School Performance Report
2024
#YOUbelong
INTRODUCTION Unity College where YOU belong
Unity College is a coeducational Christian school of the Lutheran Church of Australia located in the heart of the Murraylands in the rural city of Murray Bridge, South Australia, the traditional lands of the Ngarrindjeri people. The College is structured in three distinct sub schools of Junior (Reception – Year 5), Middle (Years 6 – 9) and Senior (Years 10 – 12), with the addition of our newly built ELC, providing a seamless pathway for each child’s educational journey. Unity offers modern facilities and innovative approaches to learning, encouraging students to strive for their personal best and high academic achievement, with the Junior School an accredited International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme school, and the Middle School an accredited (IB) Middle Years Programme school.
Through the comprehensive range of subjects students prepare for a variety of tertiary and vocational pathways equipping them to make positive contributions to the community. Year 12 students historically have achieved excellent ATAR scores (Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank) with the majority gaining their first choice preference for further education. Unity College offers a wide variety of specialist programs. The Trade Skills Centre provides Metal and Engineering training to students
and community members in a modern, purpose built workshop. The Specialist Sports Program assists talented student athletes achieve at the highest levels of performance in their chosen sport. The thriving Agriculture Department allows students to study a variety of topics R-12 and in Years 10 & 11 they have the opportunity to complete a Certificate III in Rural Operations. Many other external VET courses are supported allowing students to transition into school based apprenticeships and traineeships. Unity College provides a broad range of extra-curricular activities which include drama, music, art, interschool sports, leadership courses, pedal prix, outdoor education, cultural tours with opportunities to travel interstate and internationally. School camps are focussed on curriculum requirements and are held regularly, extending students beyond the classroom and offering them personal challenges and experiences.
The main entry points for enrolment at Unity College are Reception, Year 6, Year 7 and Year 8. However, enrolment can be offered at any year level depending on availability.
MISSION & PHILOSOPHY Unity College where YOU belong
MISSION STATEMENT
Unity College: In the heart of the Murraylands, striving for excellence in education and spiritual growth in a safe, caring, forgiving Christian environment.
PHILOSOPHY
Students come first in an exceptionally caring Christian environment where opportunities and cultural diversity result in inspired life-long learning and development as active global citizens.
HOW
+ We Learn: Unity helps each student reach their full potential and encourages them to be the best they can be.
+ We Care: Unity cares for students and provides a safe and nurturing environment because ‘happy children learn best’.
+ We Engage: Unity provides modern, spacious and functional facilities that engage students who enjoy and have a desire to learn.
+ We Involve: Unity involves parents and the wider community in student learning because ‘it takes a village to raise a child’.
+ We Inspire: Unity inspires students through innovative educators who encourage individuality and diversity because each students learns in a different way.
FROM THE PRINCIPAL
“EVERY
CHILD’S EDUCATIONAL JOURNEY BEGINS WITH A SENSE OF WONDER AND BELONGING”
At Unity College, we believe that every child’s educational journey begins with a sense of wonder and belonging. From the first joyful steps in our newly opened Early Learning Centre in 2024 to the final milestones of Year 12, we walk alongside our students as they grow into confident, capable, and compassionate young people.
The launch of our Early Learning Centre has been a significant and celebrated step in our College’s story. This purpose-designed space reflects our conviction that learning begins long before a child enters formal schooling. It has quickly become a vibrant environment of creativity and exploration, where our youngest learners are supported socially, emotionally, spiritually, and academically from day one.
This year, we also celebrated ongoing enrolment growth across our College — an affirmation of the trust families place in Unity as a community of choice. This growth speaks volumes about the quality of our programs, the deep care of our staff, and the strong reputation we continue to build across the region.
Our educational philosophy centres on flourishing through purpose and possibility. We recognise that each child is uniquely created by God, filled with potential and promise. Our commitment is to walk with every student on a journey of discovery—offering a balanced, future-focused curriculum grounded in our Lutheran values. Whether in the classroom, on the sports field, on stage, or in service, we intentionally shape experiences that foster confidence, character, and community.
In 2024, we were also proud to complete significant upgrades to our learning environment, with the completion of our new Senior School Resource Centre This facility provides students with a flexible, welcoming space to read, study, collaborate, and engage in a range of lunchtime activities. Of special note are our new soundproof podcasting studio and green-screen filming facility—both integrated into our curriculum and offering exciting, hands-on opportunities for creativity, media production, and storytelling.
At the heart of everything we do is relationship. We value the partnerships between students, staff, families, and our wider community. These relationships are the foundation of a positive and connected school culture— where students feel safe, supported, and inspired to thrive.
As you read this Annual Report, we hope you see more than facts and figures. You’ll find the story of a flourishing Christian learning community, deeply committed to excellence in education and the holistic development of every child. We give thanks for what God has done in and through us in 2024, and we look forward with faith and hope to the opportunities ahead.
At Unity College, we are all about shaping lives, building communities, and living out our faith in a way that touches everyone around us.
“Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Matthew 5:16
Francois Pienaar
Unity College Murraylands Principal
ABOUT THE COLLEGE At Unity YOU come first
Our Priority Actions for the College from our Strategic Plan are:
LEARNING AND GROWTH
+ Build a strong wellbeing program
+ Increase capacity in contemporary teaching and learning
+ Improve student learning outcomes-Literacy and Numeracy
+ Develop educational points of difference.
COMMUNITY AND CULTURE
+ Communicate Worldview and context of our College effectively
+ Establish a ‘Unity Way’ philosophy that clearly articulates the values and guidelines of our commuity
+ Engage with and include diverse cultures
+ Develop strong relationships with parents
+ Build strong relationships between staff and students
+ Promote strong, positive community engagement in the Murraylands.
MARKET PRESENCE AND BRANDING
+ Protect the Unity brand and image
+ Develop a strong digital presence
+ Develop a strong physical presence
+ Develop a strong community presence
+ Promote Unity extra-curricular programs, events and functions
+ Ensure Unity is customer friendly at every level.
RESOURCES AND FACILITIES
+ Establishing a long day care ELC on campus
+ Create a new site master plan
+ Establish an ongoing program of minor works and refurbishment
+ Improve facilities and resources to support wellbeing
+ Update Junior and Senior campus indoor and outdoor learning spaces that support flexible approaches to learning
+ Improve teaching resources, with an emphasis on contemporary technologies
+ Enact Unity College ‘points of difference’ modifications.
GOVERNANCE REPORT
As the governing body of Unity College, the College Board is responsible for the stewardship of the College and is accountable for its on-going success.
Strategic Vision: A key function of the Board is to set the strategic direction of the College by formulating policy and developing a strategic plan that guides the College’s education philosophy, aspirations for student achievement, operational focus and fiscal decisionmaking.
Appointment, Appraisal and Support of the Principal:
The Board employs the Principal who assumes responsibility for the overall management of the College (including curriculum, discipline, learning, teaching and staffing). While the governing body establishes the policies under which the Principal will manage the College it has no authority concerning the internal operations of the school.
Organisational Control and Accountability: The Board is accountable for effective and proper management of financial resources as well as compliance with legal obligations that apply to the school and its operation.
Board is also responsible for monitoring the management of corporate risks and organisational performance.
IMPLEMENTATION OF A NEW STRATEGIC PLAN IN 2023-2025
In 2023, the College Board implemented its new strategic plan to begin to realise the goals over the coming three years.
Our vision is encapsulated in the following words:
We Learn: Our strong learning culture inspires us to achieve, while encouraging and supporting others. Student learning and growth is fostered through contemporary thinking and the best teaching practices.
We Care: Shaped by the Christian values we embrace, we are a diverse community working together and with a strong sense of belonging.
We Inspire: We reach out to have a positive impact within the College and wider community.
We Involve and Engage: Our indoor and outdoor spaces inspire learning and physical, social and spiritual development.
MEMBERSHIP
The Unity College Board comprises of five members from the local Lutheran congregations and two non-Lutheran members. Ex Officio members of the Board include the Principal, Business Manager, Senior Chaplain and Principal’s PA (minute secretary). The Board is also represented by a Pastor within the Lutheran congregations. Other Executive Staff attend as required. The Board held eight meetings throughout 2024.
Board Members are as follows:
James Bormann Chair, Matthew Kruschel Vice Chair, Tracey Woidt, Karl Doecke, Nathan Wegener Church Members, Julie Bates, Nadina Thomas Community Members, Pastor Peter Heintze Congregation Pastor Francois Pienaar Principal – Ex Officio, Michael Obst Business Manager – Ex Officio Adam Yeager Senior Chaplain – Ex Officio
ENROLMENTS
Enrolments & Attendance
ENROLMENTS
The College enrolment at the August Census was 778.8 FTE. 10% of these were ELS students, with 8% identifying as Indigenous.
ATTENDANCE REPORT
Since 2015 the Commonwealth Government has required schools to provide snapshots of attendance recorded at regular periods. These were taken at regular intervals throughout Semester 1 (roughly the first 2 terms) and again in Term 3. Results were reported online to DEEWR (Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations) and are available through the My School website.
We are also required to advise and report on Indigenous attendance separate to our overall attendance figure and that data is included in the tables. Please note that these reports are only required to be based on students in Years 1-10.
Indigenous attendance data is not a particularly accurate analysis of attendance as the students in our CASLAU program attend for fewer weeks each term. This is in recognition of their distance from home and we ensure they have extended breaks when they return to their community in Areyonga. While living in Murray Bridge, the NT students have virtually 100% attendance with very few days missed.
Student attendances at Unity are recorded electronically during Home Group and for each lesson, providing a clearer picture of student attendance, taking into account part days where students may attend medical appointments etc. Text messages are sent to parent/caregivers for unexplained absences. These are then followed up with phone calls by the home group teacher if no response is received.
NAPLAN 2024 School Summary Report
The Australian Government My School Website uses a number of varying criteria particularly with NAPLAN. These take into consideration a number of factors and includes socio-economic background, school size, ethnic diversity, rural vs urban location etc. While virtually impossible to compare one school to another it does provide some indicators that may be of use when assessing our curriculum effectiveness.
Below is a table that provides a snapshot across the areas that are tested in the NAPLAN – Reading, Writing, Spelling, Grammar and Numeracy. It is always the aim of teaching staff to improve the outcomes for our students, and tools such as this NAPLAN data is just one that can be utilized to analyse and improve our pedagogy.
INTERVENTION PROGRAMS
Unity has many intervention programs to help improve student learning including:
+ Little Bartoes
+ Min-Lit
+ Toe by Toe
+ What’s the Buzz
+ Reading our Way
+ Homework Club
EXTERNAL ALLIED HEALTH PROVIDERS
+ Seven Steps
+ PLD
+ Modified SACE
+ Decodables and Epic
+ Multimodal Assessment
In addition, we have external allied health providers come onsite to provide different interventions either privately funded or NDIS funded:
+ Speech and Language intervention
+ Counselling services
+ OT services
Taj Rowe Ellie Harrison
END OF YEAR AWARDS
A variety of awards are presented to students at Unity College to acknowledge and encourage their learning. We are proud of all students and their achievements and we acknowledge those who have served their school and have achieved in their academic and community pursuits. The following were major Senior School award winners for 2024:
2024 SENIOR AWARDS
+ UCOS Christian Leadership Award: Dana Eggers
+ Unity Way Service Award: Narelle Griffiths
+ Tracey Venning Memorial Award: Madison Johncock
+ ADF Long Tan Youth Leadership Award: Bridie Loller (Year 12) Tyler White (Year 10)
+ ADF Long Tan Future Innovators Award: Taj Rowe (Year 12)
Peter Burnett (Year 10)
+ Order of Australia Student Citizenship Award: Narelle Griffiths, Ellie Harrison
+ Olympic Change-Maker Award: Ruby Ballard
+ Ampol Best All Rounder: Millie Daniels
+ Lutheran Women’s Award: Bethany Calnan (Year 11)
+ Neville Grieger Award: Ellie Harrison
+ Environmental Award: Bailee Roberts
+ The Journey Award: Maliq McDonald
+ Muriel Matters Award: Olivia Griffiths (Year 10)
SACE COURSES OFFERED
IN 2024 NUMBER OF STUDENTS
RESULTED AT THE END OF THE YEAR
+ Agricultural Production - 4
+ Biology - 17
+ Business Innovation - 12
+ Business Innovation Modified - 1
+ Chemistry - 4
+ Child Studies - 11
+ Cross Disciplinary Studies - 1
+ Cross Disciplinary Studies Modified - 1
+ Drama - 2
+ English Literary Studies - 11
+ English - 24
+ English Modified - 1
+ Essential English - 6
+ Food and Hospitality - 5
+ Health and Wellbeing Modified - 1
+ Integrated Learning - 3
+ Language & Culture Modified - 1
+ Music Solo & Ensemble Performance - 1
+ Music Explorations - 1
+ Essential Mathematics - 14
+ General Mathematics - 13
+ Mathematical Methods - 9
+ Mathematics Modified - 2
+ Specialist Mathematics - 4
+ Modern History - 4
+ Material Solutions - 13
+ Nutrition - 12
+ Outdoor Education - 14
+ Physical Education - 9
+ Psychology - 13
+ Physics - 5
+ Robotic & Electronic Systems - 9
+ Research Project A - 64
+ Research Project B - 10
+ Research Project Modified - 3
+ STEM Connections - 3
+ Visual Arts: Art - 3
+ Visual Arts: Design - 6
SOUTH AUSTRALIAN BASED TERTIARY COURSES ACCEPTED BY UNITY 2024 GRADUATES
Unity graduates were again very successful in obtaining offers in South Australian based universities in 2024. Of the 63 students who graduated, 42 students applied to University through SATAC with 41 students receiving and accepting offers (as of end of Term 1, 2025). Interestingly, many Unity students continue to select degrees that are people focussed (eg. Nursing and Teaching).
FLINDERS UNI
+ Bachelor of Laws: Legal - 1
+ Bachelor of Laws: Double - 1
+ Bachelor of Primary Education - 2
+ Bachelor of Business: HR Management - 1
+ Bachelor of Business: Sports Management - 1
+ Bachelor of Paramedicine - 1
+ Bachelor of Nursing - 6
+ Bachelor of Science: Biotechnology - 1
+ Bachelor of Science: Forensics and Analytical - 1
+ Bachelor of Psychological Science - 2
+ Bachelor of Speech Pathology - 2
+ Bachelor of Human Nutrition - 1
+ Bachelor of Health Science / Physiotherapy - 1
+ Bachelor of Film and Television - 1
+ Bachelor of Arts - 1
UNI SA
+ Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science / Bachelor of Nutrition - 1
+ Bachelor of Primary Education - 3
+ Bachelor of Business: - 1
+ Bachelor of Psychology - 2
+ Bachelor of Communication and Media - 1
+ Bachelor of Nursing - 2
+ Bachelor of Creative Industries - 1
+ Bachelor of Midwifery - 1
+ Bachelor of Human Movement - 1
ADELAIDE UNIVERSITY
+ Bachelor of Veterinary Tech - 1
+ Bachelor of Engineering: Electrical - 1
+ Bachelor of Engineering: Mechanical and Mathematics - 1
+ Bachelor of Occupational Therapy - 1
VET IN SACE
Unity College will inspire YOU
VOCATIONAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING 2024
Once again Vocational Education and Training (VET) was an integral part of the education of many of our Senior School Students. In 2024 we chose not to commence a new class of Certificate III Fitness onsite due to staffing and program complexities, there were still a total of 36 students who completed a VET qualification. There were a further 29 students who actively studied, but did not complete, VET qualifications in 2024 – some as School Based Apprenticeships or Traineeships, and some to be completed in 2025.
TABLE 1: COMPLETED QUALIFICATIONS BY QUALIFICATION NAME
TABLE 2: TABLE OF COMPLETED CERTIFICATES BY LEVEL AS RECORDED BY SACE IN 2024 (DIFFERENCE IN NUMBERS FROM TABLE
TABLE 3: QUALIFICATIONS COMMENCED BUT NOT COMPLETED IN 2024
YOU get more at Unity College EXTRA CURRICULAR
Unity College is delighted to offer a range of Extra and Co-curricular activities and programs to enrich the lives of our students. In explanation, ‘Extra Curricular’ activities are usually optional ‘add-ons’ to education, whereas ‘Co-Curricular’ are events and activities directly linked to the study of subjects and courses. Co-Curricular activities include school camps and excursions.
EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Some of the 2024 Extra Curricular Activities to which students are invited to be involved include:
+ Year 11/12 Student Leadership
+ Year 9 Student Ambassadors
+ SRC – Junior, Middle and Senior Schools
+ Various competitions (eg Maths, Writing)
+ Instrumental lessons
+ Concert and Drama productions
+ SAPSASSA sports
+ Knock Out sports
+ Music Ensembles
+ Peer Support
+ Hospitality Catering
+ Easter Devotions
+ Sporting activities
+ AG Show Teams
+ Pedal Prix
+ Devotions/Assemblies
+ Buddy classes on Junior School
+ First Aid Training
+ ANZAC services
+ Elephant Ed
+ Service Trips to Indonesia and Areyonga
+ Japanese Exchange
+ Senior School Ski Trip
ADDITIONAL PROGRAMS
As part of our commitment to providing an education to all our students, there are a wide range of additional programs to support student learning across the College. These include:
+ Languages – Japanese and German
+ Road Awareness Program (RAP)
+ In Class Learning Support / Senior School Tutoring
+ Drug Education
+ Homework Club
+ Elevate Education sessions
+ Individualised Learning Programs
STAFFING REPORT
We offer Professional Development opportunities for staff with a good portion of the Professional Development program occurring during what is known as ‘Retreat Week’. While this provides an additional week of holidays for students in the middle of the year, it is a week with a high focus on professional and spiritual development for all staff.
Our staff continue to be highly trained professionals, with our teaching staff possessing strong qualifications that meet the stringent professional standards as required by the Teachers Registration Board (TRB) of South Australia. Below is a snapshot of our teaching staff qualifications as at August Census:
STAFF STATISTICS
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT TRAINING
In 2024 staff undertook Professional Development Training that included:
+ VET & Workplace Learning PD
+ Mental Health First Aid
+ Health & Physical Education CAT 2 Training
+ Pathways & Careers Training
+ Inclusive Education Training
+ Mastering the Art of Connecting Play & Curriculum
+ English Stage 1 & 2 Refresher Course
+ AIF Educator Implementation Workshop
+ IB Face to Face Training
+ Godly Play
+ Return to Work Training
+ A Meaningful Life
+ Cultural Recognition and Learning
SAFETY AND CHILD SAFE FOCUS
+ Seasons for Life
+ Berry Street Training
+ Bower Place Training
+ Mental Health Conference
+ History of Cultural Awareness
+ Forklift Course
+ Paddle SA
+ Food Safety Training
+ National Visual Arts Conference
+ Theological Ministry Workshop
+ SACE Workshops
+ ACHPER Conference
+ NAPLAN Preperation & Protocols Training
Staff both teaching and non-teaching, are provided with the opportunity to gain their Provide First Aid certificates. These are refreshed every three years. Along with first aid all staff undertake courses in Mandatory Reporting and Child Safe Practices.
WELLBEING OF STAFF
Staff wellbeing is a high priority at Unity College. During the year wellbeing activities are undertaken at the start of the year and in our Staff Professional Development Week in the middle of the year.
SPECIALIST STAFF
Unity College employs a number of specialist staff to complement the roles of our teaching staff. These include:
+ Senior Chaplain
+ Indigenous Coordinator
+ Student Pathways Coordinator
+ Student Counsellor
+ Information Technology Support Staff
+ Learning Support Staff
+ Librarian
+ Laboratory Technical Assistant
+ Specialist PE, Art, Drama, Music and LOTE teachers
+ Specialist Music Tutors
+ Wellbeing Coordinator.
PARENT SATISFACTION
Learn, Care, Engage, Involve, Inspire
We Learn, We Care, We Engage, We Involve, We Inspire
– Unity helps each student reach their full potential and encourages them to be the best they can be.
Unity College continues to work in partnership with families to prepare the young people in our care for the future. Each year a number of opportunities are provided for feedback including parent surveys which assist in forming plans and reviewing progress each year. Of the parents who completed the Year 12 Parent Exit Survey, most were either ‘completely satisfied’ or ‘mostly satisfied’ with the overall education experience their child had received at Unity College.
Comments and feedback included in the Year 12 Parent Exit survey included:
+ Each student is treated like an individual, both socially and academically. Unity is very supportive of their student’s individual needs and pathways
+ Excellent, very supportive of students, caring, nurturing amazing teachers and support staff very happy with the school
+ Great facilities
+ 100% recommend
+ I would say that this school values your child’s education and most teachers will support you in any way they can
+ The school is aesthetically pleasing and the grounds are very well kept
+ Unity has high academic and behavioural expectations, with a strong focus on a rather strict uniform policy
+ The education is amazing and kids are constantly pushed to get the best out of them. They are also given amazing opportunities for experiences like Aeronga, skiing etc.
+ Very caring, safe environment, good subject choices and great help in guiding students to be the best they can. Very happy
+ Great school for getting young people to participate in a variety of subjects and to be respectful and be responsible to start their journey in life
+ Unity is a great school, I love the communication and updates about my child’s work
+ A great community where the students thrive and feel motivated to learn
+ Would like to express our thanks to Unity College in assisting our child to attend the school. The time at Unity College for our child has ensured he could complete school and develop in confidence to learn and study. We will always be thankful he could attend the school and finish with a great appreciation of his education so far
+ Individualised care
+ Care for the individual, most staff (teaching & nonteaching) go above and beyond to support child & family in education journey
+ A big country school with a lot to offer.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY
The ongoing investment in the development of our curriculum and teaching and learning programs over the past few years has supported a strong growth in enrolments throughout 2024. The emphasis on developing our curriculum and extra-curricular programs has been supported by a focus on wellbeing and professional development for staff across all areas of the College.
The growth in enrolments in 2024 has in turn provided solid growth in re-current grant revenue and tuition fees providing important funding to enable the College to continue its capital development program. In 2024 the College has completed building a new Early Learning Centre (ELC) and refurbished the Middle/Senior School Resource Centre. Several classrooms and learning spaces across both College campuses have also been upgraded and additional plantings of green life were added to the College grounds to enhance outside learning spaces and provide naturally stimulating play areas that are enjoyed by students from the ELC, Junior, Middle and Senior schools.
Unity College remains focused on continuing to build and maintain strong community and industry relationships throughout the Murraylands. The College works with many regional businesses, professional, community and sporting organisations to provide not only educational and knowledge sharing opportunities for students but also facilities and resources that can be utilized by individuals, and groups throughout the region.
We acknowledge the important partnership and support received from LESNW (Lutheran Education SA, NT & WA) and we look forward to their continued support as we continue to grow and develop Unity College into the future.
RECURRENT & CAPITAL INCOME SUMMARY FOR 2024.
Below is the 2024 summary of Recurrent & Capital Income.
