YEAR 7 HANDBOOK
College Purpose
We are a welcoming, caring, Christ-centred learning community where students grow, flourish and are inspired to make a difference.
Year Seven Welcome to
The transition to secondary school marks a significant milestone in your child’s educational journey. Moving from the familiarity of one primary classroom teacher to working with a smaller group of specialist teachers provides exciting opportunities for students to explore new subjects, develop critical skills, and grow both academically and socially. While they will have a core teacher guiding them through several subjects, this new structure encourages students to step outside their comfort zones and become more independent learners.
This handbook is designed to support parents and guardians as we embark on this important transition together. We hope it provides you with the essential information you need to help your child navigate this developmental stage with confidence.
We look forward to working alongside you as we support your child’s continued growth and success in Year 7 and beyond.
Celia Mara Deputy Principal
Key Contacts
Mr Alan Connah Principal aconnah@stmartins.sa.edu.au
Mrs Celia Mara Deputy Principal cmara@stmartins.sa.edu.au
Ms Xenia Kerr Director of Student Engagement 7-12 xkerr@stmartins.sa.edu.au
Mrs Jo Patterson Head of Learning, Teaching and Innovation R-12 jpatterson@stmartins.sa.edu.au
Mr Josh Hein Head of Wellbeing R-12 jhein@stmartins.sa.edu.au
Year Level Leader
Mr Fanie Geyser
2025 Year Level Leader - Year 7 fgeyser@stmartins.sa.edu.au
Homegroup/Pastoral Care Teachers
Mr Sam Clark sclark@stmartins.sa.edu.au
Mrs Kylie Hoff khoff@stmartins.sa.edu.au
Miss Emily McCarthy emccarthy@stmartins.sa.edu.au
Mr Chris Spencer cspencer@stmartins.sa.edu.au
Key Support Staff
Mrs Dale Domleo College Counsellor ddomleo@stmartins.sa.edu.au
Mrs Karen Boylan Learning Leader for Inclusion and Diversity kboylan@stmartins.sa.edu.au
Ms Vanessa Roesler Indigenous Education Coordinator vroesler@stmartins.sa.edu.au
Learning Leaders
Miss Catie Kennedy English & Languages ckennedy@stmartins.sa.edu.au
Miss Jess Csillag Technology jcsillag@stmartins.sa.edu.au
Mrs Rebekah McDonald Arts rmcdonald@stmartins.sa.edu.au
TBA Christian Studies
Mr Brett Shepherdson Health & Physical Education bshepherdson@stmartins.sa.edu.au
Miss Lucy Ballard Science lballard@stmartins.sa.edu.au
Mrs Mary-Anne Sheppard Mathematics msheppard@stmartins.sa.edu.au
Mrs Pippin Childs Humanities pellis@stmartins.sa.edu.au
Whole School Coordinators
Mr Wesley Olivier Director of Ministry wolivier@stmartins.sa.edu.au
Mr Stephen Walther Instrumental Music swalther@stmartins.sa.edu.au
Ms Kelly Lynch Teacher Librarian klynch@stmartins.sa.edu.au
Mrs Molly Auld Learning Management System Coordinator mauld@stmartins.sa.edu.au
Homegroup / Pastoral Care Teachers
St Martins offers a balanced approach for our Year 7 students, designed to provide the best start to their secondary school journey. Our Year 7 home group and pastoral teachers will lead students in multiple subjects, providing the familiarity, consistency, and support essential for a smooth transition into secondary school.
This teacher may lead in areas such as English and Humanities or Maths and Science, allowing students to benefit from a strong, consistent connection across subjects.
Since 2025, Maths and Science have been delivered with a specialised focus by teachers who understand the progression of these subjects, ensuring that students receive targeted and engaging learning experiences. Through the use of our Science laboratories and thoughtfully designed lessons, we aim to spark curiosity and build strong foundations in these key areas.
The Year 7 classrooms are located at the northern end of the Ark, on both the ground and first floors.
Key Support Staff
College Counsellor
The College is supported by Mrs Dale Domleo, who offers guidance regarding social and emotional matters for students. Dale works across the school and is available for students from Reception to Year 12. This enables continuity of care for students as they move through our school. Dale works closely with our Head of Wellbeing, Directors of Student Engagement R-6 and 7–12, Student Engagement Coordinator R-6 and our Year Level Leaders to ensure a collaborative student-centred approach to wellbeing. Dale can be contacted on 8725 1430, or alternatively by email ddomleo@stmartins.sa.edu.au.
Indigenous Education Coordinator - Ms Vanessa Roesler
Ms Roesler’s role is to support students and families and liaise with community members. She also supports staff in the development and delivery of the Australian Curriculum’s priority of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students across Years 6-12 are invited to be part of a mentoring program that St Martins have been involved in since 2019. Students may also choose to take part in regular yarning opportunities with local Elders, both on site and on Country. Non-Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students are also invited and encouraged to be part of a range of opportunities both in the classroom and as part of their extra-curricular choices. Cooking sessions have been particularly popular!
Ms Roesler encourages your suggestions and feedback in anything we do in the College to ensure we continue to share a culturally safe and respectful environment. Please chat with her in the yard or email: vroesler@stmartins.sa.edu.au at any time.
Learning Leader for Inclusion and Diversity - Mrs Karen Boylan
The Inclusion and Diversity team caters for the varying learning needs of students, working in close collaboration with families, teachers, College Counsellor, Wellbeing Leaders and other professionals to ensure the best possible outcomes for all students. This support is largely delivered in class with students to support them with their learning. Additionally, support may be provided to small groups and individuals for assessment and other curriculum challenges.
Students with identified learning needs may require the creation of a OnePlan. These are written by the Learning Leader for Inclusion and Diversity in conjunction with parents/carers and the student, and supported by the Head of Learning, Teaching and Innovation, Director of Student Wellbeing R-7, Year 7 Wellbeing Leader and College Counsellor as needed.
Key Locations
7-12 Student Services Office
7-12 Student Services is located on the ground floor of the Senior Hub. Students should present to 7-12 Student Services when: signing-in late or needing to leave school early; feeling unwell or with an injury; needing to take medication; needing to contact home/parent/carer; needing basic supplies such as poster paper; needing to collect the homegroup tray; or needing to contact a teacher.
Student Centre
The 7-12 Student Centre is located on the ground floor of the Senior Hub. This dedicated space provides students across the College with a calm environment where they can self-regulate, access support, and prepare to re-engage with their classroom learning as seamlessly as possible.
Student Toilets
There are student toilets available on the ground floor in Ark and both the ground floor and first floor of the Senior Hub. There are also toilets located at the northern end of the Music Hub and on the western side of the Administration building.
Lockers
Secondary students are allocated an individual locker in which to store their school bag and learning materials each day. The Year 7 lockers are located in the corridor immediately outside their homerooms. These lockers have a unique key which each Year 7 student is responsible for keeping throughout the year. We recommend that students keep their locker key on a lanyard or keychain. It is the responsibility of students to ensure their locker is kept locked during the school day and overnight, and all valuable belongings (for example, mobile phone, wallet/purse) are kept within the locker during the school day.
Pastoral Care and Wellbeing
At St Martins Lutheran College, we are committed to supporting the holistic wellbeing of every student. Our pastoral care approach focuses on nurturing each young person’s social, emotional, physical, cognitive and spiritual development so they feel safe, connected, and ready to learn.
We provide a range of programs, proactive initiatives, and everyday practices that help students build positive relationships, develop resilience, and engage confidently in school life. We know that when students feel valued and supported, their overall wellbeing grows, and this directly contributes to stronger engagement and academic success.
The Student Centre (Year 7-12)
The Student Centre, located within the Senior Hub, is a supportive space designed to help students regulate, reset, and return to a ready-to-learn state. It provides a calm environment for students who need short-term support to manage emotions, seek guidance, or prepare to re-engage with their classroom learning. The Centre reflects our commitment to sustaining learning continuity and helping students develop resilience, self-awareness, and positive learning habits.
Student’s can gain entry to the Centre by checking-in with the team at Student Services. Students may access support from our College Counsellor, Mrs Dale Domleo, a member of the Inclusion & Diversity team, their Year Level Leader, or the Director of Student Engagement (7–12). Together, this team provides coordinated, holistic support that addresses both social–emotional needs and learning readiness.
The Student Centre is a shared resource for students, offering a safe, inclusive environment where each young person’s wellbeing and learning are prioritised. While the Centre offers valuable support, it is not a space for avoiding class or stepping out of learning by preference. Our aim is to guide students back to their learning with confidence, strengthened relationships, and the skills needed to thrive at school.
Curriculum
St Martins Lutheran College delivers the Australian Curriculum for Reception to Year 10, and the SACE for Years 11 and 12. In addition to the core curriculum, the Australian Curriculum has quite a broad range of general capabilities to be developed, and cross-curricular perspectives to be explored. Students in Year 7 study a year long program of Christian Studies, English, Physical Education, Humanities, Mathematics and Science, as well as a variety of elective/specialist subjects.
Christian Studies
Health & Physical Education
Teaching and Learning
Assessments & Reporting
Assessment in Year 7 is ongoing and inline with the Australian Curriculum Achievement Outcomes. Assessment may be formative or summative.
Formative – Progressive tests, anecdotal notes, observations, draft feedback, quizzes, oral presentations, etc. Summative – Formal tests at the end of a unit of work, formal making of assessment pieces, weekly spelling or Maths tests.
Additionally, during the school year students may undertake online assessments such as the ACER PAT tests and the NAPLAN. The results of such tests are used by the College and by class teachers to assist with planning for both individual students and classes. Parents with any queries about such tests should speak to the class teacher.
Assessment at St Martins is continuous throughout the duration of each subject, allowing teachers to gather a clear picture of student learning over time. Feedback is provided regularly, and achievement is formally reported twice a year through the College’s official reports. These are released digitally via SEQTA Engage at the end of Semester One and Semester Two. Printed copies of reports are available on request.
Parent Teacher Interviews will be held in Term 1 on the 8th and 9th of April 2026, and in Term 3 on the 19th of August 2026. These interviews provide an important opportunity to discuss progress, clarify expectations and strengthen the partnership between home and school. Clear, ongoing communication is encouraged, and teachers and parents are welcome to organise additional meetings outside these scheduled times whenever needed.
Timetabling
The timetable is divided into seven lesson periods plus morning homegroup. We refer to these periods as “lessons” and each lesson consists of 45 minutes, for example, Lesson 1 immediately follows morning homegroup and runs from 9:00am - 9:45am.
Year 7 students all begin the morning in their home classroom, during which the core teacher will take attendance rolls, share morning notices, and deliver a devotion.
Daily Routine:
8:15am Staff Devotion
8:45am - 9:00am Homegroup
9:00am - 11:15am Lessons 1 - 3
11:15am - 11:35am Recess
11:35am - 1:05pm Lessons 4 & 5
1:05pm - 1:45pm Lunch
1:45pm - 3:15pm Lessons 6 & 7
3:15pm Dismissal
At the end of recess and lunch, there is a 5 minute warning bell, and students are expected to be ready for class on time.
Teaching and Learning
Academic Assistance
Academic Assistance is offered at lunch time each day, where students can attend to access assistance with current tasks and assessments. Students can self-refer or may be referred by their class teacher. Specialist maths and science help is available on Wednesday afternoons from 3:15pm - 4:30pm.
Extra Curricular Options & Processes
A range of extra-curricular opportunities are offered to students throughout the year. These are promoted via SEQTA Notices (See Page 18). Students are required to self-nominate and to contact the relevant staff member listed in the Notices. Some activities require practices or rehearsals during lunch breaks or occasionally outside of school hours. We encourage all students in Years 7 - 9 to explore the variety of options available. Some of these extra-curricular activities will incur an additional cost and families will be notified.
Examples of established extra-curricular activities include:
• Performing Arts
• Debating and Public Speaking
• ICAS
• History and Geography Competitions
• SESSSA Sports
• Pedal Prix
• Book Week
ChromeBook
St Martins has a commitment to ensuring that students develop in their digital literacies and capabilities throughout their time with us. The College offers Year 7 students a 1:1 ChromeBook Program to best support learning. Students are responsible for their ChromeBook at all times. It must be kept in the provided shell case, and locked in their locker when not being used in class.
Students and parents/carers are provided with a ChromeBook Guidebook and must sign a User Agreement as part of the induction process
Camp Program
The St Martins Camp Program is an essential part of our students’ journey of growth, connection, and discovery. Grounded in our College values of respect, compassion, growth, faith, hope, and encouragement, each camp experience is intentionally designed to support students in developing confidence, resilience, and character.
Through outdoor adventures, collaborative challenges, and reflective experiences, students learn to navigate new situations, build meaningful relationships, and step beyond their comfort zones. Camps provide opportunities for students to better understand themselves and one another, fostering empathy, teamwork, and a stronger sense of community. These experiences help students cultivate independence, develop problem-solving skills, and grow in perseverance, qualities that support their learning and wellbeing back at school.
Our camps also offer moments for spiritual reflection and exploration. Whether through structured devotion times or peaceful moments in nature, students are invited to consider their faith, discover their unique strengths, and deepen their sense of purpose. In this way, camps are more than just time away, they are a formative and inspiring part of developing the whole child. Attendance at camp is a valued and expected part of each student’s learning journey at St Martins.
As we embark on our camp journeys, we draw strength from the words of Isaiah 40:31: “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint.” This reminder reflects the heart of our program—a place where hope is nurtured, strength is renewed, and students are empowered to grow, learn, and soar.
St Martins Camps are a transformative experience where every challenge becomes an opportunity, every moment of connection builds character, and every student is empowered to thrive.
Year 7 Experience - UNITE! Adventure Camp
Location: Capaspe Downs, Victoria
Date: 31/3/26 - 2/4/26
We’re thrilled to introduce the UNITE! Adventure Camp in 2026, an incredible opportunity for your Year 7 student to grow, connect, and thrive through exciting outdoor challenges!
Year 7 is such a pivotal time for your child’s social and emotional development. The authentic challenges of adventurebased learning create those special breakthrough moments that simply can’t happen in a traditional classroom. In today’s world, emotional intelligence and collaboration skills are more valuable than ever. UNITE! gives your child a genuine advantage; the confidence, teamwork, and communication abilities they develop will serve them throughout their secondary school journey and well into adulthood. When future challenges arise, they’ll draw on the strength and skills they discovered alongside their classmates during this transformative experience.
Throughout the camp experience, your child will be building rafts with classmates, conquering new heights, and tackling team challenges, all while developing essential life skills like leadership, communication, resilience, and forming genuine friendships that last.
You can feel confident knowing UNITE! is delivered by PGL Adventure Camps, who bring decades of youth development expertise to every activity. Their qualified instructors and dedicated support staff ensure every student feels safe, included, and supported throughout their adventure. The program is specifically designed for our school community, meeting each child where they are, and incorporating our school values of respect, compassion, growth, faith, encouragement and hope.
We can’t wait to see your child flourish!
Daily Life at St Martins
Uniform & Footwear
Our aim is for all students to wear the appropriate uniform consistently throughout the year. It is helpful if families are on the same page in regards to uniform expectations. Of particular note:
• Students should wear black lace up leather shoes with the formal uniform.
• Socks should be plain white or navy, with or without the College name. No other visible brand socks.
• Sneakers and PE uniform should only be worn on days when your child has a practical PE lesson (typically the double lesson in their timetable). On these occasions, sneakers must be supportive sports shoes, not canvas street/ skate wear.
• Jewellery is limited to; three piercings per ear, small plain studs or small sleepers only; one ring per hand; plain chain with or without a small cross.
• No bracelets or anklets.
• Hair should be tied back or shorter than the student’s collar.
• All students are required to wear a College hat, as part of our Sun Safe policy.
• No hoodie jumpers or visible long sleeve tops to be worn under uniform clothing.
If a student wears the incorrect uniform, contact will be made with their family requesting the correct uniform be dropped to the school. If this is not possible, the student will be required to sit out at recess and lunch times. We understand that on rare occasions the correct uniform may not be available. If this occurs, please ensure a note is sent with your child.
Please note that a new uniform has been adopted at St Martins from 2024. There will be a generous change over period as uniform items become available from suppliers.
The Uniform Shop is located onsite at the College, on the northern boundary of the carpark, and is open on Tuesday and Thursday during school terms. Orders can also be placed online.
Daily Life at St Martins
Recess & Lunch Breaks
All 7-12 students eat their recess and lunch in the yard during break times. These break times should also be used to refill water bottles as needed.
There are a number of lunch time activities and clubs available for your child to attend. These range from sports, debating, to art and board games. Availability of and changes to these activities are noted in the SEQTA notices each day. These are supervised by a staff member, and are also an opportunity for social connection and support. Lunchtime is also when our Student Ambassadors may meet and this happens once a week, and when various rehearsals may be held. The Art Room and Music Room are typically made available to students at least once per week during lunch breaks.
Worship and Devotions
The whole school join together for a 30-minute Worship on Friday mornings. This Worship time is overseen by the Ministry Team, but assisted each week by an allocated class, and a student-led Worship band. In this way students are given the opportunity to be engaged and take responsibility for their own worship experience. Families are invited to join us in the Gym for Worship each Friday from 8:55am - 9:30am.
Home classes start each day with a short devotion and staff participate in a morning devotion prior to the school day beginning. These devotions are a wonderful opportunity for staff and students to get together, to consider our Christian values and interactions with others, as well as give thanks to God for our blessings.
Canteen
The canteen is available every day for lunch orders, submitted by 8:30am via the Qkr! App (available through the App Store or Google Play). Students in Years 7 - 12 collect their lunch orders directly from the canteen servery window inside the Gym at the beginning of lunch. This is different to the class lunchbox system that is used for Reception - Year 6 students. The canteen also has a small amount of food available for purchase during recess and lunch daily. Small change is appreciated by the canteen staff.
SEQTA
SEQTA is the digital platform used by students, families and teachers. Students use SEQTA Learn to access online learning materials, receive assessment details, electronically submit assessments, and to access other resources. Parents use SEQTA Engage to view their child’s timetable, view assessment requirements, receive notifications of assessment outcomes and also term / semester reports. Early in Term 1, training sessions on SEQTA are offered to parents. The SEQTA Engage App is available through the App Store or Google Play. In order to access all SEQTA Engage features, please ensure your email address is kept up to date. You can update your on the TASS parent lounge.
There is a TASS Parent Lounge. Existing parents should already have these login details. New parents are issued login details upon commencement of enrolment.
Daily Life at St Martins
Notification of Absences
Please notify the College if your child is going to be absent from school.
You can do this by phoning the College office (8725 1430), or emailing: absent@stmartins.sa.edu.au, or via the SEQTA App. Please click here for more information regarding the App. If the College has not received information regarding an absent child by 9:30am, we will endeavour to contact parents via text message to ascertain that the child is legitimately absent and safe.
Absences of five days or more require a completed Exemption Form, which can be found on the College website, or a copy collected from the Student Services Office.
Notices
SEQTA Notices have important information for both students and parents. Your child should become familiar with checking these for any relevant information. These are available on both SEQTA Learn and SEQTA Engage.
Announcements
From time to time, the College is required to make loud speaker announcements. This may be to provide instruction, or for a safety reason. There are speakers throughout the school that your child is likely to hear. The announcement system is also used for evacuation and invacuation instructions and warning signals.
Adverse Weather & Hat Policies
During Terms 1 and 4, hats are required to be worn by all students and staff to protect their face, neck and ears whenever they are outside. These dates may be adjusted depending on the UV Rating. Students who do not have an appropriate sun hat will be asked to stay in shaded areas only. School hats can be purchased from the Uniform Shop. We have an adverse weather policy that allows for either indoor or undercover scenarios depending on the weather that day.
The Parent Hub
The Parent Hub on the St Martins Lutheran College website is your comprehensive resource for key information about your child’s education. The Hub provides important updates on absences, communication channels, school policies, uniform guidelines, SMOSHC (St Martins Outside School Hours Care), and SEQTA (our learning management system). The Parent Hub can be found in the menu of the College website: https://stmartins.sa.edu.au/
St Martins Way
At St Martins Lutheran College, The St Martins Way—our College values of Respect, Compassion, Growth, Faith, Encouragement, and Hope—forms the foundation of our Student Code of Conduct and guides how we respond to behaviour. These values shape the way we learn, interact, and build community, ensuring that every student feels safe, respected, and supported.
We expect students to act in ways that reflect these values: showing respect for others, demonstrating compassion, taking responsibility for their actions, and contributing positively to the learning environment. As students grow, they are supported to develop increasing self-regulation, self-discipline, and an awareness of the needs and rights of those around them. These expectations reflect our Christian ethos and align with values of Lutheran Education.
Our behaviour approach is strengthened by contemporary educational research, including the Berry Street Education Model and restorative teaching practices. Restorative practice is central to how we address behavioural concerns, as it helps students reflect on their choices, understand the impact of their actions, and take meaningful steps to repair harm. This approach prioritises relationships and supports students to learn from mistakes while remaining connected to the school community.
Student Code of Conduct
Student Code of Conduct, informed by the St Martins Way, reflects our Christian ethos and Lutheran values. It is not just a set of rules, it is a shared commitment to living out our values, building positive relationships, and helping every student become compassionate, responsible, and capable. At St Martins, we want every student to feel safe, respected, supported, and able to learn. The Student code of conduct guides how we treat each other, make good choices, and contribute positively to our community. It can be accessed here.
Behaviour Management
When a student acts outside the expectations of the Student Code of Conduct, or when there is a breakdown in relationships within our community, we work with students to repair harm and restore positive connections. Our approach includes:
• In-class strategies, such as teacher-student conversations and restorative discussions.
• Escalated responses, if needed, including restorative meetings, time out of class, or referral to Year Level Leaders for more significant breaches of community trust.
This approach ensures that consequences are fair, consistent, and focused on restoring relationships while supporting students to learn from their actions.
Our Routines
At St Martins, we know that clear and consistent routines help students feel safe, focused, and ready to learn. These shared expectations support respectful and positive learning spaces where everyone can thrive. This guide is designed to help students uphold the Student Code of Conduct and live out the St Martins Way.
THE ST MARTINS WAY
OUR ROUTINES – READY TO LEARN, READY TO THRIVE
At St Martins, we believe that clear and consistent routines help us feel safe, focused and ready to learn. These shared expectations support respectful learning spaces where everyone can flourish. This guide is here to remind us of The St Martins Way, what we do, how we move, and how we work together with heart, hands and minds.
ENTRY ROUTINE
• Before entering the classroom, we wait quietly to one side of the hallway/outside the classroom with everything we need for class.
• We enter quietly when the teacher says and stand behind our chairs and await instruction.
• Our Chromebooks stay closed until we are instructed to open them.
STAYING ON TRACK
Our teacher will help us to stay on track by:
• THE LOOK: The teacher makes calm, silent eye contact as a non-verbal prompt.
• PROXIMITY: The teacher calmly moves and stands near the student.
• GENTLE DESK TOUCH: The teacher places a hand on the student’s desk to indicate a reminder to stop and reset.
• VERBAL REDIRECTION: The teacher quietly names the behaviour and gives a clear, kind direction. Example: “Eyes this way now. Thank you.”
• FOLLOW-UP: If behaviour continues, the teacher will follow up after class using a restorative approach. The Year Level Leader or Director of Student Engagement may be involved in this stage.
BRAIN BREAK
We regulate and re-focus by participating in a brain break, as instructed by our teacher.
CUE TO FOCUS
Our teachers use clear and consistent cues to bring our attention to the front. When we hear a cue, we:
STOP LOOK LISTEN RESPOND
Examples of teacher cues:
• “5…4…3…2…1…”
• Call and response (e.g. “Eyes on me” – “1, 2, 3”)
• Use of names followed by a clear direction (e.g. “Celia, ready to learn”)
CLASSROOM MOVEMENT
We move calmly and with purpose. This helps keep everyone safe and focused.
• Wait for the teacher’s permission before leaving your seat.
• Move around the room with care, walk, don’t run.
• Keep pathways clear and avoid blocking others.
• No spinning, tipping or wheeling on chairs.
• Use furniture and resources respectfully.
• Line up and transition between spaces quietly and sensibly.
EXIT ROUTINE
• We continue to work until our teacher instructs us to pack up.
• We pack up our work and Chromebooks as instructed by the teacher.
• We reset the classroom ready for the next class/lesson (clear desks, tuck in chairs, tidy resources).
• We stand behind our chairs and wait for teacher instruction.
• Our teacher will dismiss us.
CLASSROOM VOICES - Knowing When and How to Use Our Voice
SILENT VOICE
When to use it:
• During independent work
• When reflecting, reading, or writing quietly
Why:
• To help focus and respect others’ concentration.
PARTNER VOICE
When to use it:
• When talking one-on-one with a partner during pair work
Why:
• So only your partner can hear you – not the whole class.
GROUP VOICE
When to use it:
• In small group discussions or tasks
Why:
• So your group can work together without disturbing others.
CLASSROOM VOICE
When to use it:
• When speaking to the whole class or responding to the teacher
Why:
• So everyone can hear clearly and learning can be shared.
Significant Dates and Events
Sports Days: Athletics and Swimming Carnivals
The Year 7 -12 Athletics Carnival is held in Term 1 2025. Students are divided into four House groups: Tremelling (red), Livingston (blue), Whitty (green) and Yeates (yellow). A program is prepared at the start of each year by Physical Education staff, and events are organised into age groups. Students are encouraged to participate in at least three events. Parents are invited to assist on the day and are also welcome as spectators. Students wear their House polo shirt with their school sports shorts. House shirts can be purchased from the Uniform Shop.
Parents will find Year 7 - 12 Athletics quite different to Reception - Year 6 where children participate in all events. It may be more important to find out what events your child is participating in to avoid coming to watch them and missing the events they’re doing.
The Year 7 - 12 Swimming Carnival is also held in Term 1 at Wulanda Recreation Centre, with both championship and novelty events. This is a fantastic opportunity for students to support their House group and be involved.
Following these school carnivals, there are opportunities for representation at interschool Athletics and Swimming competitions.
2026 Academic Calendar
Term
1
Tuesday 20 January
New Staff Pre Service Day
Wednesday 21 January to Friday 23 January Staff Pre Service Days
Monday 26 January
Australia Day Holiday
Tuesday 27 January
Start of Term 1
Monday 9 March
Adelaide Cup Holiday
Friday 3 April
Good Friday
Monday 6 April
Easter Monday
Tuesday 7 April
R-6 Village Student PTI’s - 3:30pm - 6:30pm
Wednesday 8 April
R-12 Village PTI’s - 1:30pm - 6:30pm (Early Dismissal at 1:00pm)
Thursday 9 April
7-12 Village PTI’s - 3:30pm - 6:30pm
Friday 10 April
End of Term 1 (Early Dismissal at 2:15pm)
Saturday 25 April
ANZAC Day
Term 2
Monday 27 April Start of Term 2 Friday 5 June Student Free Day/Assessment & Moderation Day Monday 8 June
Birthday Holiday
26 June Last Day of Term 2 (3:15pm Dismissal) Monday 29 June to Friday 3 July Staff Professional Learning Days
Term 3
Monday 20 July Start of Term 3
Wednesday 19 August R-12 PTI’s - 3:30pm - 6:30pm Friday 25 September Last Day of Term 3 (Early Dismissal 2:15pm)
Monday 5 October Labour Day Holiday
Term 4
Monday 12 October
Start of Term 4
Friday 23 October
Student Free Day/Show Day/Staff Compliance
Training
Friday 20 November
Student Free Day/Assessment & Moderation Day
Wednesday 9 December
Last Day of Term 4 (3:15pm Dismissal)
Thursday 10 December &
Friday 11 December
Staff Post Service Days
3 St Martins Drive Mount Gambier, SA 5290
(08) 8725 1430
www.stmartins.sa.edu.au office@stmartins.sa.edu.au