2025 UNITY UPDATE - TERM 1 EDITION

Term 1 2025

Our students demonstrated being principled, risk-takes and knowledgeable - embracing new learning opportunities with curiosity and enthusiasm. This shared journey built lasting memories and a stronger understanding of the world around them.

#YOUbelong

UPdate

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Principal's Word Francois Pienaar Principal It’s hard to believe that Term 1 has already come to an end — time truly flies when we’re immersed in learning, connecting, and growing together. As we look back on the past few months, we are reminded of just how much life and energy has filled our College. From the excitement of camps and the focus of NAPLAN to the joy of the Food Fest, and the elegance of the Year 12 Formal, every week has been rich with activity and community spirit.

Some of the highlights from this term include:

THE OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE REFURBISHED STEEPLE

"We are made richer by the many backgrounds and traditions within our community.

Every student brings something unique, while also contributing to our shared colllege culture - a beautiful reflection of belonging".

After months of planning and design, we were thrilled to open our beautifully refurbished Steeple — a multipurpose facility that will host assemblies, chapels, school productions, and the 5th Sunday services for our local Lutheran congregations. This project has been a labour of love, and it’s already proving to be a blessing for our community.

SUPPORTING NEW STAFF A key focus this term has been ensuring our new staff feel welcomed and supported. Debrief

Steeple Before

meetings have provided valuable opportunities to nurture connection, confidence, collaboration and feedback on their first term here at Unity.

CAMPS AND STUDENT CONNECTIONS Visiting students on camp is always a highlight of the term for me. Whether it was the thrill of the Leap of Faith on the Year 9 camp or the fierce competition of indoor cricket on the Year 12 retreat, it is a privilege to witness our students stepping out of their comfort zones, strengthening friendships, and embracing new challenges. A particularly special moment was joining staff in a role play of the Passion Meditation — a powerful performance written by our Chaplain, Adam Yeager — to inspire students to take part. It was encouraging to see so many of our Year 12 students sign up and present this meditation to our college community at the end of Term 1.

SPORTS DAY SPIRIT Decked out in my multicoloured house shirt, Sports Day was once again a vibrant celebration of teamwork, competition, and college pride. The support from families on the sidelines was heartening and reminded us of the strength of our wider Unity community.

Steeple After

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Scan the QR code for more photos from the 2025 Food Festival

FOOD FEST FUN This year’s Food Fest was a standout moment, filled with flavour, laughter, and togetherness. It was wonderful to meet and mingle with so many parents in such a joyful atmosphere. And yes — being dunked in the water tank on a hot day was a welcome refreshment!

YEAR 12 FORMAL The Formal was a night to remember. Held at the stunning racetrack venue, our senior students were radiant, and the feedback from parents and students has been overwhelmingly positive. We’ve already locked in the venue for 2026!

YOUBELONG “HARMONY” DAY Our first #YouBelong Day of the year was a vibrant celebration of cultural diversity, with students donning orange to mark Harmony Day. As a nation and as a college, we are made richer by the many backgrounds and traditions within our community. Every student at Unity brings something unique, while also contributing to our shared college culture — a beautiful reflection of belonging.

Now in my second year as Principal of Unity College, I continue to be grateful for the privilege of serving this community. I’m blessed to work alongside a passionate College Board, led by Chair James Bormann, a dedicated Executive Team, an incredible staff, engaged student leaders, and supportive families.

This term, we also began the exciting process of developing our next Strategic Plan — a collaborative journey with all stakeholders to shape the vision for Unity over the next 3–5 years. There is much to look forward to!

SPIRITUAL FOOD As we move into the Easter season, we pause to reflect on the heart of our Christian faith — the message of hope and new life. Jesus’ death and resurrection remind us that even in our darkest moments, light and life prevail. He is risen, and in Him, we have the promise of renewal and grace. May your Easter be filled with faith, family, and a sense of fresh beginnings.

John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."

To all staff and students, thank you for a wonderful term. Enjoy a well-earned break, travel safely, and we look forward to welcoming you refreshed and ready for Term 2.

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Senior School

Building Goals and Community

Term 1 is all about setting up our students for success in the year to come. Our Senior School retreats, held throughout the term, contributed to this by encouraging connection, goal setting and building community. The Year 12s enjoyed a stay at El Shaddai focussing on preparing for their important final year of schooling and the Year 10s travelled to Robe embracing new experiences (surfing anyone) while the Year 11s focussed on community service in Adelaide, assisting the Salvos and Puddle Jumpers Incorporated in a volunteering capacity.

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Year 12 Formal MURRAY BRIDGE RACE COURSE FRIDAY 14 FEBRUARY 2025 + + + + +

Belle of the Ball: Ebony Francis Beau of the Ball: Logan McCabe Most Elegant: Kaitlyn Jaensch Most Dapper: Jacob Neumann Cutest Couple: Olivia McDonald & Rylie Stephenson

Scan the QR code for more photos from the 2025 Year 12 Formal

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Scan the QR code for more photos from the 2025 Middle School Camps Extravaganza

Camps Extranvaganza YEAR 6 MONARTO SAFARI PARK EXPERIENCE Students engaged in a thrilling Safari tour, collaborated together in class challenges promoting cooperation and communication and slept in the Indaba Bush Camp cabins. A hands-on conservation activity directly connecting with our “Free to Flourish” approach to learning, focusing on being purposeful in their actions provided a practical way for students to explore key environmental concepts, such as land care, natural water filtration, and sustainability practices. Students gained a deeper understanding of how conservation efforts at Monarto Zoo contribute to preserving wildlife and ecosystems.

This immersive experience not only reinforced their science learning but also encouraged them to think critically about their own role in creating a sustainable future.

YEAR 7 AQUATICS CAMP Students actively engaged in a range of on-water activities, such as knee-boarding, water skiing, sailing and more at the Murraylands Aquatics Centre. Students surprised themselves, learning new life-long skills and becoming more confident in the water.

YEAR 8 CANBERRA EXPERIENCE The Year 8 Canberra Experience supports students learning in Civics and Citizenship as they participated in a variety of educational programs focusing on Australia’s history, culture, heritage and democracy.

Highlights are plenty, but fun at Questacon, seeing Australia’s sports elite and the emotion of the National War Memorial are always standouts!

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Middle School

YEAR 9 HIGH ROPES CAMP The standout moment from camp?

It’s hard to pick just one! Was it the outrageous fashion parade or the unforgettable (and ear piercing!) sing-along? Maybe it was the leap of faith or the giant swing? And then there’s the food! We love it all!

Each year we are amazed at how our students get alongside each other. They cheer each other on, encouraging their classmates to step out of their comfort zone and achieve things they never thought they were capable of.

The high ropes course at Glenhaven offers our students the opportunity to embrace new challenge and build new connections. This year, our students seized every opportunity that came their way!

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Year 4 Camp

Junior School

BRINGING MIGRATION INQUIRY TO LIFE! As part of our Year 4 Where We Are in Place and Time inquiry into Migration as a response to challenges, risks and opportunities, students embarked on an exciting two-day adventure to deepen their understanding of exploration and movement throughout history.

Students explored some of Adelaide’s most fascinating museums and historical sites, including the South Australian Museum, Migration Museum, Maritime Museum, and the impressive Clipper Ship. These immersive experiences helped bring to life the reasons for exploration, the stories of those who migrated, and the lasting impact of these journeys over time.

Camp highlights were plentiful!

Students scaled the heights of the Giant Squid, savoured a hearty Spaghetti Bolognese dinner, stepped aboard the Clipper Ship to explore its hidden corners, marvelled at the cramped sleeping quarters on various historical vessels at the Maritime Museum, and enjoyed some well-earned fun at the playground.

Throughout the experience, our students demonstrated the Learner Profile, being principled, risk-takers, and knowledgeable — embracing new learning opportunities with curiosity and enthusiasm. This shared journey was not only educational but also built lasting memories and a stronger understanding of the world around them.

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Let Your Light Shine The Reception Bible Presentation is a treasured tradition of Unity College. Our newest students received their story Bible and a hand made card from their Year 12 buddy, a beautiful way to mark the beginning of their spiritual learning at Unity. We wish our Reception students every blessing in their educational and spiritual journey at Unity.

Year 1 Stay Up A NIGHT OF FUN AND FRIENDSHIP! Our Year 1 Stay Up was a fantastic success with students having an amazing time celebrating their learning and applying their understanding of emotions, behaviour, and relationships in a fun and engaging way.

The children enjoyed indoor craft activities and dancing, followed by a delicious afternoon tea of fruit kebabs and a movie with popcorn.

They participated enthusiastically in outdoor activities and whole group games, demonstrating teamwork, kindness, and friendship.

It was wonderful to see students strengthening their connections with peers, displaying positive social skills, and embracing the joy of shared experiences. The event truly showcased their growth in understanding emotions and relationships.

Buddies!

Year 4 students are lucky enough to share a special relationship with the students from Concordia Kindergarten. Twice a term, the students join together in an activity and bond with their buddies. Term 1 activites included the kindy children sharing their favourite things to do at kindy and making wombat stew in the nature play area.

Scan the QR code for more photos of the 2025 Reception Bible Presentations

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Learn Runner-Up DUX

DUX

95.15%

94.50% Taj Rowe

Ellie Harrison

VET IN SACE

STUDENT PATHWAYS

+ 40% of students used a combination of both VET and SACE pathways in 2024. + 6 students completed a School Based Apprenticeship (SBAT) to gain their SACE. + 28 Senior School students (Year 11 and Year 12) achieved a VET qualification of Certificate II or higher. Courses completed include: + Certificate III: Ministry and Theology, Rural Operations, Allied Health Assistance, Applied Fashion Design and Technology, Nail Technology, Fitness + Certificate II: Workplace Preparation, Electrotechnology + SBAT: Rural Operations, Heavy Commercial Vehicle Technology, Engineering Fabrication Trade, Agriculture

+ 98% of students who applied for University received university offers in South Australia in areas of study including: Nursing and Midwifery, Primary Education, Psychology and Counselling, Allied Health (inc. OT, Nutrition), Business, Law and Engineering.

SOROPTIMIST SCHOLARSHIP We also congratulate Elli Harrison who was awarded the 2024 Soroptimist International Murray Bridge Tertiary Scholarship.

Ellie has been accepted into a midwifery degree and the funds awarded as part of the scholarship will assist to fund her studies.

Photo: Annabelle Starr recieving her Merit Award for Workplace Practices (Elite Sport)

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Once Again in Glyn Kerrie

Learn

The Year 11 Drama class presented Once Again in Glyn Kerrie by Jean Lenox Toddie as their Term 1 performance – a heartfelt and gently humorous memory play which sees an elderly woman, Cordelia, waiting for a bus; a metaphorical journey, reflecting life’s stages and transitions.​The play explores the universal human experience of the heart seeking one’s way home.

Coorong Adventure The Stage 2 Outdoor Education class spent a day at the Murray Bridge Aquatics Center to learn and practice their kayaking skills before their first expedition. They learnt rescues, a multitude of different strokes and styles while also practicing how to safely exit when capsized. These skills will support and help them achieve their best for their future expeditions. Halle Jarvis (Year 11) Students put these skills into action on their Coorong Kayaking Expedition in Week 11. With near perfect weather conditions, students embraced the challenge of paddling in a new environment, developing their skills, teamwork and leadership on the water. It was a fantastic opportunity for personal growth and outdoor adventure!

Art in Focus Year 10 Visual Arts students explored techniques in mixed media focusing on using colour to produce some incredible portraits expressing a character quality of their chosen subject.

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Career Directions The most effective way to expose students to potential career pathways is to take them out into businesses, to speak with industry experts. The Murraylands is brimming with engineering industry leaders, who are producing world class technology and products and we were privileged to have Jacksons Australia, Bowhill Engineering, Moore Engineering and Kennewell CNC Machining host our Certificate II Engineering students. Special thanks to several of our Old Scholars, now working at these businesses, for showing us around and speaking about the many different ways they completed their SACE and stepped into their apprenticeships. They are passionate about their jobs and it shows. We are grateful for your time, expertise and support of our students and VET program.

Learning From Experience The Year 10 History classes were given the opportunity to go to the Beit Shalom Synagogue in Adelaide to further explore the events of the Holocaust and deepen their understanding of Judaism. We were able to learn about some survivors and their stories from the Holocaust along with visiting a Jewish sanctuary and meeting a Rabbi. This experience was very rewarding and valuable as it gave us a new sense of compassion and empathy for those who lived through the Holocaust and those who are still affected by it today. Aiden Johncock and Yasmin Harrowfield (Year 10)

Sharing the Planet The Year 2 classes have been learning about ‘Water as a Resource’ in our Sharing the Planet Unit of Inquiry and were fortunate to have a visit from the Murraylands and Riverland Landscape Board.

The students worked through different activities that explored our water quality from local wetlands.

Students discovered how our distribution of water has changed in the last 200 years and how this impacts living things. Students learnt about the negative effects of European carp to our rivers. They explored the different types of water bugs that live in our wetlands and discovered the importance of these bugs for ‘water health.’ They also tested the ph levels and quality of water. An engaging and hands-on learning experience.

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Agriculture Update JUNIOR SCHOOL The Year 1 classes have been learning about animals and their special features, exploring how these traits help them survive. They had the opportunity to tour the Middle Senior School Ag block, where they saw farm animals using these features in real life.

The Year 3 classes have been investigating different life cycles, exploring how animals and plants grow and change over time. Earlier in the term, they had a visit from some chicks, adding a hands-on experience to their learning. They’ve also been exploring living and nonliving things, as well as looking at various animal groups and their characteristics.

The Year 9 Plant Production class has been busy planting out and tending to their vegetable gardens.

They looked at the importance of mulch in ensuring soil moisture is kept up whilst it is so dry and have already begun harvesting some vegetables, including radish and silverbeet, which have been enjoyed by students, staff and our chickens.

The Year 5 classes have been caring for our dairy calves Craig and Casper, donated by the Fischer family. They have been learning about the health signs of calves, as well as learning about calf rearing through hands on experiences.

The Year 9 Sheep Production class has been investigating the different jobs completed on a sheep farm each year. They demonstrated their understanding of wool skirting and classing at the Karoonda Farm Fair Wool Handling competition.

MIDDLE SCHOOL

SENIOR SCHOOL

The Year 6s have been working hard maintaining their vegetable gardens during practical lessons. Students are growing a leafy, root and legume vegetable and learning about how to safely use tools and equipment.

The Year 10s have been learning about a typical Mallee farm, the types of crops grown, and the machinery needed to manage a cropping enterprise effectively.

The two Year 7 classes have been learning about poultry production, gaining hands on experience by caring for chickens from one day old. Students have also been learning about how to prepare their garden beds for seedlings, as well as growing vegetables and herbs.

The Year 8s have been learning about the Dairy industry and what is involved in the operations of a dairy farm. They have also been involved in feeding Craig and Casper.

Learn

We have also been making bags of chicken feed using different types of grain.

The Year 11s have assisted in weighing the pigs to monitor their growth rate. Thank you to SunPork for their continual support to our Agricultural program. The donation of these pigs to the school enterprise allows them to be used in the curriculum for student analysis.

They have also been investigating value-adding and emerging trends.

Their products on sale at the Food Fest were a great hit.

The Year 12 students have completed an 8-week sheep feedlot trial. Students have explored improving weight gain through improving rumination and sheep health. Thanks to Mark Humphrey from Windella for donating these crossbred lambs.

Thank you to our 2025/2026 AGRICULTURE SPONSORS PLATINUM

BRONZE

IN KIND MAJOR

IN KIND

GOLD Stephen Thiele

Sanders Family River City Auto and Marine

Andrew & Anna Pickering

Wade Mason

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Leaders in Training Unity’s Senior School Student Leaders attended the National Student Leadership Summit at St Peters College. Our leaders mixed with other student leaders from across Australia to share stories and build relationships and learn about effective leadership.

We were able to delve into personal, group and community focuses to improve our own leadership styles along with building relationships with other school leaders. We had the opportunity to learn about effective problem-solving strategies in the context of our own school and discuss/compare with others.

Abby Harrowfield (Year 12) I learnt about others unique leadership styles and gained insight into the various ideas they are implementing within their school communities. Olivia McDonald (Year 12) We learnt lots of new skills like how to make a good conversation, tips for how we can improve our leadership and how best to create change in our communities. I enjoyed networking with the other leaders listening to their stories and just getting to know them.

Alexandra White (Year 11) I am glad that I had the opportunity to meet new people and learn new skills. Ella Gierus-Heintze (Year 12) The leadership summit opened my eyes to the ways I can better serve the community while also giving me the chance to connect with other like-minded people from different areas. Tyler White (Year 11)

GRIP Unity’s Year 9 Ambassadors – Arabella Milne, Nate Oster, Helayna White, Abby Sanders, Ruby Thiele, Charlie White – attended the annual GRIP Leadership Conference at the Adelaide Convention Centre.

The conference was attended by 600+ student leaders from across the state, providing a practical and interactive opportunity to develop leaders to build up student voice.

The Ambassadors were modelled fun interactive games to run at assemblies, viewed case studies from other schools’ projects and initiative, and engaged in discussions with like-minded peers to build confidence within the school as leaders. Our Middle School Leaders are looking forward to applying these skills into our context at Unity College and making our school an even better place together.

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Areyonga Update

Inspire Dedicated Service Congratulations to Meredith Bald (20 years), John Phillpott (10 years) and Michelle Robjohns (20 years) who were recognised for their service to Unity College and Lutheran Education with service awards at the 2025 Opening Service.

Thank you for your dedication, professionalism, care of our students and your role in helping to make Unity the special place it is.

The new school year saw two new Year 7 students start at Unity College. They were very excited to begin at their new school, making some great friends and participating in everything they could. Other highlights from the term included: + Year 12 Formal with family making their way down to watch Latina and Louie H. + Year 7 Camp at the Murraylands Aquatic Centre where students experienced sailing, knee boarding, kayaking, boat driving and SUP. + Year 8 Canberra Experience where a visit to Questacon was a highlight. + Year 9 High Ropes Challenge where they loved spending time with all the other Unity students. + Sports Day with many events won between them. + Family visiting during the term. + After school and weekend activities including fishing, swimming, beach trips, shopping and beginning Football for the season. + The houses having a makeover with some new artwork.

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9/10 CRICKET (BOYS) PROGRESSING TO ROUND 2

Engage

Henry Blatchford, Oliver Fatchen, Riley Gladigau, Mason Hills, Jack Rich, Jai Williss, Kallan Woidt, Eric Zadow (Year 9) Tyrone Beinke, Ethan Fiegert, William McBride, Toby Phillips (Year 10)

11/12 TENNIS (BOYS) - ROUND 1 Brodie Gum, Hayden Law, Cooper Lienert, Darcy Rich, Bryce Woidt (Year 12)

10-12 CRICKET (GIRLS) - ROUND 2 Lauren Gladigau, Olivia Griffiths, HalleJarvis, Porsha Marchetti, Poppy Martin, Kaylee Schellen, Fallon Small, Alexandra White (Year 11) Tyler Edwards, Ameira Greenshileds, Alice Laube, Erin Poulish, Mattea Willason (Year 12)

5/6 CRICKET (BOYS) PROGRESSING TO ROUND 3

Sporting Highlights 11/12 CRICKET (BOYS) - ROUND 1 Roclin Bates, Lithmin Gamlath Vidanalage, Taj Garrett, Tyler White, Noah Wiese (Year 11) Kaleb Daniel, Tom Harvey, Mitchell Hincks, Hayden Law, Patrick Loller, Jacob Neumann, Johnny Phillpott, Campbell Schubert (Year 12)

Tyler Gladigau, Jacob Slok (Year 5) Ted Berling, Max Blatchford, Keller Eckermann, Tristan Fiegert, Hamish Frahn, Cooper Hincks, Samuel Masters, Levi Neumann, Samuel Nuske, Isaac Russell, Patrick Sanders (Year 6)

SASSA SWIMMING + Girls placed 3rd + Boys placed 1st + Overall placed 2nd

SASSA ATHLETICS + Boys placed 7th + Girls placed 8th + Overall placed 8th

Scan the QR code for more photos celebrating Easter at Unity.

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Easter at Unity Easter highlights from Term 1 included: + Shrove Tuesday pancakes. + Marking the start of Lent with a special Ash Wednesday chapel service where many students received ashes – a symbol of the cross and the love Jesus has for us. + Year 12s leading Easter craft making spinners focusing on the Easter story with their Reception buddies. + The Senior School Student Leaders joining the Easter Bunny to deliver some Easter cheer on the Junior School. + Junior School Stations of the Cross presentation, a peaceful and hope filled reflection of the journey to the cross. + Year 12 Passion Mediation – a meaningful and beautifully delivered presentation to Middle/ Senior students and families.

Care

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Scan the QR code for more photos of the ELC in action.

ELC Update As we wrap up a wonderful first term, we want to share the incredible learning experiences the children have been engaged in at the Unity College Early Learning Centre.

In the Wattle Room, our focus has been on fostering a sense of belonging and confidence as children settle into their routines.

Through sensory play, music, and movement activities, they have been exploring their creativity and building strong connections with their educators and peers. We’ve also introduced early literacy experiences, such as shared story time and interactive songs, encouraging language development in a fun and engaging way. Outdoor play has been a highlight, with children developing their gross motor skills and curiosity about the natural world.

In the Banksia Room, our preschool children have been diving deeper into project-based learning, following their interests in nature, science, and storytelling.

A big focus has been on developing independence and social skills through group activities, collaborative art projects, and roleplay experiences. We have explored topics such as who we are, with hands-on experiences on getting to know ourselves and each other.

Our literacy and numeracy program has also expanded, with children engaging in early writing and number recognition through playbased learning experiences.

Other highlights included: + The Banksia children venturing off campus on their first excursion to Hahndorf Farm Barn to support ‘Who we are’ – looking at some families that look after animals and the roles and responsibilities involved. + The Banksia and Wattle group have been spending lots of time in the Bush Block area which has been great for fostering the environment as a third teacher and seeing our resident bearded dragon! + The ELC children engaged in their first Sport’s Day which was very exciting and lots of fun was had!

Of course, everyone was a winner and received a medal for their efforts. + Banksia and Wattle children engaged with lots of cooking experiences to extend their learning and understanding.

We are so proud of the growth and achievements of all our children this term and look forward to another exciting term ahead! Thank you for your ongoing support in your child’s learning journey.

Raegan Hill Unity ELC Director

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Sports Carnival

Scan the QR code for more photos from the 2025 R-12 Sports Carnival

AND IT WAS ALL YELLOW + R-12 Champions (Overall): Cooperation + Middle/Senior 'Zander' Shield: Cooperation + Junior School Shield: Cooperation

Involve

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WHAT HAS OUR PROGRAM BEEN ABOUT THIS TERM? We have been focusing on the life of Jesus, who was Jesus and the special things he did. The Easter Story was shared with dramatisations, meals shared, songs and play spaces. The new children received their bibles, presented

by Pastor David and Paul. We saw our Big Buddies and had regular trips to the Bush Block at Unity College. Our literacy focus was using language to connect with our world, and we promoted this with lots of story-tables. Our numeracy focus was analysing, reading and organising data in our world and we explored this through the life cycle of a butterfly, our routines and colour experimentations. We also promoted being a ‘bucket filler’ which was all about caring, being kind and showing respect.

Other highlights included: + Director Installation: We installed Mrs Carrie Gallasch as the Director of Concordia Kindergarten at a service held at the Steeple on Sunday 30th March. + Family Night: We hosted our Concordia Kindergarten Family Night early in the term. It was lovely to see so many families joining in with the fun and games and even more delightful getting to know everyone. + Bush Block Wednesdays: The children are always looking forward to the Wednesdays when they get visit the Bush Block at Unity. Climbing, building with branches and rocks and finding all sorts of critters is what getting amongst nature is all about. + Role Play: Story tables have been very popular, using the children's imaginations to explore and develop stories including Tiddalik, a Dreaming Story and Bible stories such as Zaccheus and the Easter Story. This enables children to retell and communicate in their own way and recall the different parts that make up a story.

Concordia Kindy

+ Home Libraries: This year our Kindy is very excited to be involved in the Raising Literacy Australia’s new program called Building Home Libraries. Each child received their own library box and a collection of books and activities to enjoy. Throughout their Kindy year, each child will receive a total of 17 books and activity packs to explore and keep in their very own library.

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Student Achievements

SAPSASA Softball Representatives: Tyler Robertson, Jacob Slok, Daisy Woidt (Year 5) Ted Berling, William Fulwood, Spencer Loveday, Patrick Sanders (Year 6) [1] SAPSASA Swimming Representatives: Taylah Cant, Louella May, Sean Zarantonella (Year 4) Beau Cant, Chloe White (Year 6)

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Layla Hearne (Year 12) was selected in the South Australian U19 Netball team to compete at the National Netball Championships The following boys represented the Murray Towns Cricket Association in the Grand Final of the Fleurieu & Districts Zone Calaby Shield: Riley Gladigau (Year 9) Thomas Nuske, Lucas Piggott, Toby Hollis and Alex Mundy (Year 10). [2] Rikki Borchers (Year 5) and Kaitlyn August (Year 3) travelled to Ayr Hill Equestrian Centre to compete in the Victorian Mounted Games Under 12’s State Pairs Championships. Over the two days they rode a total of 38 games and come home with a very impressive win. The girls also competed in the South Australia Mounted Games Under 12’s State Pairs Championships and participated in the AMGA National Under 12’s Championships held at Wentworth, NSW over Easter. [3] Caitlin Koop and Alexandra White (Year 11) completed their AMEB Grade 3 Theory Exam, both receiving an Honours result.

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Archer Buick, Cianna Watkins (Year 10) and Mackenzie Milne (Year 11) represented the Murray Bridge Rowing club at the Australian National Rowing Championships held at Lake Barrington, Tasmania in late March. Archer competed in the under 17 men’s single scull and under 17 men’s double scull events while Cianna and Mackenzie competed in the under 17 women’s double scull and under 17 women’s coxed quad scull – all achieving a number of personal and team bests during the week long competition.

Archer, Cianna and Mackenzie then represented Unity College in the Schools Championships with Archer making the School Boys Single Scull final and Cianna and Mackenzie completing the School Girl Double Scull events. [4] Henry Blatchford (Year 9) was selected in the state U15 Boys Cricket team and competed in the School Sports National Championships. [5]

6 Annabelle Starr (Year 12) competed for the Onkaparinga Club at the SA Country Swimming Championships held in Mount Gambier in January 2025. Annabelle had great success in her events, contributing to her clubs overall victory and earning her the title of the best 16-18 year old female swimmer of the meet.

For her efforts she was awarded 10 individual medals, 5 relay medals and the coveted Papple Trophy. [6] Ella Gierus-Heintze (Year 11) received a High Merit for her Grade 8 Royal Academy of Dance Ballet Exam. [7]

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Image: Molly Bretag/Facebook

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1 WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

UCOS Update

Molly Bretag (UCOS 2021) has made her first Australian Open Team, selected to compete in the Women’s Trap event at the 2025 ISSF Shotgun World Cup in Nicosia, Cyprus in May this year. Molly has also been selected in the Shooting Australia 2025 Performance National Squad (Trap) and was awarded the Shooting Australia Junior 2024 High Performance Athlete of the Year Award in January. [1&2] Madi Johncock's (UCOS 2024) artwork ‘Ben and Max’ was selected for the 2025 SACE Art Show and was on display in the Light Square Gallery at the Adelaide College of Arts in March/April. [3] Jake Altmann (UCOS 2013) was named The Weekly Times Coles 2024 Farmer of the Year at a gala ceremony at the MCG. Jake, as part of the Altmann family Dakara Farms, was awarded the top honour for dramatically increasing production within their dairy herd, growing to milk 500 cows three times a day.

The Altmanns, led by Jake, also won the dairy category. [4] Chad Wingard (UCOS 2011) announced his retirement from the AFL in September 2024 after 218 games with Port Adelaide and Hawthorn. Chad has joined the Channel 7 broadcast team for the 2025 AFL season. [5]

Scott Cleggett (UCOS 2012) is currently living in New York working on the Cirque du Soleil ‘Luzia’ show as part of the staging/rigging team.

He will also travel to Montreal and other parts of North America as part of the production.

Breeanna Folley (UCOS 2013) is working as a police officer with the South Australian Police, joining the force after completing Year 12.

Since joining, she has completed a detective training program and 4WD and field tutor courses.

Breeanna now helps new cadets in the job.

Dani Brown (UCOS 2012) was part of a team from the The Fleurieu Sun newspaper awarded Best Front Page at the 2024 Country Press SA Awards. The Thursday 5 September 2024 front page featured Dani’s exclusive interview with Langhorne Creek Paralympian Michael Roeger after he won silver at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. Dani also placed third in the Best News Photograph category for her photo of when a four-wheel-drive crashed into the side of South Coast District Hospital, published in The Times, Victor Harbor. [7]

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Image: The Weekly/Facebook

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ENGAGEMENTS Allison Clothier (UCOS 2014) announced her engagement to Mac Caldecott in September 2024.

Cameron Reid (UCOS 2015) announced his engagement to Georg-jah Mitchell in December 2024.

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Image: Chad Wingard/Facebook

BIRTHS Samantha Sinclair (nee Judd) (UCOS 2014) and husband Tommy welcomed Charlotte Rae in July 2024. [6]

WEDDINGS Chad Wingard (UCOS 2011) married Lilly Lloyd on 1 December 2024.

SHARE YOUR NEWS We love to share what our Old Scholars are doing. If you would like to be included in the Term 3, 2025 edition of the Unity Update please send your information to ucos@ unitycollege.sa.edu.au.

2025 Reunions We are excited to annouce the dates for our 2025 reunions: + 1, 5 & 10 Year Reunion for the Classes of 2024, 2020 & 2015: Friday 10 October 2025, 6.30pm at the Imperials Clubrooms, Murray Bridge. + 20 Year Reunion for the Class of 2005: Saturday 18 October 2025, 5.30pm at Unity College.

Save the date and keep an eye out for booking information later in the year. We also encourage you to contact the College to ensure your contact details (particularly emails) are up to date so you don't miss a thing!

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Education is the most powerful weapon which YOU can use to change the world. Nelson Mandela Owl Drive, Murray Bridge PO Box 5141, Murray Bridge South South Australia 5253

t. 08 8532 0100 e. unity@unitycollege.sa.edu.au www.unitycollege.sa.edu.au

#YOUbelong