“The acting, singing, music and choreography was amazing and a testament to how hard everyone must have worked. Nothing beats live theatre!”
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Audience Member
At Unity College we pride ourselves in inspiring our community to great things. This term has seen so many events and activities reintroduced, and it has been wonderful to be part of the many and varied activities to set the pace for what promises to be a very busy year.
Starting the year as ‘normal’ – with no restrictions to adapt to – was an absolute blessing and we began with inducting the 2023 Student Leadership teams at the Opening Service, along with eighteen new staff to Unity.
The Year 12 students began their final year with a special retreat to set positive study habits and collegiality and it is hoped they too will be inspired to work their hardest to achieve the best they can in this important year. Our staff are an incredible support to the students, and we see this in the way they place our students first as they partner alongside them.
The Junior School bush block is really taking shape along Swanport Road and hopefully this winter the students will be able to experience some fun activities there, playing in natural bushland while investigating all things nature. It will be great to see the Junior School students enjoy their learning in an outdoor, playbased environment.
In the middle of the term we saw a variety of camps in the Middle School, serving to inspire our students to learn and participate. The Year 6 camp to Monarto, the Year 7 Aquatics camp, the Year 8 Canberra Experience and the Year 9 Adventure camp all happened this term with great success, as was the Year 1 Stay Up and inaugural Year 4 camp. Added to that we had International Women’s Day, Harmony Day, Sports Carnival and the first Middle/Senior Swimming Carnival in many years, just when NAPLAN testing was moved into this term as well.
As we neared the end of the term, we celebrated the Year 12 Formal and seeing our students in their finery was very special. The Junior School Stations of the Cross during Holy Week reminded us of our foundations in Christ and the importance of celebrating the good news at Easter. To conclude such a busy term, the Charlie and the Chocolate Factory musical production has many rising stars sharing their talents, performing on stage to a captivated audience. The staff and students involved in the musical have enjoyed the opportunity to inspire and be inspired, seeing many shining performances captured for the Unity community to celebrate.
What an inspirational team we have here at Unity!
“It has been wonderful to be part of the many and varied activities to set the pace for what promises to be a very busy year.”
We congratulate our Year 12 students on their 2022 SACE results. We are thankful for the people they have become and for the gifts and talents they have brought to Unity College in both academic and community pursuits.
+ 100% of students received their SACE
+ 11% of students achieved an ATAR above 90
+ 63% of all grades achieved were A and B grades.
Congratulations to Charlotte Patterson who was named DUX with an ATAR of 90.95. Hayley Brehaut was Runner-Up DUX with an ATAR of 90.85. Charlotte and Hayley were presented with their awards at the 2023 Opening Service.
+ 69% of the graduating cohort completed VET in the SACE
+ Of these, 51% completed a Certificate III qualification or higher
+ 6 students completed their SACE through a School-Based Apprenticeship.
‘It takes a village to raise a child’ and we acknowledge our dedicated families and staff who have shown their commitment, inspiration and encouragement to students over their journey at Unity College.
Unity College Reception teacher, Mrs Carrie Gallasch recently had her fourth children's book 'Market Day' shortlisted in the Early Childhood category of the Children's Book Council of Australia Annual Awards. This means 'Market Day' is one of the Top 6 books in this category for 2023! An amazing achievement.
Congratulations Mrs Gallasch!
step inside a world of pure imagination
Scan the QR Code for more photos...
“Challenges are what make life interesting and overcoming them is what makes life meaningful.”
Joshua J. MarineA super start to the year for the Class of 2023 on their Beginning Retreat held at El Shaddai Campsite Wellington. Sessions inspired them to contemplate a meaningful life and make the most of their final year. This included tools suggested by Mrs O to help look after themselves, Mr Croxford and Ms Stewart presented a collab in which students worked in groups to build a Murraylands icon (the winner was a creative savoury slice), there were plenty of competitive activities and of course Mrs Eckermann’s famous Trivia Quiz. The Year 12s described the experience as ‘fun’, ‘eye-opening’ and ‘memorable’.
Year 10 students started the year with a fun filled day of mystery and mayhem focusing on ‘Aspirations and Motivations in Life’.
Mystery challenges, team strength building exercises and guest speaker, Australian Olympianmarathon runner Jess Stenson (nee Trengove) who spoke about what it takes to reach the top, saw students focused and ready to work hard to achieve their goals in 2023.
+ Belle of the Ball: Chloe Small
+ Beau of the Ball: Cooper Laube
+ Cutest Couple: Piper Wegener & Brodie Maloney
+ Most Elegant Female: Zoe Hawkes
+ Most Scrubbed Up Male: Xander Schwarz
Scan the QR code for more 'behind the scenes' Formal photos!
Year 8 students jetted off to explore our national capital in Week 6 as part of the Middle School Camps Extravaganza.
Highlights included visits to the:
+ National Dinosaur Museum
+ Cockington Green
+ Australian Institute of Sport
+ National Film and Sound Archives
+ Questacon
+ Museum of Australian Democracy
+ Old Parliament House
+ Museum of Australia
+ Australian War Memorial
+ Parliament House
+ National Capital Exhibition and
+ The Enlighten Festival.
It was an action packed 3 days where students were immersed in the history, culture, heritage and democracy of Australia by participating in a variety of educational programs - furthering their study of Civics and Citizenship.
The Australian Government recognises the importance of all young Australians being able to visit Canberra and we thank them for their support in contributing $90 per student to assist with the cost associated with the experience under the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate (PACER) program.
Year 7 students attended their annual Aquatics Camp at the Murraylands Aquatics Centre. With kayaking, sailing, knee boarding and more there was plenty to keep them entertained and learning new skills.
Scan the QR code for more Aquatics Camp photos.
Year 6 students visited Monarto Safari Park for an overnight conversation experience.
“We contributed to conservation by helping to pick up the Rhino poo”.
Taylor Lienert
“We did lots of activities including making a bridge, playing chasey, looking at animals in the bus, shovelling rhino poo and seeing three possums in the shearing shed.”
Reef Gregor
Scan the QR code for more Monarto Safari Park photos.
High ropes challenges, team work, bonding and the Leap of Faith. The Year 9 Adventure Camp at Glenhaven Park is a rite of passage for our Middle School leaders and the students showed growth, strength and determination by challenging themselves and supporting each other.
Scan
The Year 9 girls valued the dynamic workshop by enthusiastic presenters from the Pelvic Pain Foundation. The Periods, Pain and Endometriosis Program (PPEP) workshop engaged students about how to identify abnormal menstrual symptoms, equipped them with straightforward
ways to manage pain and educated them about how to find out more about endometriosis. Hearing from experts in the field meant 96% of students said they were given the tools to use if they get period pain, including fun stretches. We are thankful that our students found the workshop “very informative and helpful for the future.” What more could we hope for!
Year 4 students participated in an overnight camp in Adelaide, building on their Unit of Inquiry focus: Journeys Tell a Story, through a range of activities in Port Adelaide and Adelaide city.
Their adventure began at The City of Adelaide Clipper Ship – the world’s oldest composite clipper ship – with a guided tour of the 3 levels where they heard the story of the ship and got a feeling for the size of the ships sent over the seas to Australia from England. The second stop was the South Australian Maritime Museum where students worked their way around the various displays. A highlight for many was trying out the sleeping bunks – just like the first settlers to South Australia would have slept in for over 100 nights at sea! The final location was the Adelaide Museum where their focus was on the impact of colonisation on Australia’s Aboriginal people.
Two glorious days packed to the brim with learning, relationship building and memory making.
Scan the QR code for more Year 4 camp photos.
"On Friday 24 March Woodlane and Paiwalla had Stay Up at Unity College. First we got changed. Next we played at the playground. We played with our friends. Next we ate fruit kebabs. Next we did more activities and playground play. We had fun. Next we had dinner. We had pizza and ice blocks and the last thing we did was inside in our class. We went in both classes. We could play with board games with friends. In the other room we watched a movie. Then we went home at 7:00 o’clock. It was fun and I felt happy."
Zella Gale (Year 1)
+ Junior School Shield: Cooperation
+ Middle/Senior Zander Shield: Union
+ R-12 Champions (Overall): Cooperation
"On Friday 17 March it was Sports Day. My favourite was 200 metres because I like the running. Then my next favourite event was the relay. You had to run with a baton. Then my next favourite event was Tug Of War. The parents smashed the kids but then the kids smashed the adults."
Jock Harvey (Year 1)
Scan the QR code to see more of the action from the R-12 Sports Carnival.
The first Middle/Senior Swimming Carnival since 1999 took place this term and despite the cool conditions, students got into the spirit and enjoyed the friendly competition. Congratulations to Cooperation for taking the honours!
Scan the QR code for more Swimming Carnival photos.
Year 11 Outdoor Education students completed a two-day rock climbing experience at Morrialta – testing their practical and theoretical knowledge.
The Agriculture Department at Unity College continues to thrive, offering diverse opportunities for students to experience agricultural best practice. Term 1 saw a range of guest speakers including Trevor Smith – Elders Murray Bridge, John Gladigau – Bulla Burra Farms and Kelly Johnson – Woodlane Orchard. Experiences included:
+ Year 9 excursion to the 2023 Karoonda Farm Fair –participating in the Schools Wool Classing and Fleece competitions. Congratulations to the students as they brought home a variety of ribbons including the Most Successful School award!
+ Year 11 innovation in agriculture excursion – visiting Nangkita Dairies, a fully robotic dairy at Minbee, Mt Jagged and Buff Love Buffalo Dairy at Myponga and the artisan foodie enterprise.
+ Year 12 and Sheep Team excursion to Lucernbrae Merino Stud, Callington.
The Home Economics classes delivered the goods in Term 1. A master class from Nonna Pescheta on how to make authentic Italian home-made pasta was a highlight while the annual cupcake decorating summative task set a new standard in edible decorations and colourful aprons designed and sewn by the Year 9s showed their handy skills.
After a rigorous authorisation process, Unity College Junior School is excited to have achieved official authorisation as an IB World School, receiving 7 commendations for outstanding educational standards and practices during the authorisation visit late last year. Commendations included teacher collaboration, school resources and learning support practices.
In March, Unity College representatives had the opportunity to engage with the first face to face IB Global Conference since we started the IB journey. During these four days, we were welcomed into a global community of innovative educators, discussing and reflecting on tools and approaches for more inclusive education for the future – networking and connecting with teachers and leaders from around the world and we are passionate and excited to bring new ideas back to the school community.
Certificate II Engineering students visited local engineering businesses to learn more about the industry. Many thanks for the ongoing support of Bowhill Engineering, Miegel Engineering and Jacksons Australia. Your time and investment into the students for experiences such as this are invaluable.
The Year 12 Student Leaders attended the yLead camp. The three-day camp saw us meet new people, learn valuable leadership skills and helped us find our courage in a fun inclusive environment. We got the opportunity to hear two guest speakers share their stories about their own personal leadership journeys. They shared valuable tips and inspiring words of motivation that we all took away from this experience. We had time over the camp to create a purpose statement or theme that we wanted to be our mission for this year, so, our statement for 2023 is ‘together we inspire’. Over the year we as leaders will push ourselves to inspire all Unity College students to show their individuality and focus on the impact, we as a united community can create.
Riley Franke and Briannah Griffiths Year 12 Student Leaders
The Receptions were gifted a Bible and handcrafted card from the Year 12 Class of 2023. We pray these bibles are a blessing to each child and their family as they begin their learning journey at Unity College and encourage them to always let their light shine!
Easter is a special time at Unity. Among the joy of Easter egg hunts and Easter themed nature play, there are also opportunities for students and staff to reflect on the true message of Easter. To begin Holy Week (the week leading to Good Friday), Junior School students participated in an enactment of The Stations of the Cross where they shared in telling the story of Jesus' journey to the cross. Then on Maundy Thursday (the day before Good Friday), the Year 12s presented their annual Passion Meditation to the Middle/Senior school community.
It was a busy term for our 2023 Areyonga students – including 4 new Year 7s. Highlights included:
+ Year 8s visiting Canberra – the highlight was Questacon where they enjoyed discovering the wonders of science.
+ Year 9 Outdoor Education Camp and completing the challenging high-ropes course.
+ Cake making in Year 10 Home Economics – we are hoping Latina will teach this skill in community!
+ The three Year 12 students receiving their ‘seniors’ jumpers.
+ Year 12 Formal.
Unity’s Year 9 girls were privileged to attend the special International Women’s Day Murray Bridge event hosted by Soroptimist International. An inspiring morning where our girls were empowered in their journey to becoming our future leaders and female role models.
This year we celebrated Harmony Day and Unity’s wonderfully diverse community with a very noisy combined recess on the Junior School. We couldn’t help but notice that the ‘big boys’ were pretty enthusiastic about some playtime on the Junior School fortress and slippery dips!
Kaiden Gates, Suleman Khan, Xander McMahon, Callum Oster, Nate Slok, Josh Zarantonello
(Year 5) Izak Eleutheriou, Cooper Galbraith, Reef Gregor, William Hollis, Ari Schutz, Jack Watson, Charlie Williams (Year 6)
Lydia Hollis, Bella Marchetti, Molly Mason, Izoebell McCarthy, Jade
Piggott, Xalia Thomson (Year 5)
Layla Carson, Indii Garrett, Matilda Harvey, Stella Knight, Taylor Lienert, Jessica Nuske, Sadie Vowles (Year 6)
Roclin Bates, Evan Clarke, William Crouch, Taj Garrett, Eli Hollis, Tyler White (Year 9) Tom Harvey, Spencer Hincks, Mitchell Hincks, Hayden Law, Samuel Tonkin (Year 10)
Ameira Greenshields, Alice Laube, Erin Poulish (Year 10) Ruby Ballard, Millie Daniels, Elise Franke, Narelle Griffiths, Kelsey Hay, River Lock, Ella McNicol, Armani Penta, Mia Perriman, Amelia Shute (Year 11) Riley Franke (Coach)
Hamish Dow (Year 11) Jayden Vokes, Riley Franke, Brodie Maloney, Lachlan Hincks, Jordan Cook, Max Loller, Cooper Laube, Isaac Kennett, Jakob Bates, Callum Thomas (Year 12)
Hayden Law (Year 10) Noah Heym (Year 11) Isaac Kennett, Alexander Law (Year 12)
C Grade Division 1
Overall Results: Girls - 6th, Boys 7th
Kaiden Gates, Suleman Khan (Year 5) Logan Morrell, Taylor Lienert (Year 6)
When we reflected on our Term 1 learning in Week 11, one of the children shared “Woah, we really have been busy and learned a lot!”
We started the year with an inquiry “Who made the world and where did it come from?” This led into our learning about the Seven Days of Creation. In addition to our Bible stories we had a science through play focus, with the children exploring concepts about light and dark, water, weather and evaporation, sun and moon orbits, seeds and sprouting and life cycles. Later in the term we have shared the Easter story with songs to re-enact Palm Sunday, a kindy Passover feast to learn about the Last Supper, and a special Easter celebration service at Holy Cross Lutheran church with our Lutheran pen pals.
It has been a term of observation, wonder and sharing ideas about the miracle of new life as we watched the transformation of our monarch caterpillars to butterflies, our tadpoles turning into frogs, and our chickens hatching from their eggs. We have enjoyed weekly walks around our local community, discovering shapes, colours, signs, numbers, and patterns around us. We celebrated Harmony Week with a visit from our Unity College Year 4 buddies who joined in songs, games and artwork to remind us that we are all different, but all special and loved by God. Our bus trips to Unity College have been an exciting highlight with one group joining in all the fun of Sports Day, and our other group lucky enough to see a short performance of the awesome Charlie and the Chocolate Factory musical.
Our program of learning through play continues to have a strong focus on developing children’s agency, independence, social skills, literacy and numeracy. We have challenged our thinking and problem-solving skills as we participated in many cooperative projects with loose parts and nature items, including creating our own obstacle courses, cubby houses and creative constructions. We are counting down to get back to kindy for a fun filled Term 2!
Jessica Kerr (Year 10) was named Young Citizen of the Year as part of the 2023 Australia Day Awards. The award is presented to a young emerging leader who is making a real difference in their community and Jessica was recognised for the leadership she has shown in her role as a member of the Youth Action Committee in Karoonda and valuable contributor to the Karoonda Districts Netball Club. [1]
Piper Wegener (Year 12) was awarded a 2023 Mannum Lions Youth Achievement Award as part of Australia Day Celebrations for the Mid Murray Council, recognised for her outstanding personal achievements and community involvement. [2]
Celeste Lacey (Year 12) was recognised as the highest achieving student by CBS (Community Bridging Services) in the 2022 Aim High program. The program supported Celeste to complete work experience, develop work skills and secure a part time job for 2023 while still completing her SACE at Unity. Celeste was also recognised for her exceptional participation in the program, active involvement with the community and for taking control of her career goals. [3]
Helayna White (Year 7) competed in the 2023 Little Athletics State Individual Championships –80m hurdles, 200m hurdles (3rd), 200m and 400m.
Miles Rigney (Year 10) has been selected in the SAASTA Basketball Academy for 2023. Miles will attend the academy one day a week throughout the year – allowing him to focus on his chosen sport of basketball and develop skills and understanding of leadership, culture, being a role model and career aspirations while gaining SACE credits!
Tyson (Year 4) and Lachlan (Year 2) van Holten entered the Bunnings Easter Hat Making Competition. They received 2nd prize and won a $100 voucher that was to be donated to a community group and they chose Unity! Early Term 2 the boys will help to choose what they would like to purchase for the school with the voucher. [4]
Layla Hearne (Year 10) has been selected in the ATC Basketball Academy squad to play at the Nike Tournament of Champions in Chicago in July 2023. Layla currently plays for the Norwood U/18 Div 1 team and is part of the South Australian Country SPP U/18 Development Squad. [5]
The following students have been selected to participate in the Adelaide Thunderbirds Talent Academy in 2023:
+ Bridie Loller (Year 11) – Emerging Academy
+ Abby Harrowfield (Year 10), Porsha Marchetti (Year 9), Jessica Kerr (Year 10), Kyla Jarvis (Year 11) – Developing Academy
Tiana Hartwig (Year 7) can be seen in the upcoming film ‘Limbo’ starring well known Australian actor Simon Baker. Limbo is a 2023 Australian independent mystery-crime film directed by Ivan Sen. It had its world premiere at the 73rd Berlin International Film Festival on 23 February 2023 and will be out in Australian cinemas in May. View the official trailer at https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=z8v9WQ4xiQg [6]
Kaiden Gates (Year 5) competed in two state Little Athletics events [7&8]:
+ Little Athletics State Individual Challenge – Under 11 High Jump winning Bronze.
Do you have any news to share? Please let us know of any new happenings in your life and remember to keep your contact details up to date with the College by emailing ucos@unitycollege. sa.edu.au
student of the year at the 2022 SA Tourism Awards. Skyla is studying a Bachelor of Business (Tourism and Event Management) at the University of South Australia and has considerable exposure to the industry, travelling to Sydney to work at the Sydney Film Festival, volunteering at the Adelaide Fringe, Feast Festival and OzAsia and interning at the South Australian Tourism Commission. [1]
Jacob Bailey (UCOS 2021) and Dankia Oosthuizen (UCOS 2016) received a Chancellor’s Letter of Commendation in recognition of their achievements through their University studies.
Kalder Bormann (UCOS 2022) was named as one of two recipients of a $2000 scholarship from Soroptimist International Murray Bridge. [2]
Emily DeMichele (UCOS 2019) was the first graduate to complete her studies through the Murray
River Study Hub (Murraylands) completing her Bachelor of Professional Communication at CQ University. [3]
Lachlan (UCOS 2016) and Jaxon Fairbairn's (UCOS 2018) careers are going from strength to strength with the Fairbairn Film YouTube channel boasting 1.7 million subscribers and more than 400 million views. The duo was recently named among six YouTube video-makers to win a share in $900,000 of funding from Screen Australia and YouTube’s Skip Ahead initiative. Skip Ahead aims to help online storytellers with an existing audience on YouTube to expand their production values and “skip ahead” their careers. The Fairbairn brothers will use the money to fund a new six-part comedy series, Fairbairn in the City, which they hope to be out in August. Check out the Fairbairn brothers’ work at youtube.com/@ FairbairnFilms [4&5]
Madison Fielke (UCOS 2018) competes in Surf Rowing for the Glenelg Surf Life Saving Club in the U23 Women’s Division. Recent achievements include [6]:
+ Her team was selected for the Australian Surf Life Saving Team at the National Team selection trial at Queenscliff, NSW – the first South Australian team ever selected to represent Australia.
+ Winning an Australian gold medal at the National Short Course Titles held in Queenscliff, NSW.
+ Representing Australia in the Trans-Tasman Cup on the North Island, New Zealand.
+ Placing 3rd in Australia at the Australian Surf Rowing League Open held in Bulli, NSW.
+ Winning long course Gold at the Australian Surf Life Saving titles held in Perth, WA.
Ethan Klemm (UCOS 2017) married Claire Neale (UCOS 2017) at Christ Church Lutheran, Murray Bridge on 4 February 2023. [7]
Locklan (Locky) Gilbert (UCOS 2007) married Irena Srbinovska on 10 March in Melbourne. They are now living in Perth. Locky met Irena on the 2020 season of The Bachelor and has been seen on a variety of reality TV shows including Australian Survivor (2017 & 2020) and SAS Australia (2022). [8]
Stacey Hein (UCOS 2014) married Kelvin Smith (UCOS 2012) on 8 April 2023 at the Hein Residence, Toora. [9]
Timothy Baldwin (UCOS 2017) married Danielle Harris at Stoney Creek Estate, Strathalbyn on 15 April 2023. [12]
Kaitlin Penta (UCOS 2015) married Dale Binney on 15 April 2023. [13]
Tyson and Hannah (nee Pfitzner) Prosser (UCOS 2010) welcomed twins Halle and Henley on 13 December 2022. [10]
Tahlia Johnsson (nee Jaensch) (UCOS 2003) and Sam welcomed Ellie Mae on 9 September 2022. A sister for Zac (4). [11]
