This week we celebrated the many and varied successes of 2022 at our Prize Presentation Evening held at the Keith Michell Theatre. It was a fantastic event, and provided us with the opportunity to reflect on the accomplishments JPSS students have achieved in 2022.

What has made these achievements even more meritorious is the challenges that we’ve been faced with this year. Despite being faced with remote learning, increased student and staff absences and general uncertainty due to the Covid pandemic, our students have continued to achieve great things. This is a reflection of their ability to be resilient, as well as the high level of support, dedication and professionalism our teaching and support staff have again demonstrated.

Our 2023 school leaders – Halle Adams, Zane Hunter, Keeley Pinder and Ella Aitchison – did an outstanding job as our hosts for the evening.

Guest speakers, Rhiannon Smith and Holly Nicholls, provided some excellent messages to the audience from their experiences since leaving JPSS. Rhiannon, in describing her journey from graduating in 2012 to her current role as a Paramedic, shared that anything is possible when high aspirations are combined with great persistence. Holly, who graduated last year and has moved to Adelaide to commence tertiary study in Occupational Therapy, shared her experiences and the importance and growth you can achieve when stepping out of your comfort zone.

Thank you to those parents and members of our school and wider community who joined us at the event for your support. For those who weren’t able to attend, photos and award winners will be showcased on our Facebook page over the next coming days and will be published in the next newsletter which I encourage you to have a look at.

Michael Gaunt

Principal

In week 2, Miss Hannigan's Stage 1 Outdoor Education class travelled to Port Vincent for a 3 day kayaking camp.

On this trip students had to pack all of their equipment into their kayaks and paddle up the coast to a campsite where they camped in tents for 2 nights.

Despite some rain and windy weather, the students had a great time developing their skills while paddling with seals, catching mud crabs and spotting stingrays.

Across 2022, four year 11 students participated in UniSA’s STEM girls’ program.

Recently, these students participated in a networking event hosted by UniSA’s industry partners. Students were able to meet with individuals in STEM professions including engineers, surveyors, and geologists. They were also given the opportunity to tour UniSA Mawson Lakes Campus, Oz Minerals Office and CODAN.

Kirsty Hoile 

Humanities / Maths Teacher 

Dance Academy students attended their second competition this year in Adelaide last Sunday.

They received outstanding scores and first place for both routines. We are so impressed with how much they've grown and proud of their efforts.

You can see the two full dance routines via our school face book site.

Dance Auditions are on the way.
Great turn out - good luck to all participating.

Mr. Pater's Year 7 science class are investigating methods used to separate mixtures.

Today they experimented with the technique of filtration.

The students selected 3 natural filters, often used by indigenous communities that they thought would most effectively clean dirty water and put them to the test.

The Urumbula Garden Tours have continued with a number of tours now taking place.

Just recently we had students from Mid North Education Centre and Port Pirie West Children’s Centre drop in for a visit.

While here, students learnt about our Native Flora and how it is used today.

The students were able to see what various everyday items are made of and how important it is to keep the natural environment in good shape.

A huge thank you to Justin Borland, Chris Waye, and the Urumbula Garden Crew who conducted the informative tours for our guests; their hard work and dedication continue to make our Urumbula Garden shine.

As always a special mention goes out to Mr. Bruce Mules who continues to inspire generations with his wealth of knowledge and for bringing in his reptilian friends along for a visit.

John Pirie Secondary School Year 10 students visited the Uni Hub's Port Pirie University Centre yesterday. Students learnt more about career opportunities and pathways, as well as finding out how the Uni Hub helps supports local people to study university without leaving the region.

Wednesday November 16, saw the Soccer Academy host their annual Presentation Night.

The night was a great opportunity to celebrate the success of the players  throughout the course of 2022.

A very big thank you to our major sponsors: Intersport, the Hon. Geoff Brock MP and Midstate Hardware for their continued support.

The Intersport Best & Fairest winners

• Bella Nelligan
• Kallan Spier

Midstate Hardware Rising Star winners

• Indianni Lockyer-Black
•  Ethan Edwards

The Hon. Geoff Brock Leadership winners

• Emily Sinfield
• Corey McKay

We look forward to seeing our players for 2023 take to the field and continue with their development!

On Wednesday 16 November, all Year 7 students travelled to Quorn for the day.

Students had the chance to write down what they thought of the trip when they returned to school, here is what they thought about the trip Quorn.

On Wednesday we participated in sustainable exercises.

We went on nature walks, collected information on plants and made seed bombs with native plant seeds.

My favourite part was making the seed bombs because they were fun and also help the environment.

Millee Leahy

On Wednesday we learnt about sustainability and Aboriginal culture.

We did A-Z nature walks, made seed bombs and went for a tour.

The seed bombs were the best part because it was easy, messy and fun.

Connor Middleton-Smith

John Pirie Secondary Students headed down the Northern Festival Centre to take part in a free public forum with 2022 Australian of the Year recipients Mark Le Messurier, Dr Trudy Lin, Monique Bareham and Taryn Brumfitt.

Work has begun on a new and innovative aquaponics research project.

Several year 8, 9 & 10 students assisted our newest JPSS volunteer, Greg Jamieson (Mr MJ’s dad) to construct five aquaponics tanks using recycled materials.

Students applied their mathematical reasoning and problem solving skills to precisely measure up PVC pipe, used power tools to cut to length, then professionally glued fittings together to assemble a 1000 litre water reticulation and filtration system.

The next step of the project will be to paint and clad the tanks to prevent algal growth, then plants and fish can be introduced.

This term, students in year 7 to 9 have been developing their Presentations of Learning that showcase skills that students have learnt over the year.

All students are expected to complete a presentation.

Presentations can  be booked through Daymap by parents and caregivers, or alternatively you can call Student Services - 8632 0400 to arrange a booking.

Students are only required to be at school for their selected presentation times on either Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday.

The Department for Education Site Financial has verified the Materials and Services Charges for 2023 of $355 for years 7-12. A copy of the Notice of Charges accompanies this newsletter for your information.

The Notice of Materials and Services Charges will be presented for approval by our Governing Council at its meeting on 5 December, 2022 at 7.00 pm.

All parents/caregivers are invited to the meeting if they would like to be involved in discussions and enquiries about the proposed 2023 Materials and Services Charges.

In lieu of attendance at the meeting, parents/caregivers/students can express their views in writing to the Chairperson of the Governing Council John Rohde prior to the meeting through the Front Office of the school.

Any enquiries regarding the 2023 Materials and Services Charges prior to the Governing Council meeting can be made to the Principal, Michael Gaunt or the Business Manager, Emma Grossman.

Monday, 28 November (Week 7, Term 4) 2022 is the final day for orders and payments.

Jumpers will not be available until the start of Term 2; students are encouraged to keep their current school jumpers.

Full payment must be made when orders are placed.

• Year 12 Jumpers will cost $84. If students want to try on a jumper for sizing, this needs to be completed before Thursday, Week 6, 24th November (Friday is a Student Free Day).

• Year 12 T-shirts will cost $35