This issue
- Principal’s Message
- Important Dates
- Materials and Services Charge
- Enrichment News
- Open Night
- Curiosity in the Community Week
- Reconciliation Week
- Body in Question
- Communication Systems
- Learning Studies
- Year 12 Biology
- Service Club News
- Pathways – Workplace Learning, Open Days & Employment Expo
- Posh vs Pirates Day
- Wellbeing Update
- Library News
Principal’s Message
Semester 2 Starts Monday 23 June
As we approach the midpoint of the academic year, we anticipate the changeover to Semester 2, starting Monday, 23 June. The reason we do this at this time of the year is to ensure each semester has an equal amount of learning time over the year. This means new classes and new teachers for Year 10/11 Central Studies students.
X and Why? – New Central Study of Electives
In Semester 2 we are thrilled to introduce X and Why?, our new Central Study of electives, designed to accommodate a wide range of student interests and requests e.g. smart money, sports nutrition, archaeology and the future of physics. This innovative program aims to provide a diverse selection of short courses, ensuring that every student can find topics that align with their passions and academic goals.
Directions to the Engagement and Enrichment Portal Page
Accessing the Engagement and Enrichment portal page is a great way to find out about the opportunities available to our students. Simply visit the school’s portal page, use the extracurricular button at the top to navigate to the area of interest and then explore a wealth of resources and opportunities designed to enhance students’ educational journey. We keep archived experiences in the same section so that students can anticipate what might be coming up later in the year.
New Format of the Newsletter – Do You Like It?
We are excited to unveil the new format of our newsletter, designed with your requests in mind. Our goal is to provide a more engaging and user-friendly experience, with streamlined content and a more navigable approach. We would love to hear your feedback! Please let us know if you find the new format helpful and if there are any additional features you would like to see in future editions using the survey found here.
Applications for ASMS 2026
Do you know someone who might be interested in joining our school community in 2026? Round 2 Applications are now open, and we encourage prospective students and their families to apply. Our school offers a vibrant learning environment with a strong focus on learner agency and STEM pathways.
Kylie Eggers, Principal
Important Dates
| Multicultural Day | 11 June |
| Primary Maths Extension Group Session 1 | 12 June 4-6pm |
| Hidden Disability Week | 23-27 June |
| Semester Changeover | 23 June |
| Push Up Challenge BBQ Fundraiser | 27 June |
| Biggest Morning Tea | 30 June |
Materials and Services Charge
Statements detailing the 2025 Materials and Services charge have been sent to families earlier this week. Please check the information carefully and if you have any questions or concerns, contact our Finance Officer on 82015704.
Financial Support
If you would like to organise a part payment plan, please complete and return the attached Direct Debit Request Form to finance@asms.sa.edu.au
School Card Scheme
The School Card scheme offers financial assistance with school fees (materials and services charges) for students attending government schools each year.
School Card financial assistance is available for students from four years of age receiving full-time schooling. The scheme is administered by the Department for Education (DFE) to provide financial assistance towards educational expenses.
Please note: School Card must be applied for every year.
Click here to apply: SA.GOV.AU – School Card scheme
If you have any queries, please contact our Finance Officer on 82015704
Enrichment News
Oliphant Science awards
We are proud to announce that this year we have a lot more applications into the Oliphant Science awards competition and there are even more links to their Central Studies learning. Congratulations to the following students and not matter how you place in the competition we would like to commend you on your efforts;
- Ren (Year 10) – Category: Photography- “Look Up”, Project title: solar system photography
- Lachie (Year 10)- Category: Models and Inventions
- Anton (Year 11)- Category:Commemorative Science Writing Topic, Project Title: Nuclear Bomb in Adelaide
- Analeigh (Year 10) – Category: Science Writing, Project title: AI: Nature’s New Ally in Conservation
- Group Members: Angelo, Blake and Jarrah (Year 10’s)- Category: Models and Inventions, Project Title: Mars Modular Cargo and Transport Vehicle
We can’t wait to see your progress in these science projects! Stay tuned!
Davenport Youth Council
On Tuesday 6 May, Week 2, Year 11 student Ark and Year 12 student Amritha attended the Davenport Youth Council to promote youth leadership and debate on topics issues, this event is organised with the support of the state representative for Davenport, Erin Thompson MP.
“The Davenport Youth Council was a great way to connect with other young people and work to enact measurable change. The discussions around how young people interact with and learn about Australia’s government system was incredibly interesting, and the opportunity to talk to a State MP was very engaging. As it was only the second ever meeting of the council, they were very open to suggestions, and it was a great way for us to shape this program.” (Ark, Yr11)
Archaeology @ Flinders University Taster Day
On Friday, 23 May, Frank and Nikki took students to the Archaeology Day at Flinders, where they got to learn from lead Archaeologists from diverse aspects of the fields about testing, career progressions, job availability and then students got to experience a number of different hands on workshops including comparing bone structures of organisms, digging simulations, looking at high tech microscopes and field equipment and more. It was a brilliant day and students were very inspired.
“The whole day was really interesting and our highlight was learning a lot about maritime archaeology and meeting the Guiness world record holder for the deepest underwater wedding. It was also fascinating to see all the ancient ceramics. Thank you to Nikki and Frank for taking us.” (Hanna Yr 10 & Sophia Yr 11)
Australian Science Innovations – Big Science Competition
Congratulations to Year 10 students, Matthew B, Shayla D, and Charlie K for taking part in ASI’s 2025 Big Science Competition on 29 April. This year, over 40,000 students from across Australia and the world sat the Big Science Competition. Students answered a range of questions linked to the curriculum areas of Science as a Human Endeavour (SHE), Science Inquiry Skills (SIS), and Science Understandings from Biological Sciences, Chemical Science, Earth & Space Science, and Physical Science. Results will be published very soon.
Student Clubs
Students and teachers have begun a robotics club on Wednesdays at lunchtime in the Robotics Lab in Studio 4. Students can join this club if they are at any level of their robotics, coding journey, anything digital technology related is welcomed in this space. All are welcome to join.
Young Writers Award 2025
Year 10 student, Laura, and Year 12 Sara sent in submissions for the SAETA Writing competition for all SA students. Students could write on a free topic, poetry or prose up to 1,00 words. Laura made 2 submissions, a poem titled ‘My favourite pencil’, and a prose called ‘A rubbish story about a piece of trash’.
Minecraft Design Challenge – Building Tomorrow’s workforce
The AEL Minecraft Challenge Series 1 offers a unique, career-focused opportunity that combines research, creativity, and the engaging power of Minecraft: Education Edition. Year 10 student Jai, and Year 12’s Kaden, Logan, Josh created the team ‘Powerpuff boys’ and chose the context of engineering. The challenge was to design ‘the workforce of the future’ complete with features specific to mechanical engineering of the future. The boys designed several Non-player Characters (NCP’s) throughout the world, each featuring aspects tailored to mechanical engineering, e.g., job tasks, and pathways within engineering. These students worked tirelessly during Passion Project and out of school hours, amongst Year 12 work to create the amazing world that they did. See below some images of their final piece.
Open Night
In Week 4 we welcomed guests to the ASMS for our first annual Open Night! We had displays for our Year 10 and 11 Central Studies, Enrichment and Engagement program, Learning Studies, Wellbeing, and Year 12 subjects. We also had interactive stations set up including robotics and drone demonstrations on the ground floor, 3D printing in the Ideation Studio, and Biology and Chemistry demonstrations in the lab.
It was wonderful to meet with prospective students and families and thank you to our students and staff for their support on the night. Our next Open Night is on Thursday August 14.
Curiosity in the Community Week
In Week 3, the ASMS had Curiosity in the Community Week. This week provides our Year 10 & 11 students with the opportunity to undertake meaningful service learning, further develop their Learner Attributes and promote STEM learning across the state.
The Far North Group presented to students at Roxby Downs Area School, conducting fun science experiments such as elephant’s toothpaste, catapults, squishy circuits, states of matter, building bridges, and gummy worms. The Media Team went behind the scenes at Channel 44 where they learned the basics of podcasting, presenting, lighting and audio. After that, they headed to ABC’s Behind the News where they got to meet the presenters, ask questions, and received a tour of the props and costumes department. Finally, they had a blast watching how a live broadcast comes together at Radio Adelaide.
The Primary Group visited local schools to demonstrate a range of hands-on experiments for younger students. Biodiversity focused on environmental efforts in local national parks, and our Work Experience group gained real-world knowledge in a range of STEM industries. The VR team welcomed local primary school students where they delivered an immersive and engaging virtual reality experience.
Our Port Lincoln group visited Tumby Bay Primary School and Port Lincoln Primary School to deliver STEM workshops and explored marine biology at the local Oyster farm. The Riverland group demonstrated a range of science experiments at Cobdogla Primary School and Barmera Primary School, toured the local wetlands, and stopped by the River Dingo Observatory and Banrock Station. The Swan Reach Group had a wonderful excursion to the Planetarium at Mawson Lakes, saw indigenous rock art at Ngaut Ngaut Conservation Park, and participated in some stargazing at Night Sky astronomy.
Over the week our young people have had truly remarkable experiences engaging in service learning and sharing their passion for STEM across SA. Thank you to everyone who has welcomed out students into their communities during CIC Week 2025!
Reconciliation Week Breakfast
Tuesday 27 May, 8 of our ASMS students and a number of staff had the pleasure of being invited to attend the South Australian Reconciliation breakfast held at the Adelaide Convention Centre.
Eagerly arriving at school at 5:45 am the group wanted to be sure to not miss the smoking ceremony prior to the official breakfast program. The National Reconciliation Week 2025 theme, Bridging Now to Next, reflects the ongoing connection between past, present and future. Bridging Now to Next urges us to look ahead with hope and continue the push forward as past lessons guide us.
With keynote speakers Professor Jackie Huggins AM FAHA and the Hon Kyam Maher MLC as well as amazing performances by a range of First Nations Performing Artists who all contributed to the Bridging Now to Next, the audience and our staff and students were challenged and inspired by First Nations’ stories, knowledge and resilience.
With 3000 in attendance and 500 on a wait list it was a such an honour and privilege to attend and represent our school.
Body in Question
In Body and Question students are participating in their chosen Heath Choice, which includes Exercise Science, Student Led, Psychology, Nutrition and Reproductive and Sexual Health. Students are working though three checkpoints starting with developing a science inquiry question related to their health choice topic of interest. This allows them to investigate how scientific concepts are applied in real life, deepening their understanding through research and critical thinking.
Students in the student led inquiry pathway have the flexibility to engage with the first two checkpoint in either order to, allowing them to follow their own investigative process. The second checkpoint focuses on analysing and evaluating how science is communicated in the media investigating the claims behind the science. They are learning to question the reliability and validity of sources, identify bias and assess whether the science is presented accurately or misleadingly. This encourages them to think critically about the information we consume on a daily basis and to consider purpose, audience and context when evaluating media.
The final checkpoint challenges students to create a resource to educate the wider community on a health topic they are passionate about. This task encourages students to take their learning beyond the classroom into the community and make a meaningful impact. In Week 8 students will present their findings and educational resources at a Health Choices Expo. We look forward to seeing them showcase their learning.
Communication Systems
Students in Communication Systems are currently developing skills in planning and writing screenplays for a science education video (like those on Youtube such as Veritasium, Kurzgesagt, Big Think or SciSchow). Students have been analysing examples to identify the relevant language and stylistic features to write a screenplay and have started to use the screenplay writing software writersolo to practice their own writing skills. Once written, students will then move onto filming and finally video editing and other post-production activities.
Students will learn a number of new skills and use a range of software as well as work and collaboratively. While it is early days in this process, it is exciting to see high levels of creativity and resilience as students work to craft their video.
Learning Studies
With Community being a major focus of ASMS this year, it has been terrific to see students engaging in planning and running activities that reinforce the welcoming and inclusive environment. The school has been busy this term with bake sales, BBQs, Pirates vs Posh Day, Hidden Disability Awareness Week, the push-up challenge starting for men’s mental health, Multicultural Day coming up, with Biggest Morning Tea Cake competition and a Music Festival in the works. Clubs have also been forming around chess, robotics, DND, music appreciation and programming. The highlight has been seeing the students being the driving force behind these events and the atmosphere.
Active Wellbeing has been in a time of adjustment, looking to focus students on exploring the different practices available for wellbeing. Students have been developing Active Wellbeing activities that align with a mode: Resilience, Meditation, Positive Mood, Mindfulness or Regulation. This is seeing students engage in stretching exercises, sport skill drills, art creation, bubble blowing, new card games and different types of meditation.
Big Wednesday sessions have had Year 12s engaging in a new Career Education Learning menu made up of a range of activities that focus on different aspects of personal development, understanding and exploring work options, and actioning plans for work and personal goals. Year 11s are looking to conclude their Activating Identities and Futures for Semester 1, being more focused in activating their chosen research or goals after the exploration in Year 10. They will have a portfolio that showcases their unique learning journey.
Year 10s will be finishing Exploring Identities and Futures in Week 6 after taking action towards and aspect of their lives and showcasing their learner attributes, with students engaging in individual goals and activities. They will then begin their Career Education with a focus on exploring what their current and future studies may look like.
Year 12 Biology
Students in Year 12 Biology have been busy completing a number of practicals in the lab to put theory into practice and to visualise concepts. Students have put their lab skills to the test by completing the Surface Area: Volume practical with agar cubes and the summative Sugar and Yeast Metabolism Practical, the data from the practical will be used for their second Design & Deconstruct Investigation Folio. Well done Year 12s.
Service Club News – Biggest Morning Tea
We will be holding the annual Biggest Morning Tea Cake Competition on Monday 30 June 2025. This is a fundraiser for the Cancer Council, that the ASMS Service Club have seen supporting since 2008. Students and staff are encouraged to make an amazing cake which, after judging, slices can be sold to raise funds for the Cancer Council. It’s only 4 weeks away – so start thinking and planning your best cake creation.
Pathways – Workplace Learning
The ASMS had 32 students engage with businesses around Adelaide for Workplace learning. Industries represented included Aviation, Medical research, Electronics manufacturing, Engineering, Health services, physio, trades and government services. Students used their own initiative and connections to locate potential placements. They then experience a week of day to day life within their chosen industry. Feedback from employers was terrific, students represented ASMS and themselves to high standards, creating potential network connections for themselves in the process.
Andrew- I went to Flight Training Adelaide and got to experience maintaining aircraft, industry-level flight simulators and ground operations involved with aviation. I really enjoyed the whole experience and it was incredibly insightful to learn from the best trainers in the industry.
Jack- Redarc was a wonderful experience, which I enjoyed thoroughly. It was cool to see engineers design and prototype before turning into a manufactured product. I got to experience the considerations of design engineers, electronic engineering and also working on the line with their human and machine production.
James- Flinders University Microscopy research- It was really good to see the investigative process involved in industry research and being able to get involved making microscope slides. It has definitely given me an insightful view into the life of an honours student completing university research.
Jai- I went Additive Surgical which was very good. I really enjoyed getting to see the process of how medical equipment is designed, prototyped and then produced for industry. It was interesting to see competitive analysis in operation, comparing to other products on the market and how to create a unique product.
Pathways – Adelaide Careers and Employment Expo
ASMS attended the careers expo where they had access to over 200 industry providers and educators, including aviation, health, mechanical engineering, cybersecurity, programming, automotive, local and interstate universities, government services and departments, ADF and more. The format included stalls for information, specific presentations or speakers, simulators, hands-on activities, competition activities and take-home self-made products. This was a good opportunity for students to engage with providers, ask questions of their pathways, gather information and explore the opportunities available to them.
Pathways – Upcoming University Open Days
Adelaide University has started advertising their Open days, I have put out some brochures in the Yr 12 study area.
- Adelaide City – Sunday 27 July
- Mount Gambier – Sunday 3 August
- Magill – Wednesday 12 August
- Mawson Lakes – Sunday 17 August
- Roseworthy – Sunday 17 August
- Whyalla – Sunday 31 August
- Bedford Park – 25-26 July
- City Campus – 27 July
- Riverland – 5 August
- Tonsley – 9 August
Posh vs Pirates Day
Arggghh me hearties! And how do you do? On Friday May 23 we had a Posh vs Pirates Day. Pirate Day has been raising money for childhood brain cancer research since 2015, and over $700,000 has been raised for childhood brain cancer research. It also falls on the day of the Biggest Morning Tea, which is why we had a Posh vs Pirates Day. We are very excited to announce that the pirates are the winners! It was a fun day, and everyone enjoyed the chance to dress up! – ASMS Changemakers.
Wellbeing Update
Unblocking Procrastination
In our last newsletter, we explored burnout and how it can zap motivation. This time, we’re diving into something closely related: procrastination. Why do we put things off, even when we know they’re important? And more importantly, how can we get moving again? Inspired by Dr Ali Abdaal’s work on Feel-Good Productivity, let’s look at a few ways to get unstuck and back on track.
Try the UNBLOCK method:
When you’re avoiding a task, ask yourself:
- What is it? Be specific about what needs to be done.
- Why don’t I want to do it? Is it boring? Overwhelming? Unclear?
- What’s blocking me? Common blockers include fear (of failure or judgement), uncertainty, or simply not knowing where to start.
- How can I move through the block? Break the task down into clear, small steps.
Get Specific:
- Define the purpose of the task by asking “why?”—not once, but five times—to dig deeper.
- Visualise the end state—what will “done” look like?
- Break it down—how many words? What’s the topic? When is the draft due?
Plan it:
Once you’ve got your steps, schedule them. Block out specific time in your calendar—making it concrete helps you stick to it.
Use Momentum:
Starting is often the hardest part. Try the 5-minute rule—just commit to five minutes. Often, once you start, you’ll keep going.
Other tips:
- Say fears out loud—naming them helps take their power away.
- Track your progress—look at effort, not just outcomes.
- Find an accountability buddy—it’s easier to stay on track when someone else knows your goal.
- Focus on what you can control—even small steps are progress.
And if you do procrastinate—be kind to yourself. Reflect, reset, and move forward. Progress is always possible. If you would like further support, students and families can reach out to their student’s LSG teacher or our wellbeing team for extra support.
Library News
As we reflect on the importance of Reconciliation our library is dedicated to promoting reconciliation through education and engagement provided by our amazing staff. As a library we have curated a collection of resources that highlight Indigenous voices, stories and histories. These resources are available for all of our students and staff as we reflect on the importance of reconciliation and a commitment to acknowledging the past, and “Bringing the Now to Next.”
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.