As we settle into Term 3, I would like to warmly welcome all students, staff and families back to Hallett Cove School. I hope everyone enjoyed a restful mid-year break and has returned refreshed and ready for another busy and rewarding term. Term 3 is always an exciting time across our R–12 school, with learning well underway and a wide range of opportunities for students to connect, participate and showcase their achievements.
We are particularly pleased to welcome our new Mid-Year Reception students and their families to Hallett Cove School. Beginning school is an important milestone, and we look forward to supporting our newest learners as they build friendships, establish routines and become part of our school community. I would also like to acknowledge our staff for the care and preparation that has gone into ensuring a positive start to the term for all students.
Additionally, we welcome Ms Emma Harris to our team, joining our Junior School as our Wellbeing and Inclusion Leader. Ms Michelle Lee has moved into the Assistant Principal – Junior School role. We also welcome Chelsea Packer as our new Health and Physical Education teacher in the Junior School as she covers for Kris Kelly until the end of the year as he enjoys some paternity leave.
Across the holidays and in recent weeks, we have also continued our focus on improving the grounds and facilities across our school. A significant highlight has been the opening of our newly resurfaced basketball courts, providing students with a fantastic new space for sport, recreation and learning. Work is also continuing across a number of areas of the school, with new lawns being established and garden beds planted as part of our ongoing efforts to improve the presentation, usability and amenity of our grounds. With a large R–12 site, these improvements are an ongoing priority, and it has been wonderful to see a number of spaces around the school being progressively refreshed and enhanced for our students, staff and community.
There is plenty happening across the school throughout Term 3. Our Year 12 students have completed their mid-year examinations and are entering an important stage of their final year, while students across the school will participate in a range of camps, excursions, performances, sporting opportunities and community events. Highlights across the term include National Science Week, R–4 Swimming, Book Week and our annual Book Week Parade, the HCS Runway Show, SALA Art Exhibition, R U OK? Day, Parent/Teacher Interviews and our R–12 Colour Run. These experiences are an important part of school life and provide opportunities for students to learn, connect and contribute beyond the classroom.
We also commenced the term with a Pupil Free Day focused on Artificial Intelligence and its growing role in education. Staff explored how emerging technologies can be used thoughtfully and responsibly to enhance teaching, learning and productivity, while also considering the importance of maintaining strong relationships, critical thinking and high-quality learning experiences. As technology continues to evolve, our focus remains firmly on ensuring that the decisions we make support the learning, wellbeing and future success of every student at Hallett Cove School.
Sprout Cooking School
Year 12 Food and Hospitality classes had the privilege of attending an industry masterclass at Sprout Cooking School.
Students created a delicious apple tarte tatin, making their own short crust pastry and caramel from scratch before preparing a delicious Thai green chicken curry, using a fresh green curry paste they made themselves!
Throughout the day, students learnt new skills, techniques and industry tips from professional chefs while experiencing a real-world commercial kitchen environment.
A huge thank you to the Sprout team for providing such an engaging and inspiring learning experience for our students!
Operations Flinders Program – Resilience. Teamwork. Growth.
Recently, a group of our High School boys took part in the incredible Operation Flinders program, stepping well beyond their comfort zones and embracing challenges that tested them physically, emotionally and socially.
Carrying heavy packs, walking long distances, navigating difficult terrain, managing discomfort and working through challenges as a team, the boys demonstrated remarkable perseverance throughout the expedition. Along the way, they experienced many firsts — including sleeping under a hootchie, enduring overnight rain that left them soaked, and then getting up the next morning to continue walking all day in wet conditions.
These were not easy challenges, yet the way the boys continued to support one another, stay positive and keep moving forward spoke volumes about their resilience and character.
We are incredibly proud of the courage, resilience and growth shown by every student involved The girls will get to show their strength and determination in October. Check out the video here
Three Day Bushwalk Adventure
Our Year 10 Outdoor Education class completed an unforgettable 3-day bushwalk adventure, covering an impressive 25km across rugged rocky trails and sandy beaches. Day 2 proved to be the biggest challenge, with students tackling a huge 15km trek through some stunning natural landscapes.
Throughout the experience, students demonstrated incredible respect for the environment, caring for the natural spaces around them and ensuring local wildlife was admired from a distance. They also showed fantastic resilience, particularly those experiencing camping for the very first time!
From campfire marshmallows and memorable moments to a few slips, stumbles and near misses, the trip was filled with laughter, challenge and growth.
A huge thank you to Nick Hekmeijer, Sandy Roach and Scott Heywood for helping bring this incredible experience to life.
Bringing Geography to Life!
Our Year 7 Humanities students have been hard at work creating impressive 3D dioramas as part of their Water & Liveability unit. From Adelaide to Coober Pedy, students explored how water, natural environments, human features and services shape the way we live.
The creativity on display was incredible, with students proudly showcasing their learning through some truly outstanding models. Well done, Year 7!
Mr Leverenz popped in to see our newest and youngest students yesterday for a spot of learning and reading!
Students loved the special visit and enjoyed telling Mr Leverenz everything they’ve been learning and how much they love school.
Mr Leverenz also dropped off their new HCS library bags to fill with books on their Resource Centre visits!
City of Marion – Outdoor Education Class
The Stage 2 Outdoor Education class has continued its partnership with the City of Marion, deepening their understanding of our local environments and the challenges they face
As part of this ongoing collaboration, students recently planted over 60 native species along Waterfall Creek. This marks the fourth consecutive year of working with the City of Marion, and it is inspiring to see the increase in biodiversity each year.
A huge thank you to the City of Marion staff for generously volunteering their time to engage with our Year 12 students, providing valuable hands-on and real-world learning experiences.
Science & Engineering Challenge
A group of Year 9 and 10 students participated in the Science and Engineering Challenge, working in teams to tackle a range of hands-on STEM activities including bridge building, wind turbine design and problem-solving challenges.
Throughout the day, they demonstrated resilience, collaboration and critical thinking while applying the reasoning and problem-solving skills that are so important in science, engineering and mathematics. It was great to see students give each challenge their best effort and approach the day with such positive attitudes.
Novel Inspired Board Games
Mrs Harlow’s Year 8 English class put their creativity and teamwork to the test by designing their own board games inspired by their novel study. Each game was created to reflect the novel’s key themes, characters and ideas, encouraging students to think deeply about the text while applying their understanding in a fun and engaging way.
To finish the project, students swapped games with their classmates and enjoyed playing each other’s creations, celebrating the hard work, imagination and problem-solving that went into every design.
NAIDOC WEEK – First Nations BBQ
During NAIDOC Week we were proud to finish our celebrations with a special First Nations BBQ, led by our Indigenous students.
Students had the opportunity to experience and enjoy a variety of native Australian foods, including emu and kangaroo sausages, freshly made damper, and a selection of native fruits, herbs and vegetation. It was a wonderful opportunity to share culture, spark conversations and celebrate the rich knowledge, traditions and flavours of the world’s oldest continuing culture.
A huge thank you to our First Nations students for leading this experience and helping our school community connect, learn and celebrate together.
Happy 100 days of school!
It feels like only yesterday our Receptions stepped into the classroom for the first time with plenty of excitement and a few nerves but look at them now – 100 days smarter, stronger and braver!
They celebrated all the amazing things they have accomplished, from mastering new skills to making new friends! Here’s to every challenged faced, every lesson learned and every milestone achieved! Keep on growing little ones!
Elle goes to Parliament House
We are incredibly proud of one of our amazing Year 12 students, Elle, who has recently taken her advocacy all the way to Parliament!
As a member of the Onkaparinga Youth Council, Elle worked alongside a group of passionate young people to develop the Health Literacy Empowerment Bill — an initiative aimed at improving health outcomes for South Australians, alleviating pressure on the SA health system, increasing awareness of available health services, and building the confidence and knowledge of South Australians in medical advocacy and their medical rights.
After being invited by the Governor of South Australia to speak about the Bill in Parliament, Elle and the group were then invited to Government House to continue the conversation. The Governor praised the group for their passion, initiative and the importance of the Bill. Elle was particularly excited that she got to sit in the same chair as the late, great Queen Elizabeth II!
Elle is passionate about youth medical rights and advocacy and wants other young people to know:
“It’s important to stand up for yourself and what you believe in, no matter what age you are. Everyone calls us the leaders of tomorrow, but what about today?”
We couldn’t agree more.
Elle is an inspiring example of the impact young people can have when they use their voices, stand up for what they believe in and take action to create positive change in their community. We are so proud of you, Elle!
Hallett Cove Huskies – Take out the Tournament!
The Hallett Cove Huskies finished Term 2 on a high, competing in the Week 9 end-of-term tournament! The team performed exceptionally well, finishing with only one loss and taking out the tournament!
It has been fantastic to see this group grow into a cohesive and supportive team throughout the term. Students have demonstrated significant development in their skating ability, game awareness, leadership, communication and teamwork. Their willingness to encourage one another and work together has been a real highlight.
We are excited to see What the remainder of the year brings for this talented group! Watch out Mighty Ducks!
Volleyball Core Values
Building stronger players and even stronger teams!
This term our Year 7 Volleyballers took part in inspiring Core Values sessions led by our Year 10 Volleyball class.
Together, students unpacked two key core values, exploring what they mean, why they matter both at training and during games, and practical ways to put them into action.
Learning came to life through fun, purpose-driven activities including Find the Missing Ball, Longest Cup Stretch, The Wheel of Courage and Numbered Setting Balls — all designed to build confidence, teamwork and resilience.
These sessions are about more than just volleyball skills. They help students grow in confidence, overcome challenges through group support, and understand the power of working together towards a common goal.
As the saying goes: “Everything you do affects the team.”
Girls Volleyball – Came 3rd in the State
Hallett Cove School Year 9/10 Girls Volleyball Team competed against the best schools in the state in the School Sport SA Statewide Finals.
After playing Heathfield and Concordia in their pool and finishing second, they played Brighton in the cross over. They played strong games to get through to the cross over, beating Concordia, but were unable to get the win over Brighton. They went on to play Kildare College in a strong game winning by only 5 points overall.
Congratulations to our team and coach for finishing 3rd in the State!
HCS Girls Statewide AFL Competition
Our Year 7-9 Girls competed in Round 1 of the Statewide Knockout AFL competition!
In their first game against Aberfoyle Park High School, the girls had a shaky start but soon found their stride, securing the win in the final quarter of a late goal!
In their second game, the girls faced a strong Reynella East College side. They showed plenty of grit and determination, playing tough and kicking some impressive goals! Unfortunately, they fell short of the win and did not progress to the next round. A fantastic effort from all the girls, who should be commended for their determination and team spirit!
HCS Boys take on Knockout AFL
A group of Year 7/8 Hallett Cove boys went to Aberfoyle Park High School and Seaford High School for a Knockout AFL day competition.
Our boys entered with a variety of skill levels, including some boys playing their first ever game of footy. Unfortunately, our boys won’t be going through to the next round, but let’s congratulate them for taking on the game with enthusiasm and energy!
Phone Policy and Yondr Pouches
Thank you to all of our students and families for their support with implementing the South Australian Government ban on mobile phones in schools in 2023.
The use of Yondr pouches at Hallett Cove School made an immediate impact on phone use and students are happily engaging in learning, during class and at break times.
Your ongoing support with encouraging your child to follow our phone policy is appreciated.
Hallett Cove School aims to take advantage of the reach and instantaneous nature of social media to communicate with our families.
Social Media
We have long had a regularly updated Facebook page and last year we added Instagram to our media presence. Links to all our pages are included at the bottom of this page.
Along with our main page, we have also created two additional Facebook pages for particular audience members of our community:
- Hallett Cove Career Pathways: To keep parents and students informed of career information and opportunities through Hallett Cove School.
- Hallett Cove School Community Announcements: To keep parents, students and the wider community informed about education sessions and educational opportunities, to raise public awareness around the current trends in society and provide information about upcoming events and opportunities.
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Kiss and Drop Areas
When dropping off/picking up your child(ren), please remember that the middle lane (Gledsdale Road Kiss and Drop) and right lane (Sanderson Road Kiss and Drop) should not be used as a waiting/parking lane.
Local councils are often out and about at schools ensuring the community use these spaces safely.
Parents and Friends
Hallett Cove School values the contribution of our community and we encourage any of our parents and friend to consider joining the Parents and Friends Group (P&F) in 2024.
The P&F support key functions in the school. Recently, our P&F have held a Sports Day stall, Harmony Day stall, Fun Run and parents are assisting in managing our Street Libraries (outside the Vegetable Garden and Early Years Centre).
Please email info@hcs.sa.edu.au if you are interested in joining P&F and the school will put you in contact with our P&F representative and our Volunteer Coordinator.
SchoolTV
Hallett Cove School is pleased to provide SchoolTV to our community. SchoolTV is an all-in-one resource for the community aimed to offer parents a fresh approach to the concerns and pressures faced by Australian children.
SchoolTV is a unique online resource delivering powerful and credible information to empower parents with the skills to address these concerns and raise happy, well and resilient children.
You can access the bank of SchoolTV resources via our website
Feedback and Suggestions
As always, should you have any feedback or suggestions on how we can continue to further the quality of experience we offer our community, I welcome your contact via email, phone or in person.
Yours Sincerely,
Tony Hall
Principal
