2025 UNITY UPDATE - TERM 3 EDITION

Term 3 2025

"I just love the culture of this school. Everything about it just oozes joy and hapiness.

Look at those big kids bringing smiles to the little ones faces. I am so proud to be a part of this school."

Junior School Parent attending Book Week parade

YOUbelong

UPdate

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Principal's Word Francois Pienaar Principal As Term 3 draws to a close, I’d like to take this opportunity to reflect on the key highlights and achievements of the past months. I extend my sincere thanks to our staff, students, and families for their commitment and support, which continues to strengthen our school community.

This term has been packed with energy, achievement, and meaningful engagement. From academic progress to extracurricular excellence, our students have truly made the most of every opportunity.

One of the standout highlights was our school musical – Chicago: Teen Edition – which was a spectacular success. The dedication and talent of our student performers, backstage crew, and staff was nothing short of inspiring. It was wonderful to see our school community come together to support the arts, and we are incredibly proud of the quality of the production.

activities that promoted a lifelong love of books, culminating in our famous Book Week Parade.

Our Pedal Prix teams also put in an outstanding effort this term with an 8-hour race at Tailem Bend and the 24-hour race at Murray Bridge.

They represented the school with determination, teamwork, and spirit.

Competing in such a demanding event requires months of preparation, and our students rose to the challenge with enthusiasm and maturity.

The Agriculture Livestock Shows were another major achievement.

Our Ag students showcased their skills in animal handling, at the Unity College Livestock Show and the Adelaide and Murray Bridge shows.

Their hard work and commitment to learning through hands-on experience continues to impress.

"Year 12 students Our senior students participated are approaching in course counselling and Future the last sprint of Directions Expo, which helped guide them in making informed their journey ... choices about their future pathways. events are crucial in helping and we are proud At the end of the term was another These students take ownership of their highlight with our Junior School of all they have learning and plan for their careers, Concert – The Discoverers: An it was encouraging to see accomplished so Underwater Adventure. We are truly and so many families involved in the to have so many talented process. far... We wish them blessed students giving their all to their Of course, all of this has been in every blessing and proud families. addition to the everyday learning Week was a colourful encouragement as Book happening in classrooms across the celebration of reading and creativity. school. Our teachers continue to they step toward It was fantastic to see students deliver engaging, student-centred staff dress up as their favourite lessons, and we are seeing great the conclusion of and literary characters, participate in growth across all year levels. I’d like reading challenges, and engage in their schooling." to acknowledge the efforts of both

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“Show me Your ways, LORD, teach me Your paths. Guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are God my Savior, and my hope is in You all day long."

Psalms 25:4-5 staff and students in striving for excellence every day.

Our Year 12 students are approaching the last sprint of their journey at Unity College, and we are proud of all they have accomplished so far. Over the holidays, our ATAR students will sit their Mock Exams as valuable preparation for their final assessments. We wish them every blessing and encouragement as they take these important steps toward the conclusion of their schooling.

We are also proud to highlight two important Service Learning Trips taking place over the school holidays – one group will be heading to Indonesia, while another will travel to Areyonga, a remote Indigenous community in the Northern Territory. These immersive experiences will allow students to connect deeply with different cultures, engage in meaningful service, and reflect on their roles as global citizens. We wish all participants safe travels, open minds, and many valuable learning moments along the way.

All of these experiences – at school and beyond – are a testament to the rich, well-rounded education we strive to provide. Our staff continue to work hard to create engaging and supportive learning environments, and our students continue to meet challenges with enthusiasm, creativity, and care for others.

To our families, thank you for your ongoing support, whether through attending our parent/ teacher/student conferences, knock out sports, communicating with teachers, or encouraging your children in their learning. Your partnership is vital to the success of our school.

in the service-learning programs, we look forward to hearing your stories and reflections when you return.

As we head into the break, I encourage everyone to rest, recharge, and stay safe. For those travelling, especially those involved

I wish you all a safe and restful break and look forward to welcoming everyone back next term as we enter the final chapter of 2025!

Looking ahead, we have even more exciting opportunities planned for next term, and I encourage all students to stay involved, stay curious, and continue to aim high.

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Scan the QR code for more razzle dazzle from Chicago: Teen Edition

THE STEEPLE, UNITY COLLEGE

31 JULY - 2 AUGUST 2025

BY ARRANGEMENT WITH ORiGiN™ THEATRICAL ON BEHALF OF SAMUEL FRENCH, A Concord Theatricals Company

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Senior School

Conflict Resolution Walk a Day in Workshop Someone Else’s Shoes...

Year 11 students were involved in a self-defence and conflict resolution workshop provided by the Academy of Self Defence and Martial Arts.

Student Leader Alexandra White was instrumental in organising and booking these sessions, recognising a need and desire for students to protect themselves from others. Students learned how to recognise and deescalate dangerous situations either verbally or in a non-confrontational manner and had the opportunity to discuss and practice a wide range of physical self-defence strategies. These skills will serve these students well as they begin to engage more independently in an increasingly dangerous world.

A selection of Year 10 students and staff stepped out of their comfort zone and walked in someone else’s shoes, participating in the Schools Rough Sleepout – a fundraising event organised by Baptist Care SA. Students slept rough (and supervised) at the Westcare Centre in Adelaide to learn firsthand about the reality of homelessness.

Funds raised directly support the services and education programs of Westcare Centre, Adelaide.

Heart for Service It is our hope that our students leave Unity at the end of their schooling with hearts that are willing and open to the service of others. In that spirit, Year 11 Stage 1 Spirituality, Religion and Meaning students have been spending some time each week preparing over 70 meals for distribution by the Murray Bridge Community Centre for community members in need. We are so proud of their spirit and service.

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Giddy Up! Scan the QR code for more Rodeo fun from the Middle School Social

Middle School

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Regional Winners

Ag Developments

Going Green Year 3 and 4 students have formed the Junior School Going Green Team. Each week, they collect the recycling bins from around the Junior School and take them to the Junior School Ag Shed, where they utalise the new sorting table to ensure the paper, cardboard, and containers go to the right place. We commend them on their passion, enthusiasm and work ethic as they work toward a greener future and helping our whole school think about how we can care for our planet. Thank you to the Rural City of Murray Bridge for their assistance with the funding of our recycling and waste education.

Junior School Agriculture students were excited to show off the program’s facilities to Sacha and Audrey from the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation and Melanie from Costa Group AU, who have generously partnered together to contribute funding for Unity’s Junior School Agriculture Program development.

The funds have been shared across several enterprises, including the Harvest Hut, vegetable production, cooking classes, relocation of our Chubby Chicken production, sustainability education and a new home for our beloved Junior School chooks. We are proud of how the Junior School Agriculture Program is developing, the skills it grows in our students and the ownership and pride they have taken of the facilities and projects. Watch this space… there are exciting things to come!

Congratulations to ‘The Beef Cakes’ – the Year 5 Cows Create Careers team consisting of Eliza McBride, Lilly Stephen and Amirah Galbraith – who won the Junior Section for the Murray Bridge region. ‘The Beef Cakes’ explored the health benefits of dairy and created a milk carton model to present their findings as part of the program, showing a great degree of enthusiasm and creativity.

Have you Visited the Harvest Hut? The Junior School Agriculture program is rapidly growing this year, with new facilities and programs being developed for our Junior School students. One of these initiatives is the Harvest Hut, where students sell fresh produce (grown by students on both campuses), propagated plants and bags of Chubby Chicken feed. The Harvest Hut is available to visit every second Thursday morning on the Junior School with all proceeds going towards supporting the continuing growth of the Agriculture program and resources.

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Junior School

Challenges Inspire Technological Change

As part of their unit of Inquiry into Where We Are in Place and Time – Year 2 students visited the Birdwood Motor Museum. Students inquired into how technology has changed with a focus on the Central Idea: Challenges Inspire Technological Change. They engaged in a workshop looking at Hawker Vans and how these were used in the ‘olden days’ to acquire their goods.

They explored the museum and looked at how cars, bikes and other types of transport have evolved and changed over time.

Game. Set. Match Year 3 students enjoyed a day of Hot Shots Tennis at Christian Reserve. Highlights included: + “The dance battle when we got to dance while playing tennis.” Pippa + “I learnt that if we hit the ball into the net, the other team got a point.” Levi Horn + “Playing tennis while we listened to music.” Emma + “It was a lot of fun playing tennis.”

Arin + “I had fun playing against other people.” Jock

Bike Day

Snow may have been forecast in some parts of South Australia, but it would take more than that to stop our Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 students as they jumped on their bikes for another Bike Day, ripping around the Junior School racetrack.

There was even a Maintenance Bay staffed capably by Mr Harrison and his helpers.

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Scan the QR code for more magic from The Discoverers: An Underwater Adventure

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Beef Cattle Junior Handler + Reserve Champion: Harrison Brumfield + Grand Champion: Ollie Matthews Beef Cattle Senior Judging + Reserve Champion: Taya Bormann + Grand Champion: Andrew Carn

Inspire

Beef Cattle Junior Judging + Reserve Champion: Addison Marshall + Grand Champion: Nicholas Gates Led Wether Goats Senior Handler

Unity Agriculture Livestock Show

+ Reserve Champion: Abby Sanders + Grand Champion: Arabella Milne

The Livestock teams fine tuned their skills at the annual Unity Agricultural Livestock Show in readiness for the main event - the Royal Adelaide Show.

+ Reserve Champion: Hamish Frahn + Grand Champion: Emily Sanders

Thank you to the breeders, sponsors and guest judges/presenters for your support of a marvelous event.

RESULTS Dairy Cattle Senior Handler + Reserve Champion: Ella Ireland + Grand Champion: Kaylee Schellen Dairy Cattle Junior Handler + Reserve Champion: Taylor Lienert + Grand Champion: Matilda Mason Dairy Cattle Senior Judging + Reserve Champion: Ella Ireland + Grand Champion: Kaylee Schellen Dairy Cattle Junior Judging + Reserve Champion: Lucy Mason + Grand Champion: Matilda Mason Beef Cattle Senior Handler + Reserve Champion: Daniel Bormann + Grand Champion: Taya Bormann

Led Wether Goats Junior Handler

Led Wether Goats Senior Judging + Reserve Champion: Arabella Milne + Grand Champion: Abby Sanders Led Wether Goats Junior Judging + Reserve Champion: Hamish Frahn + Grand Champion: Josh Zarantonello Merino Wether Senior Handler + Reserve Champion: Bryce Woidt + Grand Champion: Isla Mickan Merino Wether Junior Handler + Reserve Champion: Carly Roberts + Grand Champion: Kallan Woidt Merino Wether Senior Judging + Reserve Champion: Isla Mickan + Grand Champion: Darcy Rich Merino Wether Junior Judging + Reserve Champion: Evan Fulwood + Grand Champion: Nate Oster Best Presented Team (selected by Mr Travis Wiese) + Goat Team

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Royal Adelaide Show 2025 BREEDERS + + + + + + + +

Caithness Charolais Jillangolo Livestock Warrawindi Farms Mason Farms Holsteins Springvale Illawarras Idealview Goats Graeme & Tania Gilbert Lucernbrae Merinos

Scan the QR code for all the action from the Livestock Teams at the Unity Agricultural and Royal Adelaide Shows.

BEEF CATTLE + SAYBB Novice Handler 3rd: Jason Schilling + Jason Schilling was awarded 1st place in his heat of the Paraders Competition

DAIRY CATTLE + Runner-Up: The Jeff Kernich Memorial Trophy Best Presented School + Junior School Handler 3rd place: Matilda Mason

SHEEP + Highly Commended in the Best Presented Schools Competition + 3rd Prize in the Thomas Foods International Prize for Most Meat Value: Unity Team 2 ($1263.63) + 3rd Prize Overall in the School Wether Competition: Unity Team 2 School Fleece Competition + Zone 5 Over 19 Micron Fleece: 1st Place - Unity College exhibiting Lucernbrae Merino Wether

SADA Young Handler Competition + Under 11s: 2nd - Ruby Mason, 4th - Matilda Mason, 5th - Lachlan Lawrence + 12-15 years: 1st - Molly Mason, 3rd - Lucy Mason + 16-18 years: 4th - Kaylee Schellen Illawarra Heifer Judging

Thank you to our 2025/2026 AGRICULTURE SPONSORS

+ 1st in the Illawarra Handlers Competition: Grace Carey

GOATS + Stella Knight was selected to go into the Handlers Competition among 16 other students + 3rd place: Best Presented in Grand Parade + 4th place: ATASA Prize – Most Professional School Show Team

PLATINUM

SILVER

IN KIND MAJOR

IN KIND

BRONZE GOLD Stephen Thiele

Sanders Family River City Auto and Marine

Andrew & Anna Pickering

Wade Mason

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Outdoor Adventures The Year 10 Stage 1 Outdoor Education class headed off to Mount Remarkable National Park for their bush walking expedition.

Carrying all their food, clothes, and camping gear in their packs, they hiked from one campsite to the next in some challenging conditions. Students showed great teamwork, persistence, and maturity throughout the camp, coming away with some valuable experiences, stronger connections with each other, and a better appreciation for the natural environment.

The Year 11 Stage 2 Outdoor Education class travelled to Mount Arapiles in Victoria – one of Australia’s best known climbing locations – for their rock-climbing expedition. Students developed their climbing skills and put their classroom learning into practice by setting up and using top ropes which for many was a step up from their previous climbing experiences and really pushed them to grow in both confidence and ability.

die Schultüte The Reception students have been VERY enthusiastic and excited to learn about die Schultüte and the first day of school tradition for children in Germany with Frau Gierus. Die Schultüte, or school cone, is filled with sweet treats and stationery items to begin their

school adventure, and they are presented to students at home, or at school. We focused on thinking about similarities and differences with the children in Germany.

As part of this topic we get a class photograph, just as they do in Germany. PRIMA Reception students, you have done fabulous learning!

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Learning through Experiences HOLOCAUST SURVIVORS Year 10 History students visited the South Australian Holocaust Museum to further their learning of people's experiences in WW2. They had the privilege of speaking over Zoom with Holocaust Survivor Andrew Steiner - who founded the Museum - with the purpose of telling the stories of the Holocaust, educating and inspiring South Australians to stand up against antisemitism and racism, and actively contribute to a fairer, more just and compassionate world.

KOOL TOURS Ngarrindjeri man Mark Koolmatrie, founder and owner of Kool Tours, presented ‘Rights of Aboriginal People’, or lack of, to the Year 10 Historians within their topic Building Modern Australia. Mark “shared the story of his family” and their experience, revealing tragic events that occurred but also recognition of Indigenous heroes, the importance of truth telling and his positive attitude towards moving forward in our wonderful country.

Bell Shakespeare Year 10 English students studied Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet and, joined by the Year 9s, watched the Bell Shakespeare Company’s action-packed live retelling. The play, a rollercoaster ride of passion and violence, was interwoven with modern commentary. The interactive performance kept teachers (thanks Mr Watkins as the Prince) and students on their toes as we journeyed through the characters’ motivations, explored themes and understood Shakespeare’s choice of language.

Learn Poetry in Action

The dynamic Sydney based Poetry in Action performers toured the country, and visited Unity College.

Year 8 and 9 English students dived into the words of Wilfred Owen’s poetry, discovering the realities of World War One, while Year 10 and 11s explored how the language of Malala Yousafzai, Midnight Oil, Charlie Chaplin (and many more!) can be used to spark change in a world. We hope the performances inspired students to be creative and can’t wait to share their poetry with you later in the year.

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ありがとう！ Students from our Sister School, Chuo Suginami High School in Tokyo, visited Unity College at the beginning of Term 3.

The students shared in a range of experiences, visiting Cleland Wildlife Park, Victor Harbor and Hahndorf. They created artwork and origami, designed 3D JapaneseAustralian mascots, learned how to play football and netball, watched the musical dress rehearsal, taught Japanese students about their culture and language, washed the goats in Ag class, started a crosscultural artwork with our Areyonga students, and learned about all things Australia – animals, people, history, food and more. After an action packed two weeks, we farewelled them with a traditional Aussie BBQ.

Amazing Dads We celebrated our ELC and Junior School students amazing Dad's and Special Friends with an egg and bacon breakfast (complete with front end loader photo booth).

"A father's love is forever imprinted on his child's heart" Jennifer Williamson

Scan the QR code for highlights from the 2025 Chusugi Exchange.

We are very thankful for the 17 host families who supported them, the Senior School buddy students and the staff who shared their valuable time and expertise to welcome them to our college.

We look forward to visiting them next year with our outbound Japanese students on our first spring season tour! If you’re still interested there are some alternate spots remaining if changes occur.

Contact the exchange coordinator Mr Graeme Watkins (gwatkins@ unitycollege.sa.edu.au) for more.

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Colour Fun In an explosion of colour, the Colour Run finally came to the Middle Senior Campus in Term 3. Colour Week saw Year 6 - 12 students engage in a week of activities and learning to raise awareness of domestic violence. Each day focused on a colour (Monday Red, Tuesday - Yellow, Wednesday - Green, Thursday - Blue) and on Friday the Colour Run made its long-awaited debut. It was a sensational afternoon of community and fun and we thank the Student Leadership Teams for their passion and organisation of this fantastic event.

Governor's Reception Student Leaders Olivia McDonald and Bethany Calnan (Year 12) attended the 2025 Governor’s Reception at Government House in September. The reception provides an opportunity for the Governor of South Australia, Her Excellency the Honourable Ms Frances Adamson, to meet young South Australians, and for students to visit Government House.

Care

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ELC Update In Term 3, the ELC has been engaged in the central theme How The World Works as part of our Unit of Inquiry. Through the guiding question “What lives in the garden?”, the children have been developing their understanding of living things and their environments. Their explorations have included learning about minibeasts, the lifecycle of plants and the interconnectedness of people, animals and plants.

Engage

A highlight of this unit has been the creation of ‘grass heads’ which was a hands-on activity that encourages children to learn about plant growth while developing a sense of responsibility. As part of our literacy sessions, we introduced the term ‘Botanist’ to describe the role of caring for and watering the plants daily. We look forward to observing the progress of our growing grass heads!

It has been a wonderful term as we’ve continued to learn, grow and explore together. We have enjoyed seeing the curiosity, creativity and care shown by our children, and we look forward to even more exciting learning experiences ahead.

We were also delighted to welcome families for a special Dad’s Breakfast. The children enjoyed quality time with their dads over some treats, creating meaningful memories together.

Another full and varied term for our Areyonga students. Along with classroom learning in Ag, Wood, Food, PE, Music, Science, Maths, English and HASS other highlights included:

We also took time to acknowledge our dedicated educators on Educator’s Day. The children expressed their appreciation by creating beautiful portraits of each educator and sharing them with our team.

+ Football for the fellas who played finals in U13 and U15 and Jess – who played football for the Mount Barker Roos and played in the Grand Final + Louie and Denzel continued to thrive in the VET space + Latina worked hard on her fire pit project + Planning for the Cairns trip is well underway with Louie H + The fellas returned at the beginning of the term to a new kitchen and painted house + The term ended with a dinner and Red Dust planning by the river.

We’re thrilled to announce that our ELC is expanding! Construction has commenced on a brand-new learning space, with completion expected in early 2026. Additionally, we are enhancing our outdoor area with the installation of new soft fall surfacing. This improvement will support a range of experiences including mat-time activities, lunch time picnics, and obstacle courses, fostering both fun and learning in a safe environment.

Areyonga Update

Our Areyonga students are now looking forward to other Unity students joining them in community for the 2025 Areyonga Service Trip.

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Strength In Unity RACE 3: 8 HOUR EVENT, THE BEND For the first time this season, all five bikes took to the track together for an 8-hour endurance race. + Minnie Mouse maintained its podium streak with another 3rd place finish (All Female Category) + Bunyip finished 16th + Road Runner placed 26th + Sylvester came 48th Scan the QR code for highlights from the Murray Bridge 24hr Pedal Prix event.

RACE 4: 24 HOUR EVENT, MURRAY BRIDGE A strong finish to the season at the Murray Bridge 24hr event, with some great results from all bikes.

Thank you to the staff, families, volunteers, sponsors and supporters for a huge effort to get the team and bikes on the track (and keep them there for 24 hours)! And to our superstar students – congratulations on a great season – we are so proud of you! + Abby Sanders (Year 9 – Minnie Mouse) who was one of three female riders to qualify for the Schools Shootout, finishing as second fastest female in the top 12. + Minnie Mouse – 3rd (Open Girls) and finished the series 2nd overall! + Bunyip – 22nd (Seniors 3) + Road Runner - 17th (Seniors 2) + Sylvester – 45th (Seniors 3)

Thank you to our

PEDAL PRIX SPONSORS MAJOR

SILVER

BRONZE

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11/12 BASKETBALL (BOYS) - ROUND 1

Sporting Highlights

Involve

5/6 NETBALL - ROUND 2 Zoe Cartwright, Estelle Mason, Lara Rowe, Sophie Rowe (5) Indy Braun, Madison Hearne, Emily Kennett, Matilda Mason, Audrey O'Brien, Ava Poole (6) Kaylee Schellen - Umpire (11) 7/8 NETBALL - FINALS Savannah Downs, Milla Smith (7), Madison Burgemeister, Airlie Clayson, Indii Garrett, Macey Jacobs, Stella Knight, Lucy Mason, Logan Morrell, Sadie Vowles (8) 7/8 FOOTBALL (BOYS) - ROUND 1 Harrison Brumfield, Chol Chol, Lochie Cole, Nate Edson, Kaiden Gates, Zavier Leckie, Ollie Matthewson, Oscar McGorman, Callum Oster, Cephei Van Eyk, Adriaan Van Niekerk, Charlie Woidt (7) Noah Dewhirst, Izak Eletheriou, Sebatiaan Erasmus, Chace Fiegert, Jake Hartwig, William Hollis, Joshua Johnson, Heston Schulz, Philip Talbot, Tennakoon Mudiyanselage, Jett Wiese, Charlie Williams (8) Toby Hollis, Lucas Piggott - Coach (10) 7-8 FOOTBALL (GIRLS) - ROUND 1 Chloe White (6) Savannah Downs, Piper Drechsler, Ella-Beth Duffield, Jade Piggott, Charlotte Smith, Sophia White (7) Anna Cole, Indii Garrett, Stella Knight, Sadie Vowles (8) Ariah Broadbent, Leah Durham, Tiana Hartwig, Indigo Hincks, Evelyn Leske, Talia McCabe, Arabella Milne, Sadie Nankivell, Zoii Oliver, Ruby Pfeiffer, Abby Sanders, Hannah Trish (9)

9/10 FOOTBALL - CHAMPIONS

Henry Blatchford, Matthew Brumby, Archie Elliott, Riley Gladigau, Jai Williss (9) Tyrone Beincke, Nate Bonson, Deng Chol, Patrick Driffen, Ethan Fiegert, Aiden Franke, Chad Freund, Riley Hay, Toby Hollis, Thomas Holmes, William McBride, Ryley Neumann, Xavier O'Brien, Archie Patterson, Lucas Piggott, Max Reljich (10) Tyler White, Noah Wiese - Coach (11) Helayna White, Toby Phillips - Boundry Umpire (9 & 10) Taj Garrett - Runner (11) 9/10 BASKETBALL (BOYS) Koen Wilson (9) Deng Chol, Ethan Fiegert, Aiden Franke, Riley Hay, Ryley Neumann, Xavier O'Brien, Max Reljich, Riley Robertson (10) 9/10 BASKETBALL (GIRLS) Indigo Hincks, Sadie Nankivell, Ruby Pfeiffer (9) Maddison Gum, Yasmin Harrowfield, Lenni Hincks, Zoe Michalik, Zoe Zadow (10)

Jorge Barnes, Roclin Bates, Taj Garrett, Evan Clarke (11) Andrew Carn, Mitchell Hincks, Jacob Neumann, Campbell Schubert, Jordan Small, Rylie Stephenson (12) 11/12 BASKETBALL (GIRLS) - ROUND 1 Lexie Buick (11) Gemma Cocks, Layla Hearne, Jessica Kerr, Alice Laube, Millicent Manning, Erin Poulish, Yen-Yen To (12) 11/12 NETBALL - PROGRESSED TO ROUND 3 Porsha Marchetti (11) Gemma Cocks, Abby Harrowfield, Layla Hearne, Kaitlyn Jaensch, Jessica Kerr, Millicent Manning, Erin Poulish, Isabella Roberts, Yen-Yen To (12) Zoe Michalik - Umpire (10) SAPSASA REPRESENTATIVES + Athletics: Frederick Scammell, Louella May, Ruby Mason (4) McKenzie Fatchen, Sixten Fischer, Cooper Hincks (6) + Soccer: Lachlan Van Holten (4) Isiah Cameron (5) Brooklyn Girdler, Cooper Hincks, Jameson James, Tyson Van Holten (6) MURRAYLANDS DISTRICT ATHLETICS DAY - CHAMPIONS

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Scan the QR code for more magic from 2025 Book Week: Book an Adventure

Book Week

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Areyonga Unity student Jessica Woods (Year 11) was invited to be on a panel of speakers at an anniversary event workshop in Melbourne, hosted by the National Indigenous Youth Education Coalition (NIYEC). Jessica has shown her leadership potential at Unity, in her community, and with her involvement in the NIYEC Youth Design Group, helping to create a Student Congress to connect Indigenous youth across Australia.

We are proud of Jess’ determination to speak up about the importance of Indigenous young people having a voice in helping shape the future of their education. [1 & 2]

1 RMNA PRESENTATIONS + Intermediate 1 Best & Fairest: Lenni Hincks (Year 10) + Intermediate 1 Runner-Up Best & Fairest: Lara Franke (Year 10) + Intermediate 3 Best & Fairest: Anna Cole (Year 8) + 2025 Rhiannon Wait Emerging Umpire Award: Zoe Michalik (Year 10) [3]

RMFL PRESENTATIONS + Riley Robertson (Year 10) – RMFL U15.5 Leading Goal Kicker with 63 goals Congratulations to the following students who played in SANFL Grand Finals this year [4]:

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+ U16: Chad Freund (Year 10) – West Adelaide + U18: Sam White (Year 12), Taj Garrett (Year 11) – Sturt and Logan McCabe (Year 12) – West Adelaide Photo: Sam White and Taj Garrett who played in the winning Sturt team via Sturt Football Club Facebook.

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Wyatt Gallasch (Year 8) completed his AMEB Piano Grade 3 Exam, receiving an A+ (High Distinction).

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Student Achievements

Levi (Year 4) and Oscar (Year 6) Chamberlain attended the Junior Australian 8-Ball Championships in Perth in January this year, competing in the U12s (Levi representing SA and Oscar NSW).

More recently, they both competed in the South Australian State Titles where Levi won the U12 competition to be named State Champion and Oscar finished 4th in the U15s.

Levi will now head to Gladstone, QLD in January 2026 to compete in the 2026 Junior Australian Championships.[5 & 6] Helayna White (Year 9) was selected in the U15 State Women’s Football team that played in Queensland in July. [7]

Taj Garrett (Year 11) was selected in the 2025 Marsh AFL National Development Championships U16 Boys All Australian Team. Across the three games of the Championship, Taj averaged 27.7 disposals, 4.7 clearances and 13 contested possessions per match, and has been credited with having a ‘prolific’ effect on the game, largely due to his endless running capacity and ‘high footy IQ’. [8] Eli Hollis (Year 11) has been selected to participate in Geography’s Big Week Out in Canberra and Jindabyne – an

6 all expenses paid field trip in the October school holidays. Eli was selected after coming first in the Australian Geography Competition for South Australia. Geography’s Big Week Out is a mix of stimulating and hands-on geography activities, focusing on fieldwork, designed to challenge and extend highperforming senior students.

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7 Ella Gierus-Heintze (Year 11) and Ebony Francis (Year 12) completed their Comdance Classical Ballet SubElementary Examinination in August and attended the presentation ceremony at Brighton High School.

The girls have been taking ballet exams together since 2014 and dance for Unlimited Feet Performing Art Studio, Murray Bridge. [9]

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CONCORDIA KINDERGARTEN TURNS 50!

Concordia Kindy held a two-part special event to celebrate 50 years of service in the Murraylands.

A church service at Holy Cross Lutheran Church was followed by a party at the kindy, with cake, face painting, food, party bags, coffee van, memorabilia and a range of party themed activities for the children. During the service Mrs Faye’s years of service was acknowledged and afterwards, our Director, Mrs Carrie Gallasch, cut the ribbon to officially open the recently renovated outdoor learning space. Thank you to the kindy and Lutheran community – past and present – for supporting this special milestone!

WHAT HAS THE CONCORDIA BIBLE GIVING KINDY PROGRAM BEEN Mid-year children received a special ABOUT THIS TERM? Bible kindly donated by members We have been focusing on our concept of ‘How do I care?’ with a strong emphasis on Creation and the elements of the world around us.

The children have learned about sustainability and the human impact of rubbish, especially in animal habitats. Lots of our stories at kindy had a theme around helping and ‘caring for country’ and how can we do this in our environments. The children also received an award when staff recognised children’s efforts in this space; caring for themselves, one another and the environment/kindy. The children also learned about body safety and safe/unsafe situations and people we can trust and who also keep us safe. We were excited to share this learning with the wider community through our Murray Bridge Show display at the end of term.

UNITY BUDDIES Our big buddies from Unity visited Concordia to engage in some science-based activities, followed be a visit to the nature block on the Unity Junior Campus where they made a collaborative nature collage.

of the Murray Valley Lutheran Community.

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Concordia Kindy

DAD’S NIGHT

Celebrating our special dads with a ‘Rock n Roll’ themed experience night. The children played games with their dads (or special person) including mini golf and used hot glue guns to design some ‘dad rocks’ craft.

BOOK AN ADVENTURE Book Week included many special literacy-based activities, a PJ day and a dress up day.

LITERACY LEARNING We have promoted storytelling and book skills. Creating their own books was a way for children to express their imagination and creativity.

Writing words and drawing pictures gave them a sense of achievement.

We have also enjoyed welcoming parents/grandparents reading to children as part of the Kindy’s Family Connections Program.

STEM LEARNING Science Week was a hit with our young scientists exploring, experimenting, and discovering the world around them with curiosity and joy. We practiced asking questions like “what do you think will happen?” “Why did that happen”? The curiosity was endless.

Photo via SANFL

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1 WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

UCOS Update

Tom Lewis (UCOS 2017) had an impressive year playing for the Sturt Football Club in the SANFL – culminating in winning the 2025 Magarey Medal with a convincing 33 votes and being part of Sturt’s 2025 SANFL Premiership winning team.

[1] Tom was also named: + Vice-Captain of The Advertiser SANFL Team of the Year + The R.O Shearman Medal winner (voted by SANFL coaches) + The Advertiser Player of the Year + The SANFL Player of the Year.

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Photo via Facebook

Molly Bretag (UCOS 2021) competed at the SACTA ISSF State titles 2025 winning a bronze medal and winning the Overall Ladies at the State ISSF Championships.

Another amazing achievement from our shooting superstar! [2] Ally Wilson (UCOS 2011) has had an amazing 12 months! On-court achievements include:

+ Named in the WNBL First Team Allstar 5 (the best 5 players in the league) + Perth Lynx 2025 MVP, + Opals 2025 squad invite + WNBA Chicago Sky squad invite + Named as 3x3 Asia Cup MVP (2024 & 2025) + Member of the Seven Consulting Opals first-ever Asia Cup gold medal in July at the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup in China.

Off-court, Ally was announced as working with the Indigenous Leadership Program as a She Hoops Ambassador (commencing in Canberra on 1 October). She Hoops partnered with the Aboriginal Basketball Academy in 2024 to launch the Indigenous Leadership Program with a curriculum tailored for Indigenous girls aged between 14-17. [3]

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Photo via CODE Sports

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WEDDINGS Chelsea (nee Budarick) (UCOS 2011) and David Pretorius (UCOS 2011) were married on 8 October 2024 – the 14th anniversary of their first date! [4]

ENGAGEMENTS Jaidyn Willis (UCOS 2021) announced his engagement to Montana How. Kate Willis (UCOS 2018) and Jaxon Craggs (UCOS 2018) announced their engagement.

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Nikita Grosser (UCOS 2016) announced her engagement to Dean Rossiter.

BIRTHS Chantelle Monjean (UCOS 2013) and Alec Millard (UCOS 2013) welcomed Winslie Opal on 28 July 2025. [5] Bre-arne Charlesworth (nee Monjean) (UCOS 2010) and Chris welcomed Isabella Rose on 24 March 2025. [6] Kate (nee Bond) (UCOS 2018) and Danuel Skinner welcomed Angus Adwin on 24 July 2025.

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Unity College Old Scholars held the first Sporting Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony in five years and were joined by an inspiring crew of Unity College Old Scholars who have excelled in their sport of choice and were inducted into the Unity College Sporting Hall of Fame. Congratulations to Madison Fielke (UCOS 2018) Surf Rowing, Molly Bretag (UCOS 2021) - Shooting and Nikita Grosser (UCOS 2016) - Goalball on their induction and to James McRae (UCOS 2004) - Rowing and Chad Wingard (UCOS 2011) - AFL who were recognised as Legends of the Sporting Hall of Fame. We laughed, reminisced and were inspired but most of all we were proud. We are so proud of our Old Scholars and what they have been doing in their worlds since leaving the safety and predictability of the everyday at school. They have been courageous and followed their dreams. They have worked hard and experienced ups and downs and have come through on top. Thank you to everyone who attended this special event and to our previous inductees - Hugh Stevens, Jo Carman, Simon Pietsch and Alex Bolt (via dad Andrew) who gave us an update on their journey. A true reflection of the depth of sporting talent that continues to emerge from the Murraylands and that once you are a part of Unity College - you are always a part of Unity College.

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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