T3N2 Heritage College Newsletter 2025

FROM THE PRINCIPAL'S DESK

As we have come through Term 3 there has been vibrant learning, meaningful connections and inspiring moments that continue to shape our College community.

A Distinguished Visit: Her Excellency, the Honourable Frances Adamson AC

We were honoured to welcome Her Excellency, the Governor of South Australia, to Heritage College for a special visit. Greeted warmly by our College Captains and myself, she spent time engaging with our Student Representative Group in a thoughtful discussion about the challenges facing young people in South Australia and her role as Governor.

Her Excellency commended our students for their respectful behaviour and mature, genuine engagement. It was a proud moment that affirmed the strength of our student leadership and the values we hold dear—respect, service and integrity.

RUOK? Day – Supporting One Another in Faith and Friendship

Coinciding with the Governor’s visit was our RUOK? Day observance, where students and staff wore a splash of yellow to raise awareness around mental health and the importance of checking in with one another. Our Year 7 students had the privilege of hearing from a Christadelphian psychologist, who shared valuable strategies for emotional wellbeing and resilience.

This event reflects our commitment to pastoral care and the belief that students flourish when they feel safe, supported, and connected - values that are central to our ethos.

Cinderella – A Musical that Builds more than Talent

Our Secondary Musical, Cinderella, was a triumph of creativity, resilience, and collaboration. With four dazzling performances and two talented main casts, students embraced the challenge of live theatre with grace and determination. Curriculum areas linked learning to the production for other students too, creating a rich, real-world context for assignments and personal growth.

The overwhelming positive feedback - and constructive suggestions from our online survey - show our commitment to listening to our community and continuously improving. We are especially grateful for the incredible volunteer support, from costumes and props to musicians including current and former students. This is partnership in action.

Dad, Grandad & Special Uncle Morning – Building Bonds through Learning

Over 130 guests joined us for a delicious breakfast cooked by Malcolm and Jane Tregenza, followed by classroom visits where Dads, Grandads, and Uncles engaged in learning activities with their children. The joy in our Primary classrooms was contagious, as students proudly worked with their Dad and built lasting memories.

This event beautifully illustrates our belief that education is a partnership—between school, family, and our ecclesial community.

Looking Ahead – A Flourish to End the Term

As we prepare to wrap up Term 3, we invite you to join us for several upcoming events that celebrate our students and affirm our shared journey:

• Music Performance Night – September 18
• Group College Tour – September 19
• Volunteers’ Appreciation Tea – September 24
•  SRC & Captains’ Fundraiser – End of Term

Each of these events reflects our commitment to character development, service to others, and building a strong, faith-based community as we await the Lord Jesus Christ’s return. ‘Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing’ (1 Thess 5 v 11 ESV).

Justin Robinson

Heritage College School Tour

Are you considering your community school, Heritage College, for your children in the future? You are invited to join a tour to ask questions and see the school in action.  Please see attached flyer.

Book now via this link: https://enrol.heritage.sa.edu.au/group-tour

Parents & Friends Association

Parents & Friends Meeting – 7.30 pm on Monday, 20 October

We warmly invite you to our next P&F meeting which will be held in the College’s staff room. It’s a great opportunity to get to know other parents, share ideas and have input into how P&F can support our school and students.  This meeting we will be looking at fundraising ideas for 2026, and projects to spend with funds that have been raised so far.

All are welcome!

Father’s Day Stall

We’d like to say a BIG “thank you” for all the gifts so generously donated towards our stall - our students had great fun ‘shopping’ and we hope Father’s Day was thoroughly enjoyed by all! Together we raised $1,090 for our school.

Coming Up...

Click on the following links to see what fun events we have coming up:

Lower Primary - Rochelle Bailye

The Castle Crew have been busy exploring the wild world of African animals! From lions to zebras, elephants to giraffes, the students have been writing all about these amazing creatures and discovering some fascinating facts along the way. To top it off, they’ve created some bright and colourful artwork that really brings the animals to life.

Lower Primary - Jordan Morrison

🌿 Mindfulness After Lunch in Year 2 🌿

In our class, we make time after lunch to calm our bodies and minds so we are ready for a positive afternoon of learning. Students are invited to choose a comfortable position – sitting on a chair, sitting on the floor, or even laying down.

During this time, we practise:

✨ Mindfulness colouring – quiet, creative time to relax and focus.

✨ Meditations – listening carefully to our breath, our thoughts, and our bodies.

✨ Self check-ins – noticing how we are feeling in our minds and our bodies, and taking time to listen to our hearts.

These moments give students simple but powerful strategies to manage their emotions, calm their bodies, and build healthy habits for looking after their mental and physical wellbeing.

We’ve already noticed that this time helps our class settle peacefully after lunch, and it gives students tools they can use anytime they need to feel calm and centred.

Middle Primary - Jesslyn Witton/Elisa Wiafe

Our class has been exploring the exciting world of physical science by designing and building Rube Goldberg machines. In small groups, students experimented with applying different forces—such as contact, non-contact, and spring force—while incorporating simple machines to create a working chain reaction. This hands-on activity encouraged creativity, problem-solving, and practical application of scientific concepts.  

Working together in their groups, students developed cooperation and resilience as they navigated challenges and celebrated their successes. Teachers supported and guided throughout, reflecting our commitment to caring for each learner. In recognising the order and design within the laws of physics, students were also reminded of God’s wisdom in creation, linking their discoveries to our Biblical foundation. 

Middle Primary - Luke Hummel

This term in Science, our class has been putting on our problem-solving hats to tackle an exciting challenge: “How to Create a Utopia.”  In their groups, students were tasked with designing a 'perfect' city, complete with its own laws, government, technology, and food systems. As part of this project, they explored sustainable practices used in real cities, investigated how laws and rules are made, and made thoughtful decisions about what would best suit their ideal societies, even considering the type of environment their city would be built in.

Throughout the term, students have developed their communication and collaboration skills, and they’ve had a blast creating their presentations and maps of their Utopia. More importantly, they’ve been thinking critically about the world they live in and how we can care for it, while we wait for the Lord's return.

Upper Primary - Keren Healy

A serious case of Gold fever has hit the Year 5 and 6 classrooms at Heritage College. Symptoms include, looking for shiny bits of metal in clay soil and sudden exclamations of jubilation upon finding said shiny metal, reports concerned teacher, Keren Healy…​

This term our Year 5 and 6 classes have been learning about Australian colonial life during the gold rush period. As part of this learning, the students had the opportunity to visit the historical site of one of South Australia’s gold rushes, the Barossa Goldfields located in Pirra Wirra Conservation Park. Members of the local Barossa Goldfields Society led us through the old house and ‘township’ that formed in the area after gold was discovered. We found out that over 4000 people crammed into makeshift tents and dwellings from 1860 and found a whopping 1000 ounces of gold over a four-year period. Equivalent to $250 million dollars today. We toured the tool sheds and equipment that the people would have used during the time and learnt a great deal about how they found the gold and then how it was refined. The year 5s then had the opportunity to try their hand at some real gold panning, which was successful and with some students striking gold! Be warned, we now have some serious cases of Gold fever in our classes, and it’s catchy!!​

Lower Secondary - Jo Cheek

In Year 7 Science, students have been exploring habitats and animal interactions. This includes looking at the habitats of animals and the living and non-living factors in these environments; food webs and food chains; the way that energy flows through ecosystems; and the different types of relationships between animals.

Students were tasked with creating a shoebox diorama of an ecosystem of their choice. We had everything from deserts, to rainforests, to the Mariana Trench (10km below sea level!). The students showed creativity and enthusiasm when creating their dioramas and the final products were quite impressive!

Lower Secondary - Jared Burney

Year 8B has been exploring scripture related to the return of Christ and the establishment of the Kingdom. The students approach this topic in four key sections: Resurrection and Immortality, Setting the Scene, Extra Detail, and Work in the Kingdom.

At the conclusion of each section, students are encouraged to synthesise what they have learned with their own perspectives and write a personal reflection. These reflections are unique to each student and are intended to represent a special vision or hope they can hold privately in their minds.

To share their hope with classmates and visitors, the students have created vision board posters featuring some of the scriptures, concepts and images that resonated most with them. A selection of these vision boards is displayed below.

Lower Secondary - Tim Badger

Mystery Powders Investigation!

In Year 8 Science, students recently put their chemistry knowledge to the test by investigating the difference between physical and chemical change. Using spot plates and a range of simple solutions, they worked to identify four “mystery white powders” through careful experimentation.

Students mixed each powder with water, vinegar, and iodine solution, then recorded their observations to look for evidence of changes such as fizzing, colour change, or dissolving. By analysing their results and applying deductive reasoning, they were able to uncover the true identity of the substances. The activity was hands-on, engaging, and encouraged critical thinking—while giving students a real taste of how scientists investigate the unknown. Chemistry is cool!

Upper Secondary - Dan Crispin

Our Year 10 students recently returned from a memorable camp in the Grampians, shaped by the theme “Kingdom Bound”. Through hikes, shared meals, and evening campfires, students reflected on their faith and hope in God’s promises. The camp provided space for spiritual growth and connection, with students leading heartfelt discussions and worship that reflected our school’s strong biblical ethos.

There was a real sense of eagerness as the group tackled each activity, even when a sudden downpour had us piling into the scout’s hall for board games. Many students commented that they feel so much closer as a group, with friendships deepened and new bonds formed. It was a camp of laughter, encouragement, and forming friends for life. 

Upper Secondary - Chris Ryan

In a world that seems to hastily “run to and fro”.  In a world of hurry hurry, it’s nice to reduce the pace and go for a “slow walk” through the Park.

There is a time for speed and a time for slow !

Students were “convinced” that taking a slow walk on the last day of term was a good idea! In the spirit of Shinrin-yoku (Japanese Forest Bathing) we took our time, going for a walk.  Noticing stuff and slowing down...like you would with Grandma and Grandpa, or your little sister.  Bringing the awareness of our Creator to the forefront of our minds!

Next practical- we go down hilling and cross-country cycling Fox creek! A little faster session!

Upper Secondary - Tom Burney

In the Year 9 and 10 Earth and Environmental Science subject, students are developing their understanding and skills through inquiry-based and practical investigation. They have already completed posters comparing Earth’s systems in two different locations, kept journals on the growth (or lack of growth) of tomato seeds under different soil conditions, and researched the environmental impact of local human-made features such as storm drain systems, abandoned quarries, or mountain bike trails. These activities have helped them practice skills of observation, data recording, and research while expanding their scientific vocabulary about Earth’s spheres and natural cycles.

As the semester continues, students are beginning to design further investigations and models to demonstrate how Earth systems interact and how human choices affect the environment. This subject provides opportunities not only to develop scientific skills but also to reflect on creation through the lens of our Biblical Ethos. By studying both the beauty and the fragility of natural systems, students are reminded of God’s wisdom and the care He has entrusted to us as stewards of the Earth.

“By wisdom Yahweh laid the foundation of the earth; he established the heavens by understanding.” – Proverbs 3:19

HeLP Awards - Foundation Bailye

Harvey Wigzell for settling into school so beautifully.

Rory Fotheringham for responsible behaviour and focus in class.

Avalee Steele for being such a bright and happy personality in our class.

Shiloh Wright for great concentration in class this week.

Myah Gaye for being a happy and resilient student.

Leona Wang for being a very responsible worker.

Lola Mitchelson for excellent concentration in class time.

Zariya Billing for being such a happy, friendly and polite classmate.

Emerson Lines for being friendly to all his classmates and teachers.

Hunter Scott for always being willing to help others.

Caitlin Knowles for learning to speak up for herself more confidently.

Mahalia Witton for being such a focused and diligent worker.

Charlie Hyndman for excellent listening when sitting on the mat.

Elisah Vainerere-Roncal for showing enjoyment for school life every day. 

HeLP Awards - Year 1 Clark

Zengyan Jin for always being willing to extend himself in Maths.

Matthew Bain for being energetic and enthusiastic for each day.

Luca Mansfield for working hard in Maths, willing to be challenged.

Winslow Clark for working hard to improve her resilience.

Phoebe O'Callaghan for asking questions to clarify her understanding in challenging Maths tasks.

Austin Oliver for excellent work in his Read, Write Inc group.

Sienna Mitsos for always being willing to look out for and help others.

Hannah Oliver for being a good and kind friend to others.

Josiah Mitsos for showing resilience and hard work in all learning areas.

Pippa Bain for being organised and always ready to learn.

Allegra Richards for consistently working well in her Read, Write Inc group.

HeLP Awards - Year 2 Bruce

Mila Casey for excellent progress and effort in reading. 

Simeon Todd for always being a helpful classmate. 

Noah Lagowski for carefully creating and following procedures. 

Audrey Hornhardt for great engagement in Read Write Inc. 

Archie Milliken for impressive accuracy in Maths lessons. 

HeLP Awards - Year 2 Morrison

Harper Scott for practicing and persevering in your cursive writing.

Anderson Mansfield for practicing and persevering in your cursive writing.

HeLP Awards - Year 3/4 Lagowski/Tretola

Elisabeth Coish for showing great focus and persistence in Maths.

Evie Richards for engaging in all classroom activities with enthusiasm and a positive mindset.

Odelia Mansfield for demonstrating respectful and responsible behaviour while on Year 4 Camp.

Frankie Jurevicius for writing a detailed and engaging procedural text on ‘How to Look after Guinea Pigs'.

Emily Nemeth for settling back into school so well after her overseas holiday.

Jude Dowling for putting in fantastic effort and achieving great results in reading! Well done, Jude.

Amber Mackinnon for challenging herself and completing the extension words in the spelling test.

Ezra Henriksen for putting in great effort and creativity on your novel study drawing.

Sophie Mitsos for creating a great mind map in geography that clearly showed connections between Australia AND Vanuatu.

HeLP Awards - Year 3/4 Wiafe/Witton

Hosanna Schwarz for being a consistently willing helper to both teachers and peers.

Samuel Knowles for creative and scientific thinking when designing his Rube Goldberg Machine.

Adeline Kruger for excellent effort and focus on all learning tasks. 

Harry Hill for excellent effort and focus on all learning tasks.

HeLP Awards - Year 5/6 Hauser

Nyssa Lines for achieving full marks in your spelling test!

Leo Mitchelson for working hard to finish the Premier's Reading Challenge.

Elodie Crispin for being such an organised and cheerful student.

Heidi Lucas for your calm competence and your whole-hearted application.

HeLP Awards - Year 5/6 Healy

All of 5/6 KH for responsibly organising and composing scripts and PowerPoints for assembly.

Ochre Gibbs for resiliently taking on feedback and putting great effort into learning decimals.

Sophie Manasherov for resiliently challenging herself in Maths tasks.

Timothy Cridland for being a dynamic, cheerful class member, and hard worker.

Austin Ingram for being a reflective and resilient learner, always looking for ways to help.

Joash Hammond for always being a willing helper and encouraging presence in our class.

Henry Oliver for challenging himself more and putting more care into presented work.

Jacinta MacKinnon for doing an amazing job as MC for Multicultural Day.

Harrison Arnold for competently and efficiently organising the sports shed roster and running it smoothly. Great leadership!

Jack Barr for exceptional effort in all subjects and highly polished work.

William Oliver for resiliently working through his podcast, producing one of high quality.

Jamin Todd for being reflective and making healthy choices.

HeLP Awards - Year 5/6 Morrison

Zeb Phillis for putting a lot of detail into all work tasks. 

Maya Scott for staying focused during class and creating beautiful artworks. 

Bentley Hyndman for showing enthusiasm in his work and completing tasks. 

Venetia Cheek for always being considerate and careful with her work and all interactions. 

Alex Beard for using his initiative and always catching up on work he has missed.

Isabella Plail for showing resilience, optimism, and perseverance in class. 

Oliver Platten for being focused during lessons and choosing to move away when needed. 

Ivan Pan for always participating in class discussions and using feedback to improve his work. 

Winston Fotheringham for focusing in math and getting a lot done.

Savannah Hammond for being resilient and always asking questions when help is needed.

Harrison Oliver for consistently staying focused during math lessons. 

Pippa Jeffress for having confidence in all she does and being a diligent learner.

Student Wellbeing - Jen Dodson

Mental Health Awareness at School

We celebrated R U OK? Day last Thursday to raise awareness of mental health and to encourage conversations to check on our friends’ wellbeing.  By asking a simple question—"Are you okay?"—students and staff were encouraged to start meaningful conversations that could help someone feel supported and connected.

The Year 7 Health classes have been learning about Mental Health this term, culminating with a visit by a Christadelphian psychologist.  The Year 7’s organised various activities across the school including making ‘smiley face’ biscuits to give out at Recess, wearing a yellow accessory to school, and various presentations to other classes about how to look after our mental health.

Let’s continue to be kind to each other and keep up the conversations that could change someone’s life for the better. 

“Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up.’ Prov 12:25 NLT

2025 TERM 3 KEY DATES

July 28th - September 26th

• September 17th -  Year 7 Businesses 
• September 18th -  Music Performance Night
• September 19th  - School Tour
• September 22nd -  Council Meeting
• September 24th  - Volunteers' Morning Tea
• September 26th -  SRC Fundraiser Event & Last Day of Term
  

2026 TERM DATES

• TERM 1:  Tuesday January 27th - Friday April 10th
• TERM 2:  Monday April 27th - Friday July 3rd 
• TERM 3:  Monday July 27th - Friday September 25th 
• TERM 4:  Monday October 12th - Friday December 11th

HERITAGE CONTACTS

Principal  Justin Robinson
Business Manager  Adrian Maycock
Enquiries Front Desk

Staff Contact Details available on Sentral under "Resources:Miscellaneous Information: Heritage Contact List"

COUNCIL MEMBERS

Scott Robson - Chair | Tea Tree Gully ecclesia
Rod Case - Finance | Enfield ecclesia
Peter Evans - Deputy Chair | Salisbury ecclesia
Steve Jeffress - Secretary | Enfield ecclesia
Nathan Jolly - Community | Cumberland ecclesia
James Mansfield - Treasurer | Mount Barker ecclesia 
Graeme Shugg - Curriculum | Salisbury ecclesia