This issue
- Principal’s Message
- Important Dates
- Finance Information
- Meet the Teacher Parent Night & AGM 16 February
- Parent Information Night 4 March
- Tuesday Tutoring
- Change of Contact Details
- Year 10 Immunisations
- Library Update
- Service Club Fundraising Results
- Enrichment Introduction
- Pathways Information
- Host a Student from the UK
- Year 12 Seminar Day
- Brains or Bots?
- Order from Chaos
- Activities Day 1500m
- Supporting Your Child’s Wellbeing at School
- Think U Know Cyber Safety Parent/Carer Presentations
- Free Home Internet Access Program
Principal’s Message
Welcome to the ASMS in 2026. It’s been a great start, getting to know our new students and reconnecting with our existing students.
Congratulations to the class of 2025!
We are very proud of their efforts and achievements; they have successfully moved on to a range of careers and tertiary courses. At the ASMS we see these successes as one part of the students’ learning journey:
- 98% of students received their SACE, ASMS’s largest cohort yet.
- 8 students achieved SACE ‘merit’ awards in Activating Identities & Futures (Alycha A, Jess M, Jess T, Lauren T, James W), Research Project (Ben L), Digital Technologies (Amy) and Earth and Environmental Science (Kaden W).
- 91 students were offered entry to a course through SATAC (Maths & Science, Health / Health Sci related, Law/ Criminology, Comp Sci/ ICT, Engineering, Business/ Economics/ Architecture/Arts/Education). This does not include interstate or international offers.
- 90% of our students received an offer to one of their first two preferences.
- 65% of students received an offer to Flinders University, 35% to Adelaide University.
- The highest ATAR achieved by one our students was 98.60 with 16 students receiving an ATAR over 90. Many students will have received adjustment factors from the universities.
Each year some parents and community members ask why we don’t emphasise the ATARs our students receive. One of the many reasons is that we equally value the process of learning and the achievement of students’ individual goals and achievements. Something that comes easily to one, may be a stretch for another and the learning that traverses between the start and finish is different, independent of a score that is not needed for SACE completion and most tertiary course entry. Other reasons are that the pressure of high ATARs at times prevents learning retention, that a high entry ATAR can mean that the course is more popular not actually better, and for some universities only 30% gain their university offer based solely on their ATAR.
Attendance: Student interactions with peers and staff are central to the ASMS approach to learning. Regular attendance is expected for all students across all lessons. This includes our unique Learning Studies program during which students learn about metacognition and active wellbeing, complete Exploring Identities and Futures (EIF) and Activating Identities and Futures (AIF), the child protection curriculum and we host guest speakers and whole school assemblies. Year 12 students are expected to attend Learning Studies and be present for all their study sessions in term 1. From the beginning of Term 2, Year 12 students may apply for Home Study during some of their study sessions at the beginnings and ends of their days. Its approval and continuation throughout the year are contingent on Year 12 students keeping up to date with their subject work and participating in all required school sessions.
If you are unable to attend due to illness or other significant circumstances, please stay in touch with your LSG teacher or a member of the leadership team so that we can work with you on providing the best support.
Curiosity in the Community Week 2026: In Week 3 of Term 2 (11-15 May 2026) Central Studies students (Years 10 & 11) will be participating in Curiosity in the Community (CIC) Week and taking part in one activity for the week. Our aim is to extend STEM learning beyond the confines of the ASMS and into the community, where students can develop their Learner Attributes whilst undertaking meaningful community service with a range of activities on offer including camps, AR/VR with the community, working with local primary schools, work experience, sewing/knitting for charity, and enhancing local biodiversity. If you are involved in a business (ideally STEM related) that could host ASMS students for Work Experience during CIC Week please email Jason Backler (jason.backler@asms.sa.edu.au) with any questions or contact details you have. Preference requests will be sent home to families soon.
Dress Code: To incorporate both WHS and transcultural sensitivity, please note that students’ bodies should be covered from shoulders to legs, including the midriff and upper thighs; a few students haven’t been adhering to this in 2026. Students who come to school inappropriately dressed may be asked to wear clothing to cover themselves, including school-provided lab coats or t-shirts if required. The complete dress code can be found at here; we aim to review this in 2026.
Staffing: In 2026 we welcome:
- Brian Parsons: Senior Leader: Strategic Innovation in Education, Yellow Senior Colour Leader
- Femia Bakuszowski: Senior Leader: Strategic Innovation in Education, Green Senior Colour Leader
- Rogan Tinsley: Senior Leader: Strategic Innovation in Education, Red Senior Colour Leader
- Bailey Love: Central Studies: Brains or Bots, and LSG20
- Martin Gray: Central Studies: Order from Chaos, and LSG16
- Wendy Li: Central Studies: Biodiversity, and LSG14 in Kay Gillett’s absence in term 1
- Hadi Mollamohammadrafie: in ICT Services during Shane Gregory’s absence
We look forward to a great year of learning and seeing growth in every student. I wish you all the best for the year; please introduce yourself as you see me or when you see me at the Meet the Teacher night on 16 February. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
Kylie Eggers,
Principal
Important Dates
| 800m metre race for Activities Day | 10 February, 7:45am for an 8:00am start at Upper Sturt Oval & Pavillion |
| Meet the Teacher Parent Night | 16 February, 5:00pm |
| AGM | 16 February, 6:30pm |
| Activities Day | 17 February |
| Parent Information Night – You don’t know what you don’t know | 4 March, 7:00pm |
| Student Free Day | 6 March |
| International Women’s Day | 8 March |
| Adelaide Cup Public Holiday | 9 March |
| International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination | 21 March |
Finance Information
Results of Parent Poll:
Materials and Services Charges 2026 for The Australian Science & Mathematics School
In November 2025, a Parent Poll was undertaken in accordance with The Education and Children’s Services Act 2019 and the Materials and Services charges Administrative Instructions and Guidelines, regarding the legal collection of the ‘Prescribed Sum’ within the Materials and Services Charge for 2026.
The results of the poll are as follows:
| For | Against | ||
| Poll Results | Year 10 to Year 12 | 155 | 28 |
Invalid 7
The principal has reviewed the Poll results on behalf of the Chief Executive, The Department of Education, and approved the ‘Prescribed Sum’ as listed in the table below for each year level to be the legally recoverable amount for 2026.
| Year level | Approved prescribed sum |
| Year 10 to Year 12 | $915.00 |
School Fees
School fees are charged for all primary and secondary schools but vary according to the individual school’s needs and student priorities.
Governing Council has approved The Australian Science and Mathematics School’s (ASMS) 2026 Materials and Services Charges (school fees) of $915. We at the ASMS understand the financial strains families are facing in the current economic climate; hence school fees remaining the same as 2025. Please note also that the Premier’s Rebate for 2026 is $200, so once applied reduces the fee balance to $715 per student.
In accordance with Department for Education requirement, the Materials and Service charge is due by the end of Term 1, 2026 (10/04/2025).
We endeavour to offer an affordable education of the highest quality and there is a deeply held philosophical commitment at all levels that no child should be denied an education due to a genuine incapacity to pay their children’s school fees. We are committed to keeping additional fees (over and above the school fees) to a minimum wherever possible (e.g Year 12 Formal and excursions).
Payment options
We encourage families to enter into a weekly, fortnightly or monthly direct debit instalment plan at the start of every school year by completing a DDR form and emailing to our Finance Team at finance@asms.sa.edu.au. DDR form can be found here.
School Card
Eligible low-income families who attend a government school can get financial help with school fees through the School Card scheme.
For more information about School Card and how to apply, please visit this website.
Other payment options include:
- By phone on 82015704 or in person at the upstairs reception desk (8:00am to 3:00pm Monday – Friday)
- Direct deposit to the ASMS bank account:
- Australian Science and Mathematics School
- BSB: 035-045 (Westpac – Marion branch)
- Account Number: 169926
- Reference: Invoice number, Family Billing ID code, and/or last name of student
- Via an instalment plan
We strongly encourage families to contact the school’s Finance Officer or Business Manager to discuss options for paying the school fees.
Email: info@asms.sa.edu.au
Phone: +61 8 8201 5686
Meet the Teacher Parent Night & AGM 16 February
On Monday 16 February ASMS families and students will have the opportunity to meet with teachers from 5pm. This will be followed by an informal gathering with all teachers and a casual BBQ at the school from 6pm.
Schedule of the evening:
5.00pm – Year 12 Teachers
5.30pm – Learning Studies teacher in allocated Learning Studies team areas.
6.00pm – Informal gathering with all teachers and a casual BBQ
6.30pm – Governing Council AGM (approx. 30mins); all parents/caregivers are invited to stay for this important event.
We encourage all new and existing parents to attend this “Meet the Teachers” evening. This provides an important opportunity to support your child’s learning at the ASMS.
Please register for this event (and add your dietary requirements) at the link here.
Parent Night – You don’t know what you don’t know! March 4
To support parents and students as they settle into learning in a new and unique school environment, the topic for the evening is ‘You don’t know what you don’t know’, presented by the ASMS and the Governing Council on 4 March 2026 at 7:00pm. All new families are encouraged to attend and learn from parents who are experienced in the learning style and approach of the ASMS.
Register for this event at the link here.
Tuesday Tutoring
Each Tuesday afternoon from 1:30pm to 3:20pm, the ASMS offers a quiet study space in Learning Commons 4 and 5 for students seeking support with schoolwork or to extend their learning.
This free session is supervised by teacher Terry McDevitt and supported by our tutors-previous ASMS graduates who are now studying a range of degrees at university. Our team can provide support across ASMS subjects.
Students from Years 10, 11, and 12 are all welcome. Sessions will begin in Week 3.
We encourage students to take advantage of this opportunity to strengthen their learning in a supportive environment.
Change of Contact Details
If your contact details have changed since last year, please contact the school to let us know.
We will need a proof of residence for a change of address, which could include a phone, gas or electricity account with your name and address on it.
Please send an email with this information to our Student Services Officer, Debbie Smith at info@asms.sa.edu.au
Year 10 Immunisations
The ASMS will be a part of the School Immunisation Program. This includes all Year 10 students having access to the Meningococcal Vaccinations. Consent forms have already been sent home. If you haven’t already returned them, please do as soon as possible. Spare forms can be collected from first floor reception if required.
The first dose will be administered on the 27 May 2026, and the second dose will be on the 30 July 2026 on site at the ASMS.
Library Update
Please find the latest update from the ASMS library at the PDF below.
Service Club Fundraising Results for 2025
The ASMS Service Club was well supported by the school community in 2025. Apart from the usual Activities Day, Biggest Morning Tea and Multicultural Day Lunch fundraisers – there were several other fundraisers organised by smaller student groups. In total the school donated $8075.45 in money and goods during 2025 to 22 different charities. This brings the total amount donated to charity since 2004 to $109,682.47.
Please keep your eye out for opportunities to support the Service Club in 2026.
Deb Smith
ASMS Service Club Coordinator
Enrichment Program for 2026
The Enrichment program at the Australian Science and Mathematics School aims to engage and challenge students by providing access to advanced learning opportunities that link to Central Studies and Year 12 curriculum, enable the development of Learner Attributes and have links to career and pathways. The opportunities promoted at ASMS can take many forms, including workshops, competitions, research projects, mentoring, conferences, exhibitions and more and are generally in the fields of STEM, numeracy, literacy, individual sciences, and digital technologies. The range of opportunities can be found on our school portal and are emailed out to students for specific details.
Enrichment opportunities are something that we as a school really value and believe are crucial for the development of agency in ASMS students. We encourage students to explore the various programs and activities that we offer frequently and take advantage of the valuable experiences that challenge and inspire them. This week as part of Learning Studies students have been exploring their interests and the opportunities that we offer as part of our enrichment program. Students have been and are encouraged to communicate with Nikki, our Enrichment coordinator, via email or in person about opportunities they would like to participate in this year.
Keep an eye out here at info@ASMS so we can celebrate all things Enrichment at the ASMS for 2026.
Pathways Information
Flinders Assessment Centre
One of the many pathway options into university that is available at ASMS. Previously has run in Term 1, however Flinders has changed to run in Term 3. Dates and further details will be confirmed with students when possible.
Typically we have 48 spots for Year 11 students to participate in aptitude testing and practical activities. Based on the assessment students are sorted into Bands, with each Band having access to entry into different courses. SATAC has found that instead of just using their ATAR, 22% of first round offers for 2025 Year 12s were through alternative pathways.
SAPOL Work Experience Program
South Australia Police (SAPOL) is committed to inspiring the next generation of leaders in policing. Discover SAPOL is a four-day work experience program for Year 10–12 students, designed to provide a safe and interactive environment to explore policing careers. Through a Problem-Based Learning approach, students take part in presentations, excursions, hands-on projects, team activities, and group presentations, while building strong connections with peers. For more information, download the PDF below.
Host a Student from the UK
The ASMS is excited to announce we have a homestay opportunity this term!
We are looking forward to welcoming a group of 9 students from Camborne Science & International Academy located in Cornwall, England. We are looking for 9 homestay families to accommodate students from 26 March until 4 April (Easter Saturday).
As a homestay family you will have the opportunity to not only show off the wonderful things that make Australia and South Australia unique, but you will also have the chance to learn about student life in the United Kingdom! Homestay families are not restricted to ASMS families, anyone can be a homestay family so please spread the word and tell your family and friends!
To find out more visit our website here. All family types are eligible to become homestays so get in contact with us now via email international@asms.sa.edu.au or by completing the Homestay Registration of Interest form.
Please note: The visit from Camborne Science & International Academy is part of a reciprocal exchange program so families will not be paid hosting fees.
Please direct any questions to our International Services and Student Programs Manager, Shannon Sellar, Shannon.sellar@asms.sa.edu.au
Year 12 Seminar Day
Year 12 is both an exciting and challenging milestone for students, marking their final year of schooling and the beginning of their transition into adulthood. At ASMS, we recognise that supporting students through this pivotal year involves more than delivering a strong academic program; it also means equipping them with the strategies, information and emotional resilience needed to navigate the demands ahead.
Seminar Day is the first significant event of the Year 12 journey and is designed to acknowledge the unique nature of this final year. Held on Friday 30 January at the Brighton Seacliff Yacht Club, the fully catered, off-site day provided students with opportunities to connect with peers and strengthen important support networks. Sessions were led by the Year 12 teaching team and included an overview of SACE and ATAR, workshops outlining the science and mathematics requirements for Year 12, and guidance on effective study strategies. The day also covered key administrative information and pathways beyond school, including university entry and alternative options.
Although the day concluded earlier than planned due to extreme heat, it was very well received by students. An additional benefit was the opportunity for students to meet the new Science, Mathematics and Technology leaders. All presentation materials will be made available on the Portal for students to revisit and share with parents.
Learning Studies
It has been heartwarming to see our students engaging in the Learning Studies program again, particularly seeing the integration and contribution to our school culture by our new students for 2026. The connections between students and staff formed in the Learning Studies Groups, the Colour Teams and the whole school are evident as we begin our daily programs in Beliefs about Learning, EIF and AIF, Year 12 study programs and the Child Protection Curriculum (CPC).
Our school prepares for a fun and action-packed Activities Day on Tuesday, Week 4. Please note ongoing development this term of the Learning Studies Portal to see how you can assist our students with understanding and participating with our goals of creating a cohesive school culture, developing student agency and learner attributes and becoming comfortable with exploring and presenting their learning in ways that are natural and coherent for them.
Please remember that our wonderful Learning Studies Teachers are your first port of call for concerns or queries, who will direct any particular needs to other support staff and leadership. I look forward to a wonderful 2026 in Learning Studies with our students, colleagues and you!
Richard Greig
Learning Studies Leader
Brains or Bots?
Welcome to our brand-new Central Study, Brains and Bots!
The world is changing rapidly, with technology, including AI already causing significant disruption and raising questions about what the future could (or should) look like for us and what skills and ways of thinking will be needed to thrive as a human. This Central Study has this human-machine interface as the major focus and asks questions such as;
- Humans vs Machines; What are the opportunities and risks?
- What does it mean to be a brain or a bot?
- Is ignorance bliss?
- How can we use technology?
- Why does being human matter?
- Why might manipulating the natural processes solve some problems while creating new ones?
The first module of Brans or Bots allows students to learn about factors that makes us human (some ideas here), especially some key psychological concepts that characterise human thinking and how these are (currently) tricky to see in artificial intelligence. These concepts have included the structure and function of attitudes, the role of stereotypes and biases, and intelligence. We have also explored the impact of developing technologies on student’s career and possible jobs of the future (using the 100 jobs of the future quiz)
These have been some complex topics to introduce at the start of the semester, but we have been very impressed with how students have been collaborating and immersing themselves in their Brains or Bots learning.
Order from Chaos
Welcome to 2026! In Order from Chaos, students have been exploring the world of statistics and how to make meaning out of the chaos of information that we are bombarded with in the daily world. Students are investigating how to think critically and ethically about statistics presented to them in the media with the understanding that the good use of statistics can provide insight into the choices of a population whereas bad statistics can be used to spread misinformation. This then informs the basis of a persuasive speech students are writing where they present a viewpoint using a range of carefully selected literary techniques, using logos like statistics to convince an audience of their opinion.
Moving forward into the second half of Term 1, we will be delving into patterns found in the Periodic table and how this allows scientists to make predictions about the nature of reactivity of elements used in chemical reactions.
Activities Day 1500m
The first event of Activities Day has kicked off! At 8:00 AM, the 1500 m commenced with a solid turnout, despite the pre-school timeslot to beat this relentless summer heat! Students were fantastic, with great energy and some blazingly fast times. The 800 m will commence at a similar time on the February 10.
Supporting Your Child’s Wellbeing at School
Learning Studies Teachers are central to supporting our students with learning and wellbeing support. Your child’s LSG teacher is the best first point of contact when questions or concerns arise. Over time LSG teachers will be able to provide valuable insight into strategies in class and evaluate their progress at school.
We encourage parents and carers to reach out if something at home may be impacting a student’s day, or if you have questions about how your child is travelling at school. Early communication helps us work together to provide the right support at the right time. Strong partnerships between home and school make a meaningful difference to students’ confidence, engagement, and wellbeing.
The ASMS Wellbeing Team is here to support the overall wellbeing of all students at school. Whether they need someone to talk to, strategies to manage stress, support with friendships, or guidance on mental health and personal development, we are available to help. Our goal is to create a safe and inclusive space where students feel heard, supported, and empowered to thrive both academically and personally.
The ASMS Wellbeing for Learning Team is:
- Matt Verdon: Deputy Principal
- Brian Parsons: Senior Colour Leader Yellow
- Lisa Pope: Senior Colour Leader Blue
- Femia Bakuszowski: Senior Colour Leader Green
- Rogan Tinsley: Senior Colour Leader Red
- Frank Morris: Youth Worker
- Sarah Hollinshead: Inclusion & Learning Support Leader
- Jesse Atkinson: Literacy Development Leader
- Richard Greig: Learning Studies Leader
- Deb Smith: Student and Community Services
- Nikki Asikas: Leader of Learner Agency & Enrichment
We also look forward to seeing you in Week 4 – Monday February 16 for our meet the teacher event.
Think U Know Cyber Safety Parent/Carer Presentations
Southern District Police, in partnership with the Australian Federal Police (AFP), will be delivering Think U Know Parent/Carer presentations in 2026. Think U Know is a nationally delivered cyber safety program that supports parents and carers to:
- Understand current online environments and risks faced by children and young people
- Recognise warning signs of online harm
- Learn practical strategies to help keep children safe online
- Know where to access support and report concerns
The presentation is suitable for parents and carers of primary and secondary school-aged children.
Presentation Details
- Audience: Parents and carers (not suitable for children to attend)
- Delivery: In-person sessions
- Locations: Three venues across the Southern Policing District
- Cost: Free
- Bookings: Required via Eventbrite
Bookings will be managed via Eventbrite, with individual registration required for attendance. Please follow the links below to book in these events.
March 12th @ 6pm – Tiwu Kumangka (Blackwood Library and Community Centre)
March 24th @ 6pm – Domain Theatre, Marion Cultural Centre
April 7th @ 6pm – Hopgood Theatre, Noarlunga Centre
Free Home Internet Access Program
Families with school aged children who do not have reliable internet at home can apply for free wireless internet to support learning through the Student Home Internet Program (SHIP).
The program provides internet access to support learning and study at home for eligible students. To learn more about eligibility and how to apply, visit the department’s website.
Need help? Get in touch with ICT
If you are having any issues with the portal, or Daymap, please get in touch with by emailing ict@asms.sa.edu.au.