Our Vision for Reconciliation

Niina marni (hello, are you well?)

At Annesley Junior School, we celebrate the cultural diversity within Australia and believe that reconciliation will lead to respect for Australia’s First Nations, their Lands, cultures and beliefs. We recognise and pay respect that our school is on Kaurna Lands.

Our vision is to achieve reconciliation through our school values of connection, bravery, joy, gratitude, kindness and wisdom.

We show respect to the First Nations peoples, their Land, their cultures, beliefs and their traditions. At Annesley we commit to incorporating First Nations peoples perspectives throughout the curriculum and Quest program with opportunities to increase respect, reduce prejudice and strengthen relationships between the wider Australian community and First Nations peoples.

We strive to develop creative and capable students in our community to become confident and connected learners who strive to seek justice through their actions.

We work at building strong relationships based on connections between all members of the Annesley school community from diverse cultural backgrounds to assist in fostering a strong sense of belonging.

Wisdom is one of our key values and we recognise that our first challenge towards reconciliation requires each member of our school community to be open with their thoughts and minds in order to take action towards reconciliation.

Support from our community

We enjoyed a conversation with family members who attending our Reconciliation Week sharing yesterday, after school drop off. We are also pleased to have submitted a Green Adelaide Grassroots Grant application to support the development of Wodli structures and an indigenous garden in our play spaces. I offer the school community’s deep gratitude to Marcus and Katie Toop for leading this process, and support they received from other families.

If any interested community members would like engage with our process already undeway this year to write our next Reconciliation Plan, please do not hesitate to be in contact with myself Year 6 Teacher, Christian O’Dwyer.

Jo Rossiter
Principal

Register for the Dare to Become Parenting Series, starting next week through School Stream, link here.

This term in Year 2, we have begun an exciting new Unit of Inquiry under the transdisciplinary theme How the World Works, where students are exploring how people understand the world through patterns, systems, design, innovation, and the tools and methods used to solve real‑world problems. Our central idea, ‘The design of buildings is dependent upon a variety of factors’ has guided our learning as students inquire into building a strong structure, building designs from around the world, and how the environment impacts the design of buildings.

One of the highlights of our inquiry has been exploring buildings and structures from different places around the world. The children were especially fascinated by Venice. They were amazed to learn that the entire city is built on wooden piles and surrounded by canals instead of roads. This led to rich conversations about why buildings look different depending on where they are located, and how people adapt their designs to suit their environment. Our discussions connected beautifully to questions such as ‘Why are structures built differently around the world?’ and ‘How does the environment impact building design?’

In the classroom, students have been thinking like young engineers and architects as they collaborate to design and build their own structures. They have been experimenting with balance, strength, and stability, testing materials, solving design challenges, and reflecting on what makes a structure strong. These hands‑on experiences have helped them consider what needs to be taken into account when building a structure and how to build a strong structure, deepening their understanding of how design choices are influenced by purpose, environment, and available resources.

Throughout the unit, students have been developing their understanding of how the world works by noticing patterns in building design, exploring different tools and methods used by builders, and discovering how innovation helps people create structures that meet the needs of their community. They are beginning to see how design is shaped by climate, culture, and the natural environment, and how people use creativity and problem‑solving to overcome challenges.

A Strong Start to the Year in Health & PE

It has been a fantastic start to the year in Health and PE, with students from Reception through to Year 6 actively engaging in movement, teamwork, and personal growth. Across the school, there has been a strong focus on building skills, developing confidence, and preparing for key whole school events.

Reception to Year 2: Building the Foundations

Our Reception to Year 2 students have continued to develop their fundamental movement skills such as running, jumping, throwing, and catching. These essential skills provide the foundation for all future physical activity. It has been wonderful to see students growing in confidence, working cooperatively, and celebrating their successes as they learn through fun and engaging activities.

Year 3–4: Learning Through Games

In Years 3 and 4, students have been developing their skills, knowledge, and understanding through a game-based approach. Through a variety of activities, students are learning how to work effectively in teams, build respectful relationships, and strengthen their social skills. At the same time, they are refining their fundamental movement skills and applying them in different game contexts. It has been great to see students supporting one another and growing as both people and teammates.

Year 5–6: Leadership and Strategic Thinking

Our Year 5 and 6 students have stepped up as leaders across the school, demonstrating resilience, teamwork, and positive role modelling. Through games and activities, they have been challenged to think strategically, creatively, and critically. Students have also had opportunities to prepare for and participate in SAPSASA events, showcasing their skills, teamwork, and understanding of game play at a higher level.

Health Focus: Building Lifelong Healthy Habits

On the health side, students from Years 1–6 have participated in sessions run by nutrition students from Flinders University. These sessions have focused on developing an understanding of healthy eating habits and making positive lifestyle choices. This learning supports our goal of helping students become lifelong physically active and healthy individuals. This opportunity has taken place alongside our school-wide Life Ed sessions that students have been engaged in.

It has been an excellent start to the year, and we are proud of the effort, enthusiasm, and growth shown by all students. We look forward to building on this momentum throughout the rest of the year.

Zac Venning, Health & PE Teacher & Millie Walker, Health and PE Teacher

A Fantastic Effort from All

Our students proudly represented the school at today’s SAPSASA Cross Country event, demonstrating outstanding effort, determination, and resilience throughout the day. Each competitor should be incredibly proud of the way they approached their race, giving their best and embracing the challenge with a positive attitude.

The event provided a great opportunity for students to test themselves, support one another, and enjoy the experience of competing against other schools. It was fantastic to see so many students step outside their comfort zones, have fun, and represent the school with pride.

A special congratulations to William, Bella, Henry, Hugo, and Grace, who all achieved excellent results in their respective races. Their performances were a reflection of their hard work and commitment.

We are also extremely proud of all our competitors who took part, including Issy, Blair, Addie, Will, Ollie, Jude, Isla, Alice, Penelope, Harvey, Sam, Angus, Oscar, Finn, Thomas, Mico, and Toby, who all represented the school with enthusiasm and determination.

Well done to every student involved, you should be proud of your efforts and proud of giving it a go.

A huge thank you to Zac for organising, trialling, and preparing the students, and to Michelle and Gail for their support and assistance on the day. Your efforts helped make this a successful and enjoyable experience for all.

An outstanding effort from everyone involved and a fantastic day of cross country!

Year 6 Enterprise

Our Year 6 students showcased their creativity and entrepreneurial skills as they pitched their Enterprise ideas before an expert panel  Our Year 6 Enterprise model challenges students to plan, design, test, establish and run a product or service that fills a need in the community, and, is unique, ethical and sustainable.

Their presentations were dynamic and engaging, featuring innovative and exciting proposals. The Patchell Pitch is a pivotal moment in their 4-stage process as they seek approval to progress with their ideas. The panel of industry experts was thoroughly impressed by the professionalism and passion on display.

Well done to all our young entrepreneurs!

At Chapel this week, Pastor Pete was on the search of Great Wisdom! Our Primary students helped him search for clues in Gillingham Hall as part of his search.

Pastor Pete visited each classroom after Chapel this week, in which students continued to search for clues, highlighting valuable actions related to one of our school values, Wisdom.

We are so fortuntate to have Pastor Pete leading engaging and relatable values-based learning for our students at Annesley.

‘PJ Day’ and ‘The Great Annesley Bake Off’

Two of our Year 4 Enterprise groups have organised special events for our school community in Week 8 to help raise funds and resources for the charity BackPacks 4 Kids SA. BackPacks 4 Kids SA provide resources that contribute to the care, safety and wellbeing of children and young people during periods of displacement from home and routine care. Our donations will help South Australian children who find themselves in need of basic items most of us take for granted. Find out more about BackPacks 4 Kids SA on their website.

Read below to find out more about these 2 exciting events

Pyjama Day – Friday 12 June

On Pyjama Day we invite all Primary School students Reception- Year 6 to come to school in their pyjamas. Pyjamas must be warm enough for the day’s weather and suitable for moving around in throughout the day, including break times and PE lessons. Pyjamas must be worn over underwear.

Oodies and Dressing gowns are welcome, but children need to wear sneakers to remain safe at school.

In support of BackPacks 4 Kids SA, and in keeping with the bedtime theme, on PJ Day we are collecting donations of children’s pyjamas, soft toys and toiletry items (toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap etc) or a gold coin donation.  All donated items should be new.

Annesley Bake Off – Friday 12 June

Oscar, Florence and Henry from Year 4  are excited to announce our first ever Annesley Bake Off. We are looking to find the best cake bakers in our community.

There are competitions for:

• Reception – Year 2
• Year 3-6
• Teachers

You can choose to enter your cake in one of two categories

• Best tasting
• Best appearance

Your cake may also be entered into two additional categories

• Best Dairy free
• Best Gluten free

Cakes are baked at home by students together with a parent/adult carer.

Cakes need to be brought in to school on Thursday 11^th June for judging

The cakes will be sale to the wider school community on Friday  June 12^th and proceeds will go to the Bake Off team’s chosen charity BackPacks 4 Kids SA.

See our Anney news post for further details about the competition and to download an entry form

All cakes must be nut free, please see our Allergen Aware Policy.

This November marks a truly special milestone for our Annesley community, as our much-loved Gillingham Hall celebrates its 100th anniversary.

For a century, the Hall has been at the heart of countless memories, bringing together generations of scholars, families, and community members for learning, celebration, and connection. As we reflect on its rich history, we are excited to also look ahead and celebrate everything it continues to represent.

We warmly invite all past scholars and members of the community to be part of this significant occasion. Please save the 7th November 2026 and join us in honouring 100 years of Gillingham Hall.

Further details about the celebration will be shared soon.

At Annesley, there are designated toilets for student use and other toilets available for adults to use while onsite.

The designated and clearly labelled adult toilet facilities are located:

• In the Gym
• Courtyard
• Opposite the Front Office.

Annesley staff are always happy to assist if you need directions.

This expectation supports our commitment to maintaining a safe, child‑focused environment for all students and visitors.

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.

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.

June

• Tuesday 2nd June – SAPSASA Soccer Carnival
• Tuesday 2nd June – Dare to Become Parenting Series: Dr Marco Gleeson
• Wednesday 3rd June – MYR Orientation Day
•  Friday 5th June – ELC Yoga Incursion
• Monday 8th June – King’s Birthday Public Holiday
• Tuesday 9th June – Base 6 Quest – Forktree Project
•  Wednesday 10th June – Reception Intergenerational Program
•  Wednesday 10th June – Maths Explorer and Maths Olympiad
•  Wednesday 10th June – MYR Orientation Day
•  Thursday 11th June – Base 3 Camp
•  Thursday 11th June – Year 5 Performance – Family and Community
• Friday 12th June – ELC Yoga Incursion
• Wednesday 17th June – MYR Final Orientation Day
• Friday 19th June – ELC Yoga Incursion
• Friday 12th June – Annesley Bake Off & Pyjama Day
• Wednesday 24th June – Reception Intergeneration Program
• Wednesday 24th June – ELC Orientation
• Friday 26th June – ELC Yoga Incursion
• Friday 26th June – End of Term 2

If you require 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.