UP date
Unity has provided us a platform to grow, make mistakes, explore opportunities and most of all, have fun. Just as Winnie the Pooh said "We didn't know we were making memories; we just knew we were having fun."
2024 Student Leaders Valedictory Address
YOU belong
Principal's Word
Francois Pienaar Principal
"The warmth, support and sense of belonging that the College community has extended to me has been truly heartening".
What a year it has been! As we close the chapter on the 2024 school year, I find myself filled with deep gratitude and joy. My first year as Principal at Unity College has flown by, and I have cherished every moment. The warmth, support, and sense of belonging that the College community has extended to me has been truly heartening. I am incredibly thankful to my Executive Team and our College Board – especially James Borman (Chairperson) – for their unwavering support throughout this year. I feel well-settled and eager for all that 2025 will bring.
This year has been rich with memorable events and co-curricular activities, all of which would not have been possible without the incredible dedication of our parents, caregivers, and volunteers. Your energy, commitment, and generosity in giving your time have made a profound difference. These events have been a success because of you, and your involvement has added so much to the life of the College.
To our staff, I cannot thank you enough. You are the heart and soul of Unity College. Each day, I witness your tireless efforts and your genuine care for our students, their families, and one another. You continually go above and beyond, ensuring that the learning journey for every student is meaningful, enjoyable, and successful. Your passion is inspiring, and it is because of you that our school thrives.
I would also like to congratulate our students for their outstanding achievements this year. Whether in academics, co-curricular activities, or personal growth, you have demonstrated great effort and perseverance. I was particularly proud to celebrate the accomplishments of so many students at our Primary and Secondary Awards events. To those who received awards, well done! And to all our students, I encourage you to keep striving, day by day, to be the best version of yourselves. Consistent effort is the key to unlocking your potential.
OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE MIDDLE/SENIOR RESOURCE CENTRE
We recently celebrated the official opening of our newly refurbished Middle/Senior Resource Centre on Tuesday 26 November 2024. It was a wonderful occasion with special guests including Anne Dunstan (CEO AISSA), Wayne Thorley (Mayor of Murray Bridge), Craig Fielke (Executive Director LESNW), our student leadership, and executive staff.
This space has been designed with versatility in mind – it serves as a multi-purpose area for teaching, reading, studying, podcasting, and even green-screen projects, linking directly to our Middle/Senior curriculum. Open throughout the day, including recess and lunch, it offers students a place to study, relax, or spend time with friends. Learning Support staff are also using this space to assist students, while teachers can book it for lessons. In addition, our IT staff have set up a help desk inside to provide assistance with devices. This dynamic space is sure to become a favourite hub for our students!
EXCITING PROJECTS FOR 2025
Looking ahead, I am excited to share some of the exciting projects that will be completed over the holidays to ensure Unity College continues to offer the best learning environment for our students. Our commitment to continually improving our facilities reflects our dedication to your future success.
Over the festive break, we will complete:
+ The refurbishment of the Steeple
+ The establishment of an Agricultural facility on our Junior School campus
+ Various maintenance works to keep our school in top shape.
GROOMING AND UNIFORM
A quick reminder to all families: Uniform really matters. It’s not just about appearance—it’s a reflection of respect, pride, and discipline. When students present themselves well, it often translates into how they approach their studies and their interactions with others. Please ensure that all students return in their summer uniform in 2025, adhering to our guidelines around makeup, nails, piercings, and haircuts. We will be vigilant about enforcing these policies, and parents will be contacted if any issues arise.
HOLIDAY BREAK
As we approach the Christmas season, I am reminded of the many blessings we have experienced this year. God’s grace has been evident in our community, and it is through His guidance that we continue to grow and thrive. I am also grateful for the many families who have chosen to join us in 2025, inspired by the positive experiences shared by our current community. We can’t wait to welcome you all in the new year.
Let us enter this festive season with hearts full of joy and gratitude, remembering the greatest gift of all—Christ’s love and sacrifice for us. I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. May your
holiday be filled with peace, love and happiness, and may you return rested and ready for the exciting journey that lies ahead.
A CHRISTMAS BLESSING
God grant you the light in Christmas, which is faith; the warmth of Christmas, which is love; the radiance of Christmas, which is purity; the righteousness of Christmas, which is justice; the belief in Christmas, which is truth; the all of Christmas, which is Christ. Wilda English
I look forward to seeing you all on Tuesday, 28 January 2025! Safe travels if you are on the road and may God’s blessings be with you and your family this holiday season.
As the year comes to a close, we would like to take this opportunity to thank the amazing and dedicated Unity College staff team.
Farewell to:
Staffing Update
+ Tessa Grant: 3 years of service (travel)
+ Morgan Klemm: 6 months of service (end of contract)
+ Barry Grinter: 2 years of service (retirement)
+ Andrew Dewhirst: 1 year of service-end of contract (Immanuel College)
+ Meaghan Spiteri: 1 year of service (relocating)
+ Jessie Rathjen: 1 year of service (end of contract)
+ Monique Thompson: 3 years of service (Meningie Area School)
+ Rachel Harrip: 2 years of service (St Marks Primary School, Mount Barker)
+ Jacinta Teigeler: 2 years of service (Willunga Primary School)
+ Kirsty Raymond: 3 years of service (Brighton High School)
+ Athalie McArdle: 15 years of service (end of contract)
+ Carrie Gallasch: 11 years of service (Concordia Kindergarten)
+ Melissa Paunola: 1 year of service (end of contract)
+ Scarlett Johnston: 1 year of service (MB Library)
+ Dusty Jones: 1 year of service (end of contract)
+ Cindy Hoskison: 3 years of service (change of career)
+ Scott Spargo: 4 years of service
The following staff will be taking leave in 2025:
+ Darien Penno
+ Sharyn Phaup
+ Jessica Fegan
+ Amy Martin
The following staff will be returning from leave in 2025:
+ Densie Frahn
+ Heidi van Paridon
And we welcome the following staff to the Unity Team in 2025:
+ Travis Wiese: Head of Senior School
+ Caitlin Armson-Graham: Agriculture Teacher
+ Sebastian Burgess: Learning Support
+ Demcey Mentink: PE/Outdoor Education Teacher
+ Jordan Pfeiffer: PE/Outdoor Education Teacher
+ Jake Prosser: JS Teacher
+ Emily Rowe: English/HASS Teacher
+ Chloe Schild: JS Teacher
+ Jamee-Lee Scott: Learning Support
+ Katelyn Scroby: JS Teacher
+ Imogen Szegedi: Learning Support
+ Rebecca Adams: JS Teacher
+ Talia Wright: JS Teacher
+ Amalia Rovina: JS Counsellor
+ Paul Castle: Bus Driver
+ Michelle Martin: Library Assistant
Please note, some positions are still to be confirmed and will be announced when known in 2025.
2024 End of Year Awards
SENIOR SCHOOL AWARDS
+ UCOS Christian Leadership Award: Dana Eggers (Year 12)
+ Unity Way Service Award: Narelle Griffiths (Year 12)
+ The Journey Award: Maliq McDonald (Year 12)
+ Neville Grieger Award: Ellie Harrison (Year 12)
+ Order of Australia Student Citizenship Award:
Narelle Griffiths (Year 12)
Ellie Harrison (Year 12)
+ ADF Long Tan Youth Leadership and Teamwork Award: Tyler White (Year 10) Bridie Loller (Year 12)
+ ADF Future Innovators Award: Peter Burnett (Year 10) Taj Rowe (Year 12)
+ Olympic Change-Maker Award: Ruby Ballard (Year 12)
+ Tracey Venning Memorial Award: Madison Johncock (Year 12)
+ Ampol Best All-Rounder Award: Millie Daniels (Year 12)
+ Environmental Award: Bailee Roberts (Year 12)
+ Lutheran Women of SA & NT Award: Bethany Calnan (Year 11)
+ Muriel Matters Award: Olivia Griffiths (Year 10)
YEAR 12 SUBJECT AWARDS
+ Ruby Ballard: Design, Technology & Engineering - Material Solutions, Vocational Education & TrainingAcademic Excellence
+ Alecia Bormann: Agriculture
+ Oscar Coull: Chemistry
+ Hannah Daniel: Business Innovation, Modern History, Research Project B, Visual ArtsDesign
+ Georgia DeMichele: English Literary Studies, Food and Hospitality
+ Lily Egan: Integrated Learning
+ Dana Eggers: General Mathematics
+ Narelle Griffiths: Design, Technology & EngineeringRobotic & Electronic Systems
Psychology
Inspire
+ Jack Harvey: Vocational Education & Training - Industry Excellence
+ Madison Johncock: Biology, Visual Arts - Art
+ Bridie Loller: Research Project A
+ Ella O’Brien: Drama, Music
+ Charlie Reljich: Physics
+ Taj Rowe: Mathematical Methods, Physical Education, Specialist Mathematics
+ Amelia Shute: Essential English
+ Natahlia Wood: Essential Mathematics
+ Emersyn Zerk: Child Studies
YEAR 10/11
AWARDS
+ Encouragement Award: Caitlin Koop (Year 10)
Ava Williss (Year 11)
+ Community Service Award: Jessica Woods (Year 10)
Millicent Manning (Year 11)
+ Student Leadership Award: Tyler White (Year 10)
Abby Harrowfield (Year 11)
+ Academic Merit Award: Tyler White (Year 10)
Keeley Smith (Year 11)
MIDDLE SCHOOL
+ UCOS Christian Leadership Award: Lenni Hincks (Year 9)
+ The Journey Award: Reilly Gates, Patrick Driffen (Year 9)
YEAR 6-9 AWARDS
+ Encouragement Awards: Jason Schilling (Year 6)
James Pickering (Year 7)
Lilliana Gates (Year 8)
Jennifer Can (Year 9)
+ Community Service Award: Lydia Hollis (Year 6) Nate Oster (Year 8) Zanna Turner (Year 9)
+ The Lions Fred Faehrmann Service Award: Taylor Schilling (Year 7)
+ Student Leadership Award: Emily Sanders (Year 6)
William Hollis (Year 7)
Arabella Milne (Year 8)
+ Academic Merit Award: Emily Sanders (Year 6)
Siluni Gamlath Vidanalage (Year 7)
Abby Sanders (Year 8)
Ryley Neumann (Year 9)
JUNIOR SCHOOL
+ UCOS Christian Leadership Award: Kaley Burgemeister (Year 5)
+ Community Service & Spirit Award: Max Blatchford (Year 5)
+ Student Leadership Award: Audrey O’Brien (Year 5)
+ Academic Achievement Award: Keller Eckermann (Year 5)
+ Ellie Harrison: English, Nutrition,
Metamorphosis
“The Unity community has been home to some for as long as 13 years, and others as short as 2. Regardless of the time spent in these uniforms, the lifelong connection, and memories we have created here are invaluable. The school has provided us a platform to grow, make mistakes, explore opportunities and most of all, have fun just as Winnie the Pooh said “We didn’t know we were making memories; we just knew we were having fun”. 2024 Unity College Year 12 Student Leaders
To begin Term 4 we celebrated the Year 12 Class of 2024. From their final presentation to the College community to their Valedictory Service - we joined together to reflect on 13 years of life, laughter, learning, growth, memories, and friendship. We wish our newest graduates God’s blessing as they navigate life outside Unity College as they enter the workforce, travel or complete further study. We thank you for what you have brought to the College over the years and to your family and friends – thank you for supporting your children and choosing Unity College for your child’s education. As Mr Pienaar said in his Valedictory address “Over the years, you have evolved - just as a caterpillar transforms into a butterfly - into confident, capable young adults, ready to spread your wings and soar.”
Scan the QR code for more photos from the Class of 2024 Graduation events.
Climbing Adventures
Senior School
The Year 10 Outdoor Education Rock Climbing Camp in the Adelaide Hills saw students embrace new challenges and step out of their comfort zones. Resilience and teamwork were on display as students climbed and belayed, building a sense of achievement and camaraderie amongst each other.
P.A.R.T.Y
Year 10 students participated in the P.A.R.T.Y Program (Prevention of Alcohol and Road Trauma in Youth), offered by the Royal Adelaide Hospital and designed to give students an insight into the horror and reality of road trauma. Students chose to visit the RAH or opt for an alternate program at Unity College including a mock emergency response workshop presented by doctors from Bridge Clinic, a session with Unity College Old Scholar Abbey Barrett (UCOS 2017) who works as a remote registered nurse, and a visit to the Murray Bridge Ambulance Station. A heartfelt thank you to everyone involved for sharing your insight with our students.
Middle School
Embracing Growth through Passionate Service
Stepping out of their comfort zones and embracing their unique talents, the Year 9 students made a significant impact in their community through the Passion Project (MYP Community Project). This service-learning initiative allowed them to explore topics they are passionate about, take meaningful action, and reflect on the understanding and skills they gained along the way.
For many, serving took on various inspiring forms, such as:
+ Writing to the Prime Minister (and receiving a response!) about nursing shortages
+ Volunteering at a holiday program for migrant children to promote cultural acceptance
+ Fundraising for critical research into a range of illnesses
+ Contacting the SA Premier about the impact of social media on young people and getting an invite to the Social Media Summit, run by the SA and NSW governments
+ Raising awareness about male self-image and body dysmorphia
+ Cooking kangaroo tail and sharing their culture with classmates
+ Living on $2 a day to highlight issues related to food security
+ Organising a community walk to raise awareness for animals in shelters
+ Writing a cookbook to provide affordable, nutritious meals during the cost-of-living crisis.
As they transition into Senior School, the Year 9 students carry with them newly developed skills in thinking, communication, and time management. We hope they also recognise their role in God’s story, as they continue to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly in His world (Micah 6:8).
Shine Bright
Year 5 students graduated from the Junior School with a special devotion in front of family. friends and their Junior School peers. We wish them God's blessings as they begin their Middle School journey.
Year 5 Band Awards
Congratulations to the following students who were awarded section awards for the 2024 Year 5 Band:
+ Clarinet: Spencer Loveday
+ Trombone: Hamish Frahn
+ Trumpet: Ted Berling
+ Flute: Kaley Burgemeister
Baby Animals
Supporting their learning in Science and investigation of the needs of living things, Reception students visited the Hahndorf Farm Barn. Milking cows, petting chickens and feeding the sheep. One of the iconic Junior School excursions.
Junior School
Learn
Speaking from the Heart
Year 8 students Arabella Milne and Archie Elliott represented Unity College with well-planned and delivered public speeches at the annual Catherine Obst Year 8 Lutheran Public Speaking Competition
Arabella and Archie competed against student teams from Tatachilla, St Martin’s, Immanuel, Endeavour, Encounter, Cornerstone and Concordia Colleges, and gave very competitive presentations on climate change and progress.
Judges congratulated their powerful ideas and use of language, with the perpetual trophy going to the passionate speakers from Encounter College.
PYPx
Year 5 students showcased Unity's first ever PYPx (the PYP Exhibition) to family and friends at the Junior School Our Learning Journey event.
Topics included:
+ Animal Therapy
+ Autism
+ Physical Activity
+ Sustainable Farming
+ The Impact of Tech on Teens Mental Health.
Through the PYPx, students demonstrate their understanding of an issue or opportunity they have chosen to explore. They undertake their investigation both individually and with their peers, together with the guidance of a mentor. Throughout the exhibition, students demonstrate their ability to take responsibility for their learningand their capacity to take action - as they are actively engaged in planning, presenting and assessing learning.
Drone Olympics
The ETHOS Team (Middle School extension students) hosted the Hills Christian Community School Digital Leaders at Unity College. The aim of the day was to share our experience with drones and to teach these fellow tech-savvy students what they have been learning through drone challenges and games.
It was a great day of building new connections and a fabulous opportunity for our ETHOS Team to showcase their skills and talents. We look forward to continuing our partnership in the future as we explore AI and VR technology in the near future.
Hot Shots Finals
Nine students proudly represented Unity College at the Tennis Hot Shots final held at Peake Gardens Tennis Club in Adelaide. Their journey to the finals began with an outstanding win at the Murray Bridge tournament in September, which earned them their welldeserved spot among the top teams in the region.
The students played with skill, sportsmanship, and determination against tough competition, including Year 4 teams from across South Australia. After a series of exciting matches, they finished in 6th place, narrowly missing out on a higher spot after a close final game. This achievement places Unity among the top eight regional schools in the competition! A fantastic achievement.
Building Generational Connections
The Year 3s had the pleasure of being invited to attend a Bible Study, with some residents of the Murray Bridge Lutheran Homes, led by Mrs Tracey Woidt. We shared the story of Christmas and reflected on the birth of Jesus, our Saviour, the real meaning of Christmas.
This was a repeat of our visit there in May, and we have already formed some connections with some residents. Our students presented the residents with Christmas cards in appreciation of our time spent together in the sharing of God’s Word and of God’s love.
Excursions like this provide us with the opportunity for making meaningful and authentic cross generational connections and teaching us the value of assisting others and working together, while we learn more about Christian Studies and about Jesus in the Bible. This is also a valuable opportunity for our students to take part in active service in our community, by giving time to spend with others to learn together, to respect the knowledge of others, to provide a younger perspective, and to support the residents with their social activities.
Our Learning Journey
The Junior School was buzzing for the second bi-annual ‘Our Learning Journey’. Showcasing the learning of the Junior school students throughout the year and celebrating the diversity of our community, families enjoyed an evening of fellowship, learning and good food. The passion, dedication and enthusiasm brought to the event by all students, staff and families made it a truly special evening.
Children’s Theatre
Year 9 Drama students studied the art of Children’s Theatre in Term 4 and presented their creations to an appreciative Reception audience. They performed two plays and created a short film to entertain a young audience while teaching valuable lessons. The plays included Wiggles characters educating the students on how to cross the road safely through song and movement, overcoming your fears (set at a swimming pool) and a visit from the Cat in the Hat!
Out of Your Mind
The Year 9 Drama class performed “Out of Your Mind” by Sue Murray to Year 8 students – rehearsing over a 4-week period, in both on-stage and off-stage roles including sound, lighting and projection to bring the play to life.
“Out of Your Mind” lets the audience hear the dreams, hopes and fears of an assortment of characters waiting for a train, with both amusing and thought-provoking results. Have you ever wondered what the people around you are really thinking?
An Authentic German Experience
Year 9 and 10 German students spent the day participating in a cultural experience in our local German Lutheran migrant village of Hahndorf. Students explored the lives of the German early settlers and investigated how their culture has blended with the Adelaide Hills.
What’s My Business?
Year 4 students have been engaged in an inspiring and practical learning experience through the Australian Lutheran World Service (ALWS) ‘What’s My Business?’ unit. This was directly linked to our Christian Studies Unit, where students explored the Christian belief that, with God’s help, ordinary people can do “extra”-ordinary things to serve others.
Students developed their own business ideas, and learned key skills such as budgeting, marketing, and teamwork. Throughout the unit, they reflected on how businesses can not only be profitable but also serve the wider community. This connection between business and service was a natural extension of their Christian Studies learning, where they were encouraged to think about how their actions can help those in need.
The culmination of their hard work was the Year 4 Market Stall at the Junior School Learning Journey. Thanks to the incredible support of our school community, the event was a fantastic success. Parents, staff, and students came out in full force to purchase items from the student-run stalls, helping the Year 4 businesses raise over $1,000 in profit!
This profit will be donated to the ALWS ‘Gifts of Grace’ program, which provides vital resources to people in need around the world.
Hands-On Learning
Year 11 Biology students dove into the world of keystone species, endangered animals, and how animals interact in ecosystems in Term 4. To bring this topic to life, they visited Monarto Zoo for an exciting day out! With plenty of time to explore, chat with the Education Officer, and observe the animals up close, it was great chance to see biology in action and learn in a fun, hands-on way.
Learn
Learning to Serve, Serving to Learn
Students and staff gave of their school holidays to serve the people of Unity’s sister communities.
Year 9/10 students visited Areyonga, Northern Territory and completed acts of service for the community including classroom and school maintenance, supporting the local store, aged care and council services and building connections with the community.
AREYONGA SERVICE TRIP REFLECTIONS
How did the Service Trip help you understand the concept of service?
+ Service is giving and feeling good about yourself, and doing it without expecting other people's appreciation and knowing that you did well.
+ Grace - giving without expecting anything in return.
How do you think your time in Areyonga has changed you?
+ Given me a deeper understanding of where the Areyonga kids come from and understanding their community.
+ It shows me what we take for granted and that they really don’t take anything for granted.
+ Trying to be more grateful for what I have.
Areyonga Service Trip Participants: Allegra Willason, Marcus Waldhuter, Oakley Lamprey, Riley Kohler, Thomas Holmes, Oliver Mulyk (Year 9) Alexandra White, Amity Bailey, Brodie Cox, Kaylee Schellen, Reagan Martin, Tyler White (Year 10)
Care
Scan the QR code for more photos from the Areyonga Service Trip.
Scan the QR code for more photos from the Indonesia Service Trip.
Year 11 students travelled to Pematangsiantar, North Sumatra to serve our Indonesia Partnership school SMA HKBP.
INDONESIA SERVICE TRIP REFLECTIONS
+ One of my highlights was building stronger connections with the children at PATMOS Railway Mission. It was such a great feeling seeing the children smile when they opened their pencil packs.
+ This was a once in a lifetime experience and I will be forever grateful for the time spent over there, the people and things I saw, the new things I tried and the connections I made.
+ Get involved in every opportunity thrown at you! It made for such a valuable experience as you get so much more out of your time. Get up and dance, answer/ask questions, and say yes to (almost) everything.
Indonesia Service Trip Participants: Bethany Calnan, Sera Dalton, Tyler Edwards, Ebony Francis, Abby Harrowfield, Kaitlyn Jaensch, Jessica Kerr, Millicent Manning, Olivia McDonald, Erin Poulish, Isabella Roberts, Emily Willis, Yannike Schutz, Campbell Schubert, Bryce Woidt, Sam White (Year 11)
Engage
Lest We Forget
The whole school came together to remember and reflect on those who sacrificed so much for our country on Remembrance Day, led by the Year 9 Ambassadors and Year 5 Ambassadors.
Refurbished Resource Centre Officially Opened
The Stage 2 fit-out of the Middle/ Senior Resource Centre is complete, and we celebrated with an official opening on Tuesday 26 November 2024. Thank you to our special guests for attending and we acknowledge the generous support of the State Government in assisting to fund this project. We now have breakout/meeting rooms, a fully equipped and soundproofed media/ podcast room, all new finishes and furniture/fitout. Stage 3 of this project will see a mezzanine level created for extra student space.
Now we are looking forward to the total interior renovation of The Steeple, due for completion in Term 1, 2025, as part of our ongoing facilities upgrade and improvement plan.
Empowered Leadership
A select group of our female 2025 Student Leaders attended the Empowered Leadership Event held at MG High Performance Centre, Alberton Oval. The aim of the event was to empower and inspire young women to foster a well-developed sense of self and featured inspiring women from across diverse industries sharing their stories and pathways to inspire the next generation of leaders and featured a panel presentation from Port Adelaide Football Club AFLW players and athlete and sports administrators, a presentation from Eloise Hall – Co-founder and Managing Director of TABOO, and an AFL skills and wellbeing workshop.
And the Winner is…
After a year of accumulating points through school and community service, academic achievement, sporting results and random good deeds, Loyalty was announced as the winner of the 2024 MS/ SS House Shield, proudly led by House Captains Narelle Griffiths and Millicent Manning and breaking Unions' three-year winning streak.
Just 2 Deadly
Congratulations to Emily King, Kyle Staker, Billie Kartinyeri, James Johnson (Year 12), Faith Tutchell and Parker Thiele (Year 6) who celebrated their graduation from Years 6 and 12 with recognition at the Just 2 Deadly (J2D) Awards presented at the Murray Bridge High School on 14 November 2024. J2D is the local celebration of the National Deadly Award, an annual celebration of Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander achievement in music, sport, entertainment, the arts, health, education, training and community. The name ‘Just 2 Deadly’ comes as Aboriginal people use the term “just too deadly” as an expression when something or someone is “great, fantastic and awesome”. A fabulous opportunity for families and the community to celebrate the educational achievements of graduating students.
Ribbons Galore!
Congratulations to the Dairy and Sheep Livestock Teams who completed the show program with events at the Murray Bridge Show.
DAIRY RESULTS
Junior Handler Competition
+ 2nd - Grace Carey
+ 3rd - Kaylee Schellen
+ 5th - Molly Mason
+ Merit - Poppy Martin, Ella Ireland
+ Overall Honourable MentionGrace Carey
Thank you to the Doecke Family from Springvale Illawarras and the Mason Family from Mason Farms for donating the heifers for our show team this year.
SHEEP RESULTS
+ Year 6 and under Handlers Class: 1st - Charlie Woidt, 2nd - Oscar McGorman
+ Year 7&8 Handlers Class: 1st - Cooper Galbraith, 2ndJames Pickering, 3rd - Jack Rich
+ Year 9&10 Handlers Class: 1st - Isla Mickan, 2nd - Caitlin White
+ Year 11&12 Handlers Class: 1st - Georgia Rich, Grand Champion Handler - Georgia Rich, Reserve Champion - Isla Mickan
WOOL JUNIOR JUDGING COMPETITION
+ Year 6 and under: 1st - Charlie Woidt, 2nd - Oscar McGorman
+ Year 7&8 Class: 1st - Jack Rich, 2nd - Harry Frahn
+ Year 9&10 Class: 1st - Isla Mickan, 3rd - Caitlin White
+ Year 11&12 Class: 1st - Georgia Rich, Grand Champion - Georgia Rich, Reserve Champion - Jack Rich
+ High School School Wether Fleece Competition: 3rd Prize
+ Champion Commercial Fleece: 1st Prize
Thank you to Keith & Judy Paech from Lucernbrae Merino Stud for their continual support of the Unity College Agricultural Program.
2nd Overall
The annual Lutheran School Champions Challenge event was a great success, with all participating Year 3-6 students representing the College with excellent sportsmanship and exhibiting a strong sense of the Unity Way. We have some natural born athletes at Unity, the majority of which were rewarded with a ribbon throughout the competition. The final combined results saw Unity College place 2nd overall among all the participating regional Lutheran Primary Schools.
2025 Student Leadership Announcement
STUDENT LEADERS
Olivia McDonald, Bethany Calnan, Abby Harrowfield, Tyler White (Year 12) Ella Gierus-Heintze, Alexandra White (Year 11)
HOUSE CAPTAINS
+ Cooperation: Taj Garrett, Jorge Barnes
+ Progress: Fallon Small, Cooper Lienert
+ Loyalty: Millicent Manning, Porsha Marchetti
+ Union: Gemma Cocks, Rylie Stephenson
YEAR 9 AMBASSADORS
Arabella Milne, Nate Oster, Abby Sanders, Ruby Thiele, Charlie White, Helayna White
YEAR 5 AMBASSADORS
Molly Harvey, Tyler Robertson
YEAR 5 SRC
Lilly Pfeiffer, Sophie Rowe, Reagan Menz, Charles Pfeiffer
YEAR 5 HOUSE CAPTAINS
+ Cooperation: Eli Blakelock, Willow Scammell
+ Progress: Hunter Redding, Scarlette South
+ Loyalty: Tyler Gladigau, Zoe Cartwright
+ Union: Jake Lienert, Lara Rowe
We congratulate these students and look forward to watching them grow in their leadership in 2025.
Involve #YOUbelong Community Carols
The Junior School Choir hit the streets of Murray Bridge to spread some Christmas cheer and celebrate Our Community as part of our #YOUbelong celebration and awareness days. The choir visited Concordia Kindy, World of Learning Childcare Centre and the Murray Bridge Marketplace and sang up a storm under the expert direction of Prue Cartledge and Matt Ahrens
ELC Update
“Every child is an artist, the problem is how do they remain an artist once they grow up” Pablo Picasso
As we reach the end of 2024, it’s hard to believe how quickly the year has passed! It feels like we only just opened our doors, but already, we’ve been in operation for nearly six months. The children have settled in so wonderfully, and we are incredibly proud of the growth and progress they’ve made at Unity ELC.
We are already seeing some of our children transition to Unity College Junior School in 2025, and we wish them all the very best for their future journeys. We’re also excited to announce that several of our Wattle children are transitioning into Banksia, and we have 26 children enrolled in our Kindy Program for 2025 - such an amazing milestone!
On behalf of all the educators at Unity ELC, we want to wish our children and families a safe and joyful Christmas. We look forward to starting 2025 with renewed energy and enthusiasm, continuing to set our children up for success in the year ahead.
Raegan Hill
Unity ELC Director
Involve
Areyonga Update
Term 4 was a big term for our Areyonga students. We began the term with the Areyonga Service Trip and the Areyonga students got to show our Unity students around and share cultural activities with them. A highlight was hanging with the younger students in the swimming pool.
Weekends were full of activity, from the beach to the movies – the kids had a blast. And on the Student Free Day, the students visited the Beach House in Glenelg – an experience completely different to what is available to them in community.
Patrick (Year 9) participated in the Middle School Graduation and through his Passion Project, was able to share cooking Kangaroo tail and sharing stories with other students.
We also welcomed our two new 2025 Areyonga students who visited Unity for a week where they joined some classes and stayed at the houses to see what Unity Way is like. We look forward to welcoming them – together with all returning students – in 2025.
We have had a very busy term and look forward to a well-deserved break spending the Christmas season home in community.
Colour Run
Student Achievements
Congratulations to Madi Johncock (Year 12) and Jorge Barnes (Year 10) who won placings in the 2024 Youth Art Prize. Madi placed 2nd in the People’s Choice category and Jorge placed 2nd in the 15-17 years category. [1 & 2]
Suleman Khan (Year 6) achieved a Silver Medal in Kumite (U11) and a Bronze medal in Karate (U11) at the Karate SA 2024 Shingokan Open Development and Elite Championship held in October at the Virginia Recreation Centre. [3]
Congratulations to Isaac Russell, Keller Eckermann, Hamish Frahn (Year 5) Cooper Hincks, Hugo McArdle, Charlie Woidt (Year 6) who represented the Murraylands in SAPSASA Cricket. [4]
Ruby Thiele (Year 8) achieved a 1st in the Pet Sheep Competition and 2nd in the High School Merino Fleece Competition at the 2024 Murray Bridge Show.
Congratulations to Year 11 English students Taya Bormann, Tyson Dodd and Ebony Francis who had their poems ‘End This All’, ‘What The Hell Are We Fighting For’ and ‘In A Man’s World’ selected to be published in the 2024 SA English Teacher’s association Spring Poetry Anthology – a wonderful achievement.
