Welcome to the ASMS in 2024. It has been great getting to know our new students and reconnecting with our existing students. We have a lot planned for our school year, many exciting events, and activities. I look forward to sharing these with you across the year.
Congratulations to the class of 2023! We are immeasurably proud of their efforts and achievements; they have successfully moved on to a range of careers and tertiary courses including science, engineering, arts, mathematics, education, health, aviation and finance via a myriad of pathways. 7 students achieved ‘merit’ awards in Research Project (Amberlyn Tung, Amy Anderson, Zia Az-Zahra, Eliza Grivell, Lara Hayman, Oscar Heaselgrave and Charlie Swalue) and Amy Anderson also received a Governor of South Australia Commendation Excellence Award. At the ASMS we see these successes as one part of the students’ learning journey. The process of learning and the achievement of students’ individual goals and achievements are equally valued. Something that comes easily to one, may be a stretch for another and the learning that traverses between the start and finish is different.
ASMS Portal:
Students have access to the ASMS portal which has their learning material and the student handbook that outlines policies and procedures for a myriad of topics e.g. mobile phones, dress code etc. Parents and caregivers will be sent their log-on details for the portal and Daymap soon. Please call the school if you are having problems accessing the portal- it’s mighty handy! In relation to 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 2024. 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.
Strategic Plan:
At ASMS we are constantly working to improve our learning, teaching and curriculum design to provide the best possible environment and experience for our students and our State-Wide Professional Learning Service. Our goal is: To exemplify innovative and inclusive education where students and ASMS and Department for Education staff are empowered to personalise their learning experience with a focus on science, mathematics and technology through fostering learner agency, effective learning, and ongoing partnerships. In 2023 staff spent many hours developing the next iteration of our Strategic Plan which will be launched at the Governing Council AGM and available on the ASMS website soon.
Meet the Learning Studies Teacher & Governing Council AGM:
Our Learning Studies teachers play a critical role in the success of our students. They are responsible for ensuring that students have the support they need to succeed both academically and socially. We encourage all parents to get to know their Learning Studies teacher and to stay in touch throughout the year. You will have the opportunity to meet Learning Studies teachers at the Meet the Teacher night on 19 February at 5:30pm followed by the Governing Council AGM to be held at 6:30pm. 2024 Councillors will be asked to stay for the first meeting of the new Council after the AGM. This is an excellent opportunity for parents to meet their child’s Learning Studies teacher and ask questions about your child’s experience thus far at the ASMS. We hope to see you all there!
Staffing:
- Unfortunately, Andrew Rowney has found and been treated for neck cancer over the summer holidays and will need Term 1 2024 to undergo radiotherapy and recuperate. We wish him all the best for his treatment and look forward to hearing of his progress.
- Please join me in wishing Rachel Koek all the best for the safe arrival of her baby in the middle of March. Karen Rowley and Lorraine Coupe will job-sharing our Executive Secretary role in Rachel’s absence.
Introducing our new teaching members:
- Nathanael Moss – I’m Nathanael Moss, I have been teaching for 16 years, specialising in Mathematics and Earth Sciences. I’m part of the Order from Chaos team and am really excited to be teaching at ASMS this year.
- Andy Stone – My name is Andy Stone, and while new to the school, I have taught at the ASMS in the past. While I have a background as a science and maths teacher, my current role is one of the Central Study coordinators (Dream Design Develop this semester). I am really enjoying the opportunity to work with amazing staff and students.
- Jason Backler – I am a Design and Technology focus teacher with experience in Outdoor Education, Agriculture, Digital Technology, PLP and Research Project. I have returned to Adelaide after teaching in the Limestone Coast for 7 years at an Area school. For recreation, I have been heavily involved in sailing at local club, state and national levels. I am passionate about ensuring all students have access to highly personalised pathways to work, training or university.
- Mark Stephenson – I am a qualified and experienced Science teacher with a speciality in both Physics and Chemistry. My current role is for Term 1, where I will contribute to the Year 12 Physics class and the central studies classes. Beyond Term 1, I will take on a temporary reliever teacher role for the remainder of the year.
ASMS encourages students who feel unwell to stay home and rest until they feel better. They can be in touch with their teachers who will support them as needed. Although most COVID restrictions are lifted across the state, schools are still expected to report COVID cases to the Department for Education; please let us know if a student tests positive.
We look forward to a productive and positive 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. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
Kylie Eggers,
Principal