ENewsletter

From the Principal

Dear parents and caregivers,

What an amazingly busy few weeks we have had. Our students have been quick to settle into the routines of school life and develop positive working relationships with their peers and staff. It’s been a joy getting around to the classrooms and to see evidence of our School Values playing part in allowing teachers and students to collaboratively create safe and rigorous conditions for learning so early in the year.

With a current whole-school focus on our ‘Community’ value, staff and students are working collaboratively to create a culture where everyone inspires and encourages each other’s learning. Students are supported to achieve their personal best through working collaboratively to set specific goals, develop and then action plans to achieve them.

So far, we have been able to create the following information:

A community of learners learn together and understand each other’s needs in order to become the best version of themselves.

Our students can practice the virtue of community through:

Working together collaboratively and being inclusive and caring of others
Building and maintaining positive relationships with their peers, school staff, and members of the broader school community
Role model our school values in a safe and supportive manner
Individually and collectively contribute to our school community (both in class and the wider community)
Care for and respect their learning environment
Being involved in non-school community events e.g., Christmas Pageant

We will continue to share this work as it evolves with the end product being the creation of our next social story and values poster to share with the community.

Acquaintance Night: Thank you to our staff for taking the time to provide families with comprehensive overviews of the daily structures, expectations, communication and teaching programs. The feedback from our parent community has been overwhelmingly positive in regards to the information provided, the programs offered, and the general overall feel of how well our students have settled and are ready to tackle the year ahead.

Governing Council AGM: Many thanks to those members of our school community who attended our recent Governing Council AGM. It was a wonderful opportunity to present my Principal’s Report, highlighting the many strengths our school has and the opportunities that we have this year to build on the success of 2025. We look forward to many new and exciting developments.

Kind regards

Shaun Barber

Bushfire and your child's school

This brochure provides you with important information about our approach to managing bushfire risk in government schools and preschools. We want to ensure parents and caregivers are well prepared for a bushfire emergency.

Download

A note from Ebony

My name is Ebony Lehmann, and I am the Pastoral Care Worker at Crafers Primary School. At the start of each year, I like to reintroduce myself and remind families of my role. I have been at Crafers since 2021, and love being a part of this community! I live in Eden Hills with my husband and my daughter, Mabel. I love getting out for walks, drinking coffee, listening to audiobooks, and although it doesn’t happen much anymore, I love seeing live music.

My role is broad and varied, but the crux of it is that I am an extra support person at school whose goal is wellbeing. More specifically, Pastoral Care Workers provide pastoral and practical support to:

STUDENTS by listening, taking an interest in them, being involved with their daily lives, facilitating activities and being a positive role model
STAFF by being a supporting resource, providing a listening ear, encouragement, friendship and supporting their personal wellbeing
FAMILIES by being a person of contact, listening, caring, providing support in times of crisis as well as being a referral to support services
COMMUNITY by being a link between churches, the wider community and the school community

Please don’t hesitate to get in touch if I am able to help you or your family. The best way to contact me is via my email address ebony.grigg418@schools.sa.edu.au or by calling the office. I am at school during school hours Monday, Thursday and Friday each week.

2026 Open Night Heathfield High School

At Heathfield High School, we invite you to discover what makes our school such a vibrant and inspiring place to learn.

We host our annual Open Night in Term 1, where families can explore our facilities and experience the spirit of our community. Open Night features a showcase of student work, interactive displays and an opportunity to talk to staff and walk around the school to view the multiple learning areas, giving you a full insight into life at Heathfield High School. The 2026 Open Night is scheduled for Tuesday 17 March 2026 starting at 4pm and concluding at 7pm.

Please register your interest in attending the HHS Open Night via the link below. Further information about Open Night will be sent to you closer to the evening.

Music is alive in the hills of Crafers!

The pleasant sounds of students learning and singing together brings music to our ears. Our students in Rooms 1 and 2 have formed a Junior Choir with thanks to Mr Nielsen who runs a specialist lesson with both classes on Wednesday afternoons. We also have students in Years 4-6 participating in pre-choir rehearsals with Mrs Shepherd on Thursdays as part of the Festival of Music preparations. We hear that there may be a special concert with our little people not so far away!

School Clubs

Term 1 School Clubs are in full swing with many of our students enjoying the various opportunities to explore new skills such as; learning to knit with Mrs McGregor and Mrs Meredith, running cross country with Mr Barber, Maths Club with Mrs Staniford and Mr Nielsen, or the challenges of Chess Club with Lyndal. There is something for everyone to enjoy!

Festival of Music Choir

Our Festival of Music Choir has been busy with many students buzzing about the repertoire of music they have recently been taught during Thursday’s lessons at school. I have recently attended a 2-day training course with hundreds of other teachers around the state vigorously learning the music and choreography. I have been lucky enough to meet Lyricist Jodie O’Regan and composer ‘Bluey’ Joe Twist composer of Wattle Sky, a new work celebrating Australia’s national flower. This year the repertoire will be performed by hundreds of South Australian school children at the Entertainment Centre and many other theatres including the Northern Festival Theatre in Port Pirie in September.

On Wednesday 18th of February, 11 Year 5 and 6 Crafers students travelled to Mount Barker South Primary School where we were led by one of two extraordinary conductors Cathy Lange. Cathy led us through our new books introducing the students to how to read the books, finding systems, words, rehearsal letters and much more. She then warmed us up and led us into singing and learning some of the music repertoire. I would like to thank Danielle Forsyth and Mr Nielsen for helping with transport.

Crafers is just one of those lucky schools to participate in this amazing event. If your child is in year 4-6 your child could (should) sign up to this brilliant performance that takes an army to showcase. I have been part of the Festival of Music for a number of years. Every year we buzz, bringing brilliance and spark to the many children who participate. Please keep a watchful eye on the Audiri app to hear more about this very exciting adventure.

Support Backpacks 4 SA Kids with Iceblock Sales

The Student Leaders are excited to offer iceblocks for sale each Friday this term during recess and lunch to benefit Backpacks 4 SA Kids.

About Backpacks 4 SA KidsThis organisation is dedicated to providing essential resources that ensure the care, safety, and wellbeing of children and young people during times of displacement from their homes and routine care.

Please Note
Students in Years 3-6 can purchase during recess.
Reception to Year 2 students can buy during lunchtime.
Limit: One zooper dooper per student.
Price: Iceblocks will be available for just 50 cents each.

Children's University 2026

We’re excited to share that our school will continue to be part of the Children’s University (CU) program for 2026 and students in Years 2 to 6 are invited to take part.

Children’s University provides valuable learning opportunities beyond the classroom. The program encourages children to explore new interests, build confidence and independence, and begin thinking about their future goals. By participating in activities outside of school hours, students can discover possible career pathways and learn more about subjects they may one day study at university. Parent and family support plays an important role in helping children make the most of this experience.

Participation in Children’s University is completely voluntary. Activities take place outside of normal school hours — during lunch times, after school, on weekends, and during school holidays. The program partners with a range of approved “Learning Destinations” such as zoos, art galleries, libraries, museums, and local councils. When families visit these places, children can have their learning hours validated.

Each participating student receives a Passport to Learning, where their completed activity hours are recorded. Completed reviews are done online in the CU portal. When students reach the required targets (minimum 30 hours in the first year,) then they graduate. Example of hours can be music practice, after hours sports as well as the hundreds of arts, science, cooking, adventure activities found on the website. Graduation ceremonies are held at the end of the year at the University of Adelaide, where students are presented with certificates to celebrate their achievements.

We look forward to seeing many of our students take part in this rewarding opportunity. Membership forms are still to come, and I will send these out when they arrive. Please indicate any student interest by leaving your child’s name at the front office or emailing them to me, along with any questions you may have Kim.atkinson848@schools.sa.edu.au

Thank you

Kim Atkinson

Better conversations about gaming for families

When it comes to online gaming, there can be a disconnect between what children experience and what they hear adults saying. Bridging this gap will help children to have safer and more positive online experiences.

See the attached flyer published by the eSafety Commissioner for hints and tips about these conversations.

Download

Online gaming information for parents and carers

Online gaming has many benefits

Gaming can be a way to:

Have fun and be entertained.
Relax and reduce stress.
Keep the mind active.
Develop creativity.
Strengthen decision making and strategic skills.
Connect with others.

For most gamers, playing is a casual pastime. But a growing number of people play or watch competitive gaming (or eSports) as individuals,teams or families. Many gamers belong to vibrant and active communities.Gaming can be used for a range of other purposes. These include general school education, right through to specialist workplace training (for example, flight simulations and various defence and cybersecurity exercises). While gaming often has positive effects on the mental health and wellbeing of participants, it also has risks — like most online activities. The attached information sheet provides practical tips and links to further information, so you can help your child reduce the risks and maximise the positive experiences of gaming online.

Download