2022 Unity Update - Term 4 Edition

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“Thank you all for creating a place that we have felt supported, valued, safe and cared for.”

Better Together

Kaye Mathwin-Cox Principal

2022 has been a time of rebuilding. We have learnt to adapt, change and move forward, and that’s a good thing. This year is certainly not like the previous years, but it has been far from normal. It has in fact been the ‘new normal’.

“For the strength of the Pack is the Wolf, and the strength of the Wolf is the Pack”

This powerful quote from Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book suggests when individual wolves put the pack first, the pack puts them first and that leads to the pack thriving.

So, what does that mean for us? If there is one thing COVID has taught us is that we need each other. Learning online wasn’t much fun because we needed our pack – not only our family pack but the larger pack, that of our friends, teachers and extended community.

Who do you see makes up your pack? It goes without saying that family and friends play an important role in our pack, but who else?

At Unity, our pack consists of our Staff – people who put the pack first because they see and appreciate the unique value of each student and recognise how special they are individually and collectively.

Our pack also consists of each student at Unity. Each class member and year level cohort. It is the people we journey with over the course of 13 years of schooling and have been there through moments of joy and celebration as well as moments when needed them, even if you didn’t realise it. The memories of this pack will stay with you for the rest of your life.

Life is going to be what you make it. Consider your successes. Look at the times when life takes a different direction not as failures, but as stumbles in pursuit of something greater than yourself. Consider the influence you have had in your pack, and consider that the pack is better together, because the more we realise the pack is stronger together, the more we will gain strength for others and ourselves. Learn to love the pack no matter what, and, if you are willing, take the step and allow God to be part of your pack wherever you go. Know that He is with you, because if you let Him, He will be a very special part of your pack and will give you what you need to truly serve others. Be strong, be courageous and most importantly, be you... it is what your pack has always wanted for you.

“Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” John 15:13

Adapted from the Principal’s Address delivered at the 2022 Valedictory Service.

“Be strong, be courageous and most importantly, be you... it is what your pack has always wanted for you.”

Staffing Update

As the year comes to a close, we would like to take the opportunity to thank our wonderful Unity College Staff team.

Farewell to:

+ Dan Stevenson (15 years of service)

+ Lesley Day (8 years of service)

+ Jaylene Phillips (12 years of service)

+ Carolyn Paech (19 years of service)

+ Caroline Dennis-Harvey (9 years of service)

+ Nadina Thomas (7 years of service)

+ Marilyn Staker (1 year of service)

+ Kym Thomas (4.5 years of service)

+ Bronwyn Willis (7 years of service)

+ Wendy Harris (4 years of service)

+ Andrea Mickan (1 year of service)

+ Chad Picon (4 years of service)

+ Erin Scammell (1 year of service)

+ Robyn Barry (1 year of service)

+ Rachel Law (1 year of service)

+ Ellen Petropouleas (1 year of service)

The following staff will be taking leave in 2023:

+ Gemma Simounds

+ Athalie McArdle

+ Amy Daniell + Andrew Beaven + Wayne Gehling

And we welcome the following staff members to the Unity Team in 2023:

+ Alex Fiegert: Digi Tech

+ Katie Bertram: Drama

+ Graeme Watkins: Japanese

+ Olivia Hollamby: JS teacher

+ Wendy Cooper: JS teacher

+ Katie O’Shaughnessy: Learning Support

+ Emma Lamprey: Learning Support

+ Danica Male: Learning support

+ Abbey Lehmann: JS Learning Support

+ Brett Presland: Bus Driver/Ag/ Tech assistant

+ Jasmine Barolo: TSC Coordinator/ Pathways Assistant

+ Tamara Marchetti: Enrolments Officer

+ Leanne Camilleri: Wellbeing Coordinator

+ Barry Grinter: Bus Driver

Senior School

+ Olympic Change-Maker Award: Jack Secomb (Year 12)

+ Order of Australia Student Citizenship Award: Cheska Nacario (Year 12)

+ Ampol Best All-Rounder: Keeley Rathjen (Year 12)

+ ADF Long Tan Youth Leadership & Teamwork Award: Kalder Bormann (Year 12) Ellie Harrison (Year 10)

+ ADF Future Innovators Award: Matthew Kubenk (Year 12) Alecia Bormann (Year 10)

+ Tracey Venning Memorial Award: Jaiden Dawson (Year 12)

+ Lutheran Women of SA & NT: Alicia Koop (Year 11)

+ Muriel Matters Award: Briannah Griffiths (Year 11)

+ The Journey Award: Shanti Doolan (Year 12)

+ Neville Grieger Award: Rebekah Wagenknecht (Year 12)

+ Unity Way Service Award: Sophie Pope (Year 12)

+ UCOS Christian Leadership Award: Charlotte Patterson (Year 12)

Year 12 Subject Awards

+ Agriculture Productions:

Trinity Manning

+ Biology: Hayley Brehaut

+ Business Innovation: Cheska Nacario

+ Chemistry: Matthew Kubenk

+ Child Studies: Charlotte Patterson

+ Visual Arts - Design: Charlotte Patterson

+ English: Sophie Pope

+ English Literary Studies: Darcy Bald

End of Year Awards

+ Essential Mathematics: Brayden Denman

+ Geography: Darcy Bald

+ General Mathematics: Chelsea Haby

+ Japanese Continuers: Sharlene Paulin

+ Design, Technology & Engineering - Material Solutions: Brayden Denman

+ Mathematical Methods: Riley Daniels

+ Modern History: Darcy Bald

+ Music: Pippa Stolarski

+ Nutrition: Hayley Brehaut

+ Physics: Riley Daniels

+ Psychology: Cheska Nacario

+ Design, Technology & Engineering - Robotic & Electronic Systems: Brayden Denman

+ Society & Culture: Darcy Bald

+ Specialist Mathematics: Riley Daniels

+ Research Project A: Charlotte Patterson

+ Research Project B: Cheska Nacario

+ Vocational Education & Training (VET) – Industry Excellence: Lara Yarrow

+ Vocational Education & Training (VET) – Academic Excellence: Jack Secomb

Year 11

+ Encouragement Award: Hannah Mussett

+ Community Service Award: Charlotte Meddle

+ Student Leadership Award: Baxter Gierus-Heintze

+ Academic Merit Award: Sienna Daniell

Year 10

+ Encouragement Award: Maliq McDonald

+ Community Service Award: Alecia Bormann

+ Student Leadership Award: Bridie Loller

+ Academic Merit Award: Georgia DeMichele

Middle School

+ UCOS Christian Leadership Award: Emily Willis (Year 9)

+ The Journey Award: Miles Rigney (Year 9)

Year 9

+ Encouragement: Award Millicent Manning

+ Community Service Award: Sophie Frahn

+ Student Leadership Award: Jessica Kerr

+ Academic Merit Award: Jessica Kerr

Year 8

+ Encouragement Award: Harry Saint

+ Community Service Award: Fallon Small

+ Student Leadership Award: Alexandra White

+ Academic Merit Award: Tyler White

Year 7

+ Encouragement Award: DJ Bullock

+ The Lions Fred Faehrmann Service Award: Digby Harvey

+ Student Leadership Award: Lizzy Cartledge

+ Academic Merit Award: Ryley Neumann

Year 6

+ Encouragement Award: Josiah White

+ Community Service Award: Patrick Appledore

+ Student Leadership Award: Ruby Thiele

+ Academic Merit Award: Arabella Milne

Junior School

+ UCOS Christian Leadership Award: Taylor Lienert (Year 5)

+ Community Service & Spirit Award: Lucy Mason (Year 5)

+ Student Leadership Award: Erik Lee-Robbins (Year 5)

+ Academic Achievement Award: Jiamin (Gaga) Lu (Year 5)

2023 Student Leadership

Student Leaders

+ Year 12: Riley Franke, Briannah Griffiths, Alicia Koop, Baxter Gierus-Heintze, Bella Schubert

+ Year 11: Alecia Bormann, Grace Rolton, Narelle Griffiths

House Captains

+ Progress: Max Loller, Bridie Loller

+ Union: Callum Thomas, Emily Kerr

+ Cooperation: Emelia Morgan, Jack Bell

+ Loyalty: Sienna Daniell, Piper Wegener

Ambassadors (Year 9)

Ella Gierus-Heintze, Olivia Griffiths, Ethan Morrell, Fallon Small, Alexandra White, Tyler White

Junior School SRC

Kaiden Gates, Lachlan Cameron, Evie Calnan, Jade Piggott (Year 5)

JS Ambassadors (Year 5)

Xalia Thomson, Ollie Matthewson

JS House Captains

+ Progress: Oscar McGorman, Violet Magyar

+ Union: Josh Zarantonello, Suleman Khan

+ Cooperation: Callum Oster, Molly Mason

+ Loyalty: Chol Chol, Bella Marchetti

Leadership

Lutheran Leaders

The 2023 Student Leaders attended an LESNW Student Leader Training Day at Faith College. The day allowed our Student Leaders to experience how other Lutheran Schools operate and develop their student leadership qualities. They also valued the opportunity to spend time as a group, developing their own idea about how they want to lead at Unity College. One focus for the day was solidifying the Statement of Purpose they had developed: “We act with authenticity and show compassion towards all members of the Unity Community to develop meaningful connections and engage in opportunities to inspire and be inspired”

Government House Visit

Two of Unity's Year 12 Student Leaders, Kalder Bormann and Charlotte Patterson, visited Government House, attending a function hosted by Her Excellency, the Honourable Frances Adamson AC - Governor of South Australia celebrating the work of student leaders and their contribution to their schools and communities.

“The Governor along with Mr Blair Boyer, the Minister of Education, gave their address where they... thanked the group for their service to our school communities and encouraged us in our future career paths. I had a great time meeting like-minded people.” Kalder Bormann (Year 12)

Areyonga Update

It was a big term for our Areyonga students to close 2022. Highlights included:

+ The Year 12 Graduation for Shanti and Quinneta, which saw family member attend the Valedictory Service at Unity from Areyonga and a special Graduation Celebration in community at the end of the year.

+ Music for the fellas who made the most of the new music equipment to be used at the house (courtesy of some grant money). They spent time at The Station each Thursday preparing for their performance at the River Front Christmas Festival.

+ Weekend activities including Tree Climb, the Beach House and visits to the beach and river.

+ Having a City Experience on Year 8 and 9 Camp

+ A 2-day experience at Murraylands Aquatic Centre learning to use SUP boards, driving the boat and sailing on catamarans.

+ Year 6 Areyonga students visiting for orientation and 2023 Step Up.

+ Juggle House Experience to Mannum Waterfalls and to participate in the Lions 360 experience at the Monarto Safari Park.

Just 2 Deadly

The Just 2 Deadly (J2D) Awards are an annual celebration of Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander achievement in music, sport, entertainment the arts, health, education, training and community.

The J2Ds is an opportunity for families and the community to celebrate the educational achievements of student’s Graduating from Year 6 and Year 12.

Congratulations to: Jazz McInerney, Seth Rankine, Koen Wilson, Brylee Lamprey, Billie Tutchell (Year 6) Shanti Doolan, Quinneta Kanari (Year 12).

Building Community

Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Tree Planting

Unity College received over $14,000 to purchase and plant nine mature English Oak trees on the Junior School as part of the “Planting Trees for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee” grant from the Commonwealth Government. The trees were planted adjacent to the new Bush Play area. The grant also enabled us to install irrigation infrastructure to establish the oak trees and other new plantings and install a plaque commemorating the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. The trees were selected as they will grow to provide a shade canopy, covering play areas for the College and the community for many years to come. Thank you to the Hon. Tony Pasin MP who visited the College and assisted in planting the trees in commemoration of Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee.

Nest Swing Installed in Unity College Nature Playground

Unity College Junior School students have been swinging high with the installation of a Nest Swing in the Nature Playground, curtesy of a $1950 grant from the Flinders University Community Partnership Grant. The nest swing has been hugely popular with the Junior School students since it’s installation in August. It allows for inclusive play with children of all ages and abilities able to enjoy using the swing.

Community

Steeple Lighting Upgrade Grant

The Unity College Media Team have been successful in receiving a grant from the Rural City of Murray Bridge Council’s Community Events, Grants and Donations Program for $2801 to assist in upgrading lighting equipment for the Steeple.

This project is proudly supported by the Rural City of Murray Bridge

Middle/Senior House Shield

Congratulations to Union for taking out the 2022 House Shield! Points awarded in categories including Participation, Academic, School Culture, and Leadership as well as involvement in School Activities and House Competitions contribute to the overall House Shield.

Junior School Library Opening

Yunti-WalunComing Together

The Junior School Library was officially opened on Tuesday 22 November with a ceremony attended by the Hon. Adrian Pederick (Member for Hammond), Mr Michael Sedgman (RCMB Council CEO), Mayor Wayne Thorley and Mr James Bormann (College Board Chairperson). A testament to a long held dream and creative vision enabled with funding assistance from a State Government grant, the refurbished Junior School Library is a place where students can come together to learn, develop literacy skills and just be because reading is fun!

Murray Bridge Riverfront Christmas Festival

Unity College was represented at the Murray Bridge Riverfront Christmas Festival by the Year 2 students and Music Department –featuring the Concert Band.

The Year 2 float spread the message ‘Let His word unwrap the magic of Christmas’ and was decorated with large Christmas presents while the children wore tie-dyed t-shirts and big smiles while the Concert Band provided the Christmas tunes.

Thank you to all the students, staff and families who assisted in decoration, marshalling and providing transport.

Senior School

Activities Day

The Year 10s and 11s headed to Mr Yeager’s #2 ranked retirement location – Clayton Bay (#1 is Tasmania) to celebrate 2022 before becoming Unity’s Year 11 and 12 students during Step Up. The brave tackled the wild wind of Lake Alexandrina on stand-up paddle boards and some gave their arms a workout in single and double kayaks. Others did a spot of fishing, conducted a serious game of cricket or spent approximately 20mins in the very cool water swimming (BRRRRR). Mrs Eckermann drove along the foreshore and Mrs Raymond playing Father Christmas on the back of the ute giving out soft drinks, packets of chips and chocolate bars, much to the excitement of the students who raced there like kids to the tree on Christmas morning.

P.A.R.T.Y

Year 10 students participated in the P.A.R.T.Y (Prevent Alcohol and Risk-Related Trauma in Youth) Program at the Royal Adelaide Hospital (RAH). This program is designed to educate students about the risk factors involved in alcohol consumption and risk-related trauma. Just another way we are working to empower our students with knowledge to help them make informed choices to reduce their own risk in the community.

Valedictory

“Thank you all for creating a place that we have felt supported, valued, safe and cared for. As we come to the end of our schooling, we will miss many aspects of school at Unity, but we also look forward to many great things to come.” 2022 Unity College Year 12 Student Leaders.

On Monday 31 October, a stadium full of family and friends celebrated and farewelled the Year 12 Class of 2022. The formal graduation service followed the Class of 2022s final devotion to the school community on the proceeding Friday morning where they reflected on 13 years of schooling (for 17 of whom have all been at Unity College) and imagined what it might be like if they never left (aka Unity in 2086). Through both services, a love and passion for Unity was evident - a place that has been more than a school but a home. To our newest Old Scholars: Your future beyond Unity College awaits and we will be there cheering you on every step of the way.

#YOUbelong.

Middle School

City Experience

Year 8 Camp

A range of exciting city-based activities kept Year 8 students busy during their City Experience camp in Week 5. They unpacked artefacts to explore migration stories, honed their ball skills at AFL Max, sketched in small group drawing workshops at the Art Gallery, learned about the significant rock formations at Hallett Cove, bowled, swam and raced around the city together. The view of the city from our accommodation at Belair was beautiful and students impressed our activity presenters with their engagement and involvement.

Year 9 Camp

“I learnt that if I really try, I can face my fears because after going to the West Beach Adventure park I am not as afraid of heights. I loved how much Mr Bulley and the other teachers put into this camp. I am very grateful.” Eva Haggie

“I enjoyed the Escape Rooms, connecting with new friends and the fantastic view from my cabin.”

Olivia McDonald

“I learnt I have the ability to push myself and try new experiences.”

Kealie Cheriton

“I loved the bus rides with both girls’ classes – singing our lungs out… even though we probably sounded terrible!” Yen-Yen To

Passion Project Showcase

God is all about love and restoring his world, and one of the biggest things we can do to show love to others is to serve them. We have been amazed at how the Year 9s completed their Passion Projects, playing their part showing their community that they are loved. They explored issues such as fast fashion, MND, period poverty and racism in sport and then put their investigations into action. One student even convinced her family to adopt a cat after researching about abandoned animals – now that’s love in action!

Public Speaking Competition

Caitlin Koop and Sophie Long represented Unity College in the Catherine Obst Year 8 Public Speaking Competition – a competition open to all Lutheran Schools in South Australia.

All Year 8 English students wrote a speech from a prescribed list of topics, and in the first round of selections presented them to their English classes. Three students were chosen from each class to speak in front of the whole Year 8 cohort and 2 Unity judges. From this 2 main speakers and 2 support speakers (Archie Bell and Porsha Marchetti) were chosen to attend the competition. Caitlin and Sophie spoke very well on the day, and it was a pleasure having Archie cheering them on.

Junior School Buddy Program

Down on the Farm

Reception students donned gumboots, beanies and rain jackets to visit the Hahndorf Farm Barn for a real farm experience – mud, poo and all as part of their Unit of Inquiry ‘Sharing the Planet’. They met many animals and were able to try milking a cow, feeding a camel, holding guinea pigs and patting rabbits, lizards and snakes.

The Year 4 / Concordia Kindy buddy program continued this term with the Unity students visiting the War Memorial Park Nature Playspace in central Murray Bridge. The Concordia Kindergarten students visit the playspace every week so it was a good opportunity for the Year 4s to demonstrate the Learner Profile through being caring, openminded and communicators as they were led by the kindergarten children to visit all their favourite play areas. There were opportunities to climb, dig, build, splash, hide, balance, and slide for everyone. We really appreciate the opportunities to build connections with others through our activities with Concordia Kindergarten.

Hot Shots

Year 3 and 4 students participated in the Hot Shots Tennis Carnival organised by Tennis SA at Christian Reserve.

The weather was perfect, and the courts were a hive of activity with music playing and teams competing in a round robin competition. It was great to see all students involved even those who had never played tennis before. Some were so keen and wanted to keep going that they joined a local club and are still playing now!

Swimming

A week of swimming lessons culminated with the annual Junior School Swimming Carnival where they put their new skills to the test with water activities and swimming races.

Our Learning Journey

An evening to celebrate our learning, our diversity and our community.

The first Our Learning Journey twilight event saw Reception to Year 5 students proudly showing off their learning journey to family and friends. Through open classrooms and performances, students guided their families through their 2022 learning journey, showing them their literacy, numeracy, inquiry learning journeys as well as learning and play spaces – all of which play an important role in developing strong, grounded and life-long learners. Meanwhile, the food trucks and gorgeous spring weather encouraged families to enjoy each other’s company and build on relationships outside of the classroom.

Principal’s Reading Challenge

This year’s Principal’s Reading Challenge was to read as many nights at home as they could and then as a class try to get the highest tally. The competition ran for a term and the winner with the highest amount of nights was Wall Flat (Reception) with a total of 915. They celebrated with a special lunch with Mrs MC and also received a medal for their prize.

Frohe Weihnachten!

To celebrate a year of learning in German, Year 8 students enjoyed a warm traditional German Christmas drink and decorated bags with German messages. In the Junior School German classes they investigated German Christmas traditions and made decorations.

Going Green at the Zoo

The Going Green Team and Year 11 Biology students visited Monarto Safari Park and participated in a behind the scenes experience with the Zookeepers in the Tasmanian Devil Conservation Program.

The Going Green team is working hard at Unity College to ensure the College becomes more sustainable and environmentally friendly. As part of the Year 11 Biology curriculum, students are currently studying keystone species, endangered species, and the impact we have on our Fauna and Flora.

Bunka no hi

November 3 is Japan’s annual Culture Day celebration, coinciding with the Year 3 Unit of Inquiry 'How we express ourselves', where students inquired into how symbols and celebrations represent and express culture. Students used body language and situational cues to decipher the Japanese instructions they were given. They then participated in Japanese dance, drumming and calligraphy, whilst wearing traditional Japanese Happi coats, just as they do when celebrating Culture Day in the streets of Japan. A fun way to begin the unit which generated many questions to explore.

Learning

Certificate II Engineering Pathways

The Engineering Pathways class proudly presented their completed group project, a Go-Kart, which utilised the skills developed in the course including welding, fabrication and assembly.

Sharing the Planet

Representatives from Landscape SA visited the Year 4s to talk about the work they do managing the environment in the Murraylands – related to their latest Unit of Inquiry with the Transdisciplinary theme of ‘Sharing the Planet’ and central idea of ‘Environments require management’. Alex and Tina provided lots of information about native species both flora and fauna and explained that there are just over 5000 native species in South Australia and just over 1000 of these are at threatened status. Some introduced species are responsible for the decline in numbers. They also spoke about all the ways in which we can be Citizen Scientists. Did you know if you see an echidna – dead or alive you should contact Echidna CSI? The scientists are looking to find out as much information as they can about echidnas!

Japanese Food Adventures

This term the Year 9 and 10 Japanese classes enjoyed experiencing Japan with their taste buds, cooking Yakisoba and Okonomiyaki. On these food adventures, students were encouraged to try a food that they had never had before. Each student had a role in preparing the ingredients and cooking the food. There was plenty for everyone to try and most students thought it was oishii (tasty).

STEM Excursion

The Year 9 STEM class visited the Flinders University Tonsley site to explore the Universities Robotics and Solar Car program.

Year 5 Band Awards

Congratulations to the following students who were awarded section awards for the Year 5 Band:

+ Year 5 Band Award for Flute: Ava Maczkowiack

+ Year 5 Band Award for Clarinet: Jiamin (Gaga) Lu

+ Year 5 Band Award for Trumpet: Wyatt Gallasch

+ Year 5 Band Award for Trombone: Taylor Cox

Shark Tank

Stage 1 Business Innovation students had the opportunity to compete in the University of Adelaide’s eSchool Shark Tank Challenge

Over 160 schools competed in the challenge, working to develop a start up through a design thinking process. Students generated a solution to a problem they uncovered, tested their solutions and iterated their design and pitched their final business model to a panel of sharks.

Unity College was the only school successful in getting both ideas through to the final stage of the competition. Gianluca Calgaro (Year 11) competed in the Environmental category with his carpooling matchmaker 'Carpond', and Emelia Morgan (Year 11) competed in the General category with her rural gap year platform 'Staying Rural'. As a part of the pitch, students were required to respond to unseen questions from entrepreneurial professors from Swinburne University and University of Western Australia to reinforce the market-solution fit of their services. Ultimately, Emelia came 3rd and Luca came 2nd in their categories, edging out the competition to demonstrate the effectiveness of their business models.

Children Theatre

Year 9 Drama student presented a range of children's plays to an eager and very receptive audience of Receptions and Year 1s this term. From adaptions of 'Where is the Green Sheep?' to 'Hairy Maclary', the plays encouraged audience participation and had messages of friendship, cooperation and thankfulness.

Holocaust Museum

This semester a new group of Year 10 History students visited the Andrew Steiner Holocaust museum to enrich their learning about the tragedies of World War II. Students were able to read stories about survivors and interact with artifacts they don’t get to see inside a classroom. This learning unit and excursion encourages students to think globally and develop their sense of empathy and compassion whilst acknowledging historical stories.

Learning

Reliving History

Year 9 HASS students traveled back 100 years in a simulation which saw major European countries trying to negotiate peace in an effort to avoid World War One erupting. Students soon realised war was unavoidable.

Thanks to the Australia War Memorial and the Unley Museum, students explored the Australian experience of WW1. The stories of the 416,000 Australian soldiers, sailors, airmen, and nurse – and those at home – came to life as students unpacked real and replica slough hats, mess tins, victory medals and more.

Agriculture

Certificate of Agriculture

Congratulations to the following students who were awarded their Unity College Certificate of Agriculture in 2022:

Junior School

Airlie Clayson, Ari Schutz, Carlien Bissett, Charlie Williams, Cooper Gailbraith, Emily He, Jiamin (GaGa) Lu, Indii Garrett, Izak Eleutheriou, Jack Watson, Jessica Nuske, Kobi Gommers, Layla Carson, Logan Morrell, Lucy Mason, Macey Jacobs, Madison Burgemeister, Matilda Harvey, Maverick Mickan, Reef Gregor, Sadie Vowles, Stella Knight, Taylor Lienert (Year 5)

Middle School

Annabelle Starr, Ava Williss, Benjamin Page, Bryce Woidt, Darcy Rich, Elin Fischer, Emily Crouch, Eva Haggie, Holly Elliott, Isabella Mulyk, Jack Rollond, Matilda Weckert, Nathan Pope, Riley Davis, Sam White, Sera Dalton, Sophie Frahn, Taya Bormann, Yannike Schutz (Year 9)

Senior School

Lachie Jacobs, Matthew Kubenk, Trinity Manning (Year 12)

Thank you to our MAJOR SPONSORS

9/10 Basketball (Boys)

Result: Round 1 (defeated by Cornerstone and Heathfield)

Oscar Coull, Bailey Morrell, Charlie Reljich, Taj Rowe, Kyle Stacker (Year 10) Cody Elliott, Curtis Mundy, Jacob Neumann, Rylie Stephenson, Harrison Terwel (Year 9)

9/10 Basketball (Girls) [2]

Result: Division 1 Finals - 7th Overall

Gemma Cocks, Layla Hearne, Jessica Kerr, Alice Laube, Millicent Manning, Roxanna Tyler, Rosie Vowles (Year 9) Kyla Jarvis (Year 10) [2]

5/6 Basketball (Girls) [1]

Result: Finals - 2nd in their pool Airlie Clayson, Indii Garret, Logan Morrell, Sadie Vowles (Year 5) Indigo Hincks, Shay-Lee Maloney, Ruby Pfeiffer, Charlotte Rabone-Hicks (Year 6)

7/8 Cricket

Result: Round 1 (played Bordertown and defeated by 2 runs)

Zara Heath, Riley Mullins, Alex Mundy, Thomas Nuske, Archie Patterson, Owen Phaup, Lucas Piggott (Year 7) Roclin Bates, Evan Clarke, William Crouch, Taj Garrett, Carl Modra, Tyler White, Kallo Talbot (Year 8)

SAPSASA Representatives

Sporting Highlights

Congratulations to the following students who represented the Murraylands in SAPSASA Tennis and Cricket in Term 4:

+ SAPSASA Cricket [3]: Henry Blatchford, Jai Williss, Riley Gladigau (Year 6)

+ SAPSASA Tennis [4]: Logan Morrell, Sadie Vowles (Year 5) Zoe Harrington, Nate Oster, Ruby Pfeiffer, Jack Rich, Charlie White, Kallan Woidt (Year 6)

Student Achievements

Congratulations to Erin Poulish (Year 9) who reached the final of the South Australian Geography Photo Competition. Her photograph was shortlisted by a panel of experts and was displayed in a public exhibition at the State Library of South Australia in Adelaide.

Erin’s entry statement: The photo I have captured is the river side in Nildottie, South Australia. This photograph shows liveability in the sense of old and new, known and unfamiliar. I chose to take a photo by the river, because growing up on the Murray River taught me a lot about how to care for the environment, but also to love the environment, as well as meeting new people and trying new things. The photo above represents my way of liveability because in life all you need is water, new encounters, nature and an awesome view!

Cheska Nacario (Year 12) successfully participated in the University of South Australia’s Accelerate Program This program enables Year 12 students the opportunity to start studying university courses and guarantees them a place in one of

UniSAs many business degrees. Cheska completed Communication and Media and was the youngest person in the course. Her study was all online and required independence, commitment and dedication. This unit contributed to Cheska’s SACE. Whilst Cheska is not choosing to study business at UniSA next year, this was a valuable learning opportunity and enable Cheska to extend herself in her final year of schooling.

Congratulations to Fallon Small (Year 8) and Alexandra White (Year 8) who received Bronze awards in the Education Perfect Year 7/8 Japanese Competition between Unity College, Seaview High School and St Frances de Sales College. Sophie Long (Year 8) received a credit.

Ruby Ballard (Year 10) has been selected for the 2023 South Australian U18 Girls Academy Squad (AFL).

Bridie Loller (Year 10) was selected to be a part of the inaugural Adelaide Thunderbirds Talent Academy (ATTA). This culminated in participating in selections for the State U17 Team - making it to Phase 3 (Top 40). Although missing being selected for the final squad (Top 20), Bridie loved the entire program and encourages other Unity netballers to consider trialling for the ATTA program.

Music Instrumental Exams:

+ Caitlin Koop (Year 8): Grade 1 Flute Exam, Distinction

+ Jiamin Lu (Year 5): Grade 2 Flute Exam, Distinction

2023 Emerging Athlete Development Program selections through SA Country Basketball:

+ U14 Boys – Alex Mundy (Year 7)

+ U18 Men – Jack Bell (Year 11)

+ U18 Women – Roxanna Tyler (Year 9), Layla Hearne (Year 9)

Armani Penta (Year 10) competed at the Australian All-Star Cheer and Dance National Championships 2022 on the Gold Coast in November. Armani’s team were named Level 2 Grand Champions – meaning they won every division from Youth to Adult (95 teams) – a phenomenal achievement! [1]

Concordia Kindy

Term 4 at Concordia Kindy has been very busy and jam packed full of excitement. Our children have been visiting their schools for next year and are looking forward to the next part of their learning journey. There has also been great learning and questioning throughout our day to day program. Highlights included:

+ Learning about the birth of Jesus, culminating in making a Nativity movie to share with families and the wider Lutheran community.

+ A visit from Natalie and her Assistance Dogs.

+ A trip to the Murray Bridge Town Hall to see a theatre production called ‘Hiccup’.

+ Corresponding with our Pen Pals from the Lutheran Homes and Churches.

+ Watching the lifecycle of silkworms.

+ Police visit.

+ The MB Christmas Pageant float with the theme ‘Happy Birthday Jesus’. The children all wore their party clothes, party hats and waved to everyone lining the streets.

+ Visiting the snow (via an excursion to Mt Thebarton) .

+ Visits to the Nature Playground with our focus on nature play opportunities and the establishment and maintenance of a community vegetable garden.

+ Our final visit with our Unity buddies – it has been lovely to see the relationships develop across the year with our big buddies!

+ Each child was presented with their very own Bible, kindly donated by members of the Murray Valley Lutheran Community.

+ Our graduation and final blessing ceremony were held to end our busy year.