problem-solvers. Students have been in the midst of tackling a variety of international crises, working collaboratively to negotiate, think critically, and strive for peaceful resolutions built on mutual understanding.

This simulation connects beautifully to our Unit of Inquiry: Sharing the Planet, where students explore how communities work together, how conflicts arise, and the ways in which cooperation can lead to meaningful change.

To bring these ideas to life, students were assigned representative countries and formed cabinets, alliances, and world organisations. It has been wonderful to watch their enthusiasm, teamwork, and creative thinking as they navigate the complexities of global diplomacy.

We look forward to Week 9, when – if all goes well – our young leaders will achieve World Peace and officially declare the games won.

Their dedication gives us all great hope for the future!

Jolanta Stephens – Technologies Teacher

Jolanta joins Annesley in 2026 as the Digital Technologies teacher. With over 20 years in education, she has taught previously at Pedare Christian College and Immanuel College. She has held leadership roles in leading IB curriculum, reflecting her passion for creating engaging learning environments. Jolanta is deeply interested in technology and innovation, having worked with Lumination, an extended reality company that helps schools integrate VR, AR, and generative AI. She loves connecting technology with the Arts and inquiry-based learning within the IB framework.

Banksia is delighted to introduce our 2026 class friend, Barkley the Brave Dog. Like lots of our Banksia friends, Barkley joined the Annesley community this year. Along with the children, he has been learning new routines, meeting new people and exploring new places. Barkley has been helping the children understand the mixed feelings we may experience during change and how to be BRAVE.

Zuri “Barkley belongs to Banksia like me.”

Jordan “Barkley comes to Welcome Circle and counts.”

Jack “Barkley is a dog, he’s brave.”

Bravery is just one of our Annesley Values that Barkley has been enhancing the children’s understanding of. We are also inquiring into the concept of connection with his help and continuing to use him as an advocate for kindness. The children were excited to see that Barkley wears an Annesley uniform just like them (big thanks to Teresa who hand-made these) and he even has his own sleep blanket for rest time! They both adore him and value him!

Wendy Scrivens and Monika Falk
Banksia Teachers

What a great week of learning, and building confidence in the water! Our students gained valuable water‑safety skills and had a whole lot of fun along the way.

Thank you to all students and staff for making it such a positive experience.

This week we have launched a new Anney support video – Learning Moments

A range of written and video guides is available on the Anney support page.

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.