As Term 1 draws to a close, we reflect on what has been an action-packed and successful start to the school year. From the first day back, our students have shown enthusiasm, resilience, and a strong commitment to learning—laying the foundations for a positive and productive year ahead.

The term has been filled with a diverse range of events and activities that have enriched school life across all year levels. Early in the term, our Swimming Carnival brought the school community together in a celebration of school spirit, participation, and athletic effort. The energy and support on display were a fantastic reflection of our school values in action.

Sport has continued to be a highlight throughout the term, with our Sports Day held recently giving students the opportunity to challenge themselves, support their houses, and showcase their physical talents. These events are a great reminder of the importance of an active lifestyle and how sport can help build confidence and camaraderie. Congratulations to Hewett on their success.

Academically, our Year 7 and 9 students participated in NAPLAN assessments, approaching them with focus and maturity. These assessments are one of the tools we use to guide and support student learning and progress.

A major highlight for many students this term has been the range of camps and curriculum-based excursions. Our Year 7 students enjoyed a fantastic experience at Aquatics Camp, where they developed new skills, confidence, and friendships in an engaging outdoor environment. Across other year levels, students took part in excursions connected to core learning areas. These experiences brought classroom learning to life, encouraged curiosity, and strengthened connections between students and teachers.

As the term ends, we are pleased to let families know that student reports will be available this week via Daymap. These reports offer a comprehensive snapshot of each student’s academic progress and engagement, helping families and teachers work together to support ongoing learning.

Looking ahead to Term 2, we encourage all families to take part in our Parent-Teacher Interviews, which will take place in Week 2. These interviews are a vital opportunity to connect with teachers, discuss student progress, and set goals for the year ahead. Building strong partnerships between home and school is key to ensuring every student achieves their best.

I would like to thank all our students, staff, and families for their hard work, commitment, and positivity throughout Term 1. It has been a great start to the year, and we look forward to building on this momentum in Term 2.

Wishing you all a safe, happy, and well-earned break.

Michael Gaunt

PRINCIPAL

Honouring Michael Cleary’s Legacy through Music

A local musician named Michael Cleary passed away at the end of 2024 and asked that his 4 drum kits be donated to a school after he passed. His parents Bob and Sue kindly organised to have them picked up from his home to be used by our next generation of budding musicians. We are extremely grateful for this donation and students have already been using the kits in their latest performances and lunch time practices. A big thank you goes out to the Cleary family for this beautiful gesture to our school and our students.

On Friday 28^th March during week 9, the school oval came alive with colour and energy as students took part in our annual Sports Day. Students and staff seen proudly representing their house teams—Ross (Red), Hewett (Yellow), Lewis (Green), and Neilsen (Blue).

In the Middle School competition, Lewis surged ahead to take the top spot with 517 points, followed by Neilsen, Ross, and Hewett. The overall results, however, told a different story. With a powerful showing in the Senior School events, Hewett claimed overall victory with 1546 points—just edging out Lewis on 1506.

Neilsen finished a strong third overall, while Ross rounded out the standings with 1107 points.

From sprint finishes to team relays and enthusiastic cheering from the sidelines, the day was a true celebration of effort, determination, and school spirit. Students and staff alike are already looking forward to next year’s fierce but friendly house competition.

Below are the individual award winners from the day, who were major contributors to their teams.

7/8 Boys & Girls - Levi Williamson (43 points) & Ruby Becker (41 points)

9/10 Boys & Girls - Declan King (59 points) & Tameka Laver (48 points)

11/12 Boys & Girls - Owen Karpany (50 points) & Jordyn Hoare (36 points)

Middle School and Overall School Winners

Year 8/9 Port Lincoln Cup!

In week 6, the John Pirie Clontarf Academy headed down to the beautiful Port Lincoln! The lads set up camp right on the beach front of Thuruna Campsite. On Tuesday morning everyone competed in the Clontarf Amazing Race! Students had to finish specific tasks with partners before heading to the next destination. John Pirie Academy was lucky enough to take out the winning score and took the trophy home.

Wednesday was the big day of footy! The weather was on point for a kick and everyone played in great Clontarf spirit. Well done to Ceduna for taking out the carnival!

The fellas finished off the week with an oyster tour out at Coffin Bay! The trip was a massive highlight for all academies involved.

Last week, our new Year 7 cohort gathered at the Clontarf Academy for their much‑anticipated induction camp. After settling into the Academy room for the night, the boys rolled up their sleeves and worked together to prepare a homemade pizza dinner. 

Bright and early on Thursday morning, the group loaded onto the bus bound for Port Augusta’s waterfront precinct. There, alongside the Port Augusta Academy, they spent the day mastering sailing and kayaking skills. From learning to tack a dinghy to paddling in tandem, each activity challenged the boys to communicate, trust one another and develop new friendships. By day’s end, everyone returned to Clontarf energized, bonded by shared experiences on and off the water.

Students from the Faculty of Learning Difficulties (FOLD) had a memorable time at the recent Pt Vincent Aquatics Camp. With perfect weather setting the scene, the group dove into a range of exciting water-based activities including kayaking, sailing, stand-up paddle boarding, knee-boarding, and even fishing. But who did catch the most fish?

Each student embraced the challenges with enthusiasm and had the chance to build their confidence in the water. The fun didn’t stop there — students also took part in planning and preparing their own meals. On the first night, everyone enjoyed a delicious spaghetti bolognese dinner lovingly prepared by Mrs Caputo.

The accommodation was another highlight, with all students excited to sleep on the top bunk in the comfortable dorms. The camp not only offered adventure and fun but also opportunities for independence and teamwork.

Thanks to Mr Gapp for organising the trip, to Cooper and Ms Caputo for helping out, and Ms Howarth who wasn’t afraid to jump right in.

It was great to see that many kids gave things a try that was way out of their comfort zones- Nakita (Knee-boarding in a wet suit), Sophie (Persistence- 3 tries on the knee-board), Zach (first to stand up on the stand up paddle board), Tye (gave everything a try), Dougie (day-tripper and gave it all a try). Well done everyone!

But- who is the capsize king?

From cooking to casting lines, every student made lasting memories and tried something new. The Pt Vincent Aquatics Camp was an unforgettable experience and a fantastic success for the FOLD students and staff.

Deb Tregilgas

FOLD teacher (5 fish reeled in)