Kapunda Primary School Newsletter

2025 has certainly been a whirlwind, and we often find ourselves wondering where the time has gone! As we reach this point in the year, a range of emotions come to the fore. We reflect on the many wonderful events, success stories, and the learning and growth experienced by both our students and staff. As we prepare for 2026, we also get ready to farewell our Year 6 graduates as they move on to the next stage of their educational journey. This milestone brings with it mixed feelings—happiness, sadness, and excitement for the future.

Along with our graduates, we bid farewell to other students and staff members who are moving on to new schools. We thank everyone for being a valued part of Kapunda Primary School’s story and will certainly miss them. At the same time, we look forward to welcoming new students, who will soon experience all that our wonderful school has to offer and be positively shaped by the many unique personalities within our community.

We would like to acknowledge the hard work and commitment of all our staff, and thank them for being such a dedicated team of educators. Thank you also to the parents, friends, and community members who have volunteered in so many ways to support the activities and events we run for our students.

Thank you to our wonderful Governing Council team for their support and investment in continuously striving to improve our school for our learners and the community.

A reminder that End of Year reports will go home with students on Friday. Within the report envelopes will be a slip identifying your child’s class and teacher/s for 2026.

Next year, we look forward to welcoming back Daniel Ryan, who has been Acting Principal at Hamley Bridge Primary School. We sincerely thank Melissa Ryan for her incredible work as Student Wellbeing Leader over the last two terms. Melissa’s contributions have had a significant positive impact throughout the school, and thankfully, she will remain with us as she returns to the classroom.

We farewell teachers Tyler Perrotta and Kayla Becker and thank them for their dedication to Kapunda and their care for our students. Tyler has secured a position at Roseworthy Primary School, which will significantly reduce his commute, particularly as he has a young family. Kayla will be joining the Additional Needs Unit at Tanunda Primary School, an area she is very passionate about. Both will be greatly missed, and we wish them all the best in their new roles.

Amalie Neville leaves us to welcome her first baby. Amalie has been a vital part of our junior primary team and has made significant contributions as the Aboriginal Education teacher. We will certainly miss Amalie’s bright presence in 2026 and wish her and Max great happiness with the addition to their little family. Taylah Pilkinton will also be taking maternity leave from Week 7, Term 1, as she and her family prepare to welcome twins. Taylah will support our two early career teachers as a mentor, sharing her skills and expertise during the first six weeks of the term. Jason Applebee will continue his work at Riverbanks School in 2026.

The majority of our teaching staff for 2026 has been confirmed, and we are awaiting final confirmation for one new staff member. Our SSO team will remain largely unchanged from this year, ensuring consistency and continuity.

Teacher / Class List 2026

Bush Tucker Outdoor Learning Garden

On Tuesday, after a year of discussion, planning and action, we were able to open our Bush Tucker Garden. It was wonderful to have Mel Agius present to officially open the space with a Welcome to Country. The students spoke beautifully and the whole opening ceremony was lovely. We would like to acknowledge our Aboriginal Education Teacher, Amalie Neville for her efforts in securing a Together for Humanity ICUP (Intercultural Understanding Partnership) grant, to get the ball rolling and see our vision come to life. Along the way, there have been a number of people who have supported by volunteering their time, working in the background, or going above and beyond with the work they have been employed to do. It has been a pleasure to have so many community members involved in the project. We would like to acknowledge and sincerely thank the following individuals and businesses for their support:

Mel Agius for her guidance, knowledge and ongoing support in helping design our bush garden and leading cultural workshops with our students.

Caitlyn Davies-Plumber for creating our beautiful art mural and sharing her art and culture with the whole school community.

Kane Ryan, Daniel Ryan and Jarred Tilley for generously removing the concrete and getting the area ready for our garden. Kane was also the driving force in getting our laser cut panels organised.

Manuka Nursery for sourcing the native plants that brought our garden to life.

Barossa Bush Gardens for sharing valuable knowledge and information about native plants.

Wesley Farley from Wes Farley Carpentry and Maintenance for installing the art mural.

Tristan Kerr and Sean Bell from Kerrstruction Building Solution for their commitment, expertise and design ideas in landscaping our bush garden.

Susan Ryan from Fossick Design for her creativity and expertise in designing the laser cut panels.

Ellbourne Engineering for producing the laser cut panels with our Acknowledgement of Country.

Kapunda Primary School Governing Council for meeting, visiting the area, ideas and ongoing support throughout the project.

Ken Oldfield for levelling the ground, ensuring everything was ready for landscaping.

Mostyn Daniel for his work as temporary groundsperson removing pavers and clearing the area, and his painting prep on the wall and mural panels.

Rachel Gillespie from The Abraham Institute for her support and visits to provide valuable feedback.

KOSHC

Another one of our projects that is nearing completion is that of the shift of KOSHC to the new space in the Education House. We have a few things to finalise, with the plan that KOSHC will start 2026 in its new location. Once again, we have been able to employ our talented local trades to complete the modifications and repairs required on the house. Shout out to Wes Farley Carpentry and Maintenance, Phil Morcom (painter), Carpet Court Nuriootpa, Tristan Kerr and Sean Bell from Kerrstruction Building Solution, Bazza’s Fencing and Plumbing by Megan. Thank you also to our Governing Council parents, Kane Ryan and Jarred Tilley for removing and disposing of the old fence.

On behalf of everyone at Kapunda Primary School, thank you for your continued support throughout 2025. We look forward to another fantastic year ahead. Have a safe holiday break and a wonderful Christmas and New Year

Sharon, Kerry and Melissa

Reception

Bryant Moss

This student has been acknowledged for consistently demonstrating our school values in all aspects of school life. He shows care and respect towards others, always ready to lend a helping hand to his classmates. His cooperative nature shines during group activities, where his encouragement and teamwork help everyone succeed. With a positive outlook and a thoughtful approach to learning, this student sets a great example for his peers.

Congratulations Bryant Moss!

Maddison Kelly

This student demonstrates cooperation by working responsibly with others, showing respect for everyone and everything around her, and always being truthful and accountable. She actively participates in all aspects of school life, approaches her learning with excellent organisation, and completes tasks reliably. Through her friendly and inclusive attitude, she helps everyone feel welcome, and she communicates well with her peers. Her confidence shines through as she believes in herself and willingly takes on new challenges. We are proud to present the Rotary Achiever Award to Maddison Kelly for her outstanding attitude and positive impact in our school community.

Year 1

Kaleb Laubsch

This student is a thoughtful and polite student who consistently demonstrates kindness to those around him. He approaches every learning opportunity with a positive attitude, always trying his best and showing perseverance when faced with challenges. He is receptive to feedback and uses it constructively to enhance his understanding and skills. His genuine respect for others and commitment to self-improvement make him a worthy recipient of the Rotary Achiever Award.

Congratulations Kaleb Laubsch!

Lucy O’Brien

This student consistently demonstrates kindness, helpfulness, and inclusivity, making her a positive presence in the classroom. She is always organised and responsible with her materials, she comes to each lesson prepared and ready to learn. Lucy contributes thoughtfully to class discussions and shows genuine respect for her classmates by listening openly to their ideas and opinions. She displays a strong growth mindset, approaching challenges with persistence and resilience, and continually striving to improve. Her warm attitude and dedication make her a valued member of our learning community. She is a well deserving recipient of the RAA Award. 

Congratulations Lucy O’Brien!

Year 2

Flynn Prior

This student dedicates himself to achieving his best in all subject areas. He consistently follows the School’s Values and class expectations and sets an excellent example for others. He is always well-mannered and polite to staff and peers. His sense of humour and calm approach make him an excellent leader in group tasks. He listens to others’ ideas and is considerate of their opinions. He also readily shares his own ideas and is always willing to help others, whether completing small jobs around the school, in the classroom, or in the yard. He is a highly deserving recipient of this award.

Congratulation Flynn Prior!

Paris Johnson

This student started at Kapunda Primary School during the school year and quickly became a well-respected peer, which is reflected in this award. She consistently follows the School’s Values and class expectations and sets an excellent example for others. It has been pleasing to see her resilience grow throughout the semester. She is always well-mannered and polite to staff and peers. Her sense of humour and warm smile make her an excellent leader in the class. She willingly shares her ideas and is always ready to help others. A very deserving recipient of this award. 

Congratulations Paris Johnson!

Year 3

Markus Stocks

This student is demonstrating a growing confidence in his learning, paired with a developing skillset that enables him to persist with tricky tasks. He approaches challenges with a positive and resilient mindset, frequently seeking clarification to improve his understanding. Well-admired by his peers, he shows kindness and inclusivity, readily offering support to others. Through his consistent effort to embody the school values and his determination to overcome obstacles, he is a deserving recipient of the Rotary Achiever Award for this term. Congratulations Markus Stocks!

Madyson Bennett

This student is a conscientious and responsible student who consistently tries her best in all learning areas. She quietly offers help to her peers when they are unsure of a task, showing kindness and a willingness to support others. She is respectful towards all staff and classmates, and her honesty shines through in everything she does and says. She’s thoughtful nature and strong sense of responsibility make her a valued member of our class.

Congratulation Madyson Bennett!

Year 4

Levi Doecke

This student has been nominated by his peers for the Rotary Achiever Award for consistently demonstrating the Keys to Success, including persistence, organisation, resilience, getting along and confidence. He is a positive role model who shows respect to others and is recognised as a caring and dependable friend. Throughout the year, he has worked hard to action feedback and continues to show a strong growth mindset in all areas of his learning. He uses our school values effectively each day and sets a wonderful example for those around him. Congratulations on being recognised and it is well deserved.

Congratulations Levi Doecke!

Mai O’Brien

This student is an incredibly deserving recipient of the RAA award. She has consistently demonstrated the Kapunda Primary School values both inside and outside the classroom. She approaches all learning tasks with a positive attitude and determination. She goes above and beyond in every aspect of her work, always striving to do her best and showing a genuine commitment to improvement. Her book work is consistently neat, well organised, reflecting her pride in her learning.

One of this student’s outstanding qualities is her friendliness. Her classmates describe her as kind, generous, supportive and welcoming. She puts considerable effort into making every member of the class feel included; she invites new students into group activities, welcoming them.

She is polite, respectful, and consistently displays kindness - a role model for all students at KPS. Her cheerful and optimistic attitude makes a positive impact on the classroom environment, contributing to a welcoming space for everyone.

Congratulations, Mai O’Brien, on your well-deserved recognition. Kapunda Primary School is proud to have you in our community!

Year 5

Ruby Lowe

This student has been selected by her peers to receive the Rotary Achiever Award, a reflection of her exemplary attitude and commitment across all areas of school life. Ruby’s quiet enthusiasm for learning, coupled with her positive, can-do approach, is truly inspiring. She consistently demonstrates respect, cooperation, trust, and honesty, making her a valued member of our school community. Her growing confidence to seek help and support—both for herself and others—highlights her thoughtful character and dedication to improvement.

Congratulations Ruby Lowe!

Lennox Barclay

This student has demonstrated steady and meaningful progress in all subject areas, staying focused and applying himself in class. He consistently puts in his best effort, even when tasks are difficult, and has grown his mindset toward challenges in his learning. As a member of the school community, he is kind, inclusive, and patient, and he interacts respectfully with others in class and during play. His calm manner and considerate behaviour have earned him the respect of his peers and contribute positively to the school environment.

Congratulations Lennox Barclay!

Year 6

George MacKenzie

This student has been honoured with the Rotary Achiever Award, as voted by his peers, in recognition of his exceptional character and contribution to our school community. He approaches learning with great enthusiasm and a positive, can-do attitude that inspires those around him. He willingly supports others, always showing kindness and respect. Through his willingness to cooperate, he builds strong, trusting relationships and upholds honesty in all his actions. His consistent effort and determination make him a role model for all.

Congratulations George MacKenzie on this well-deserved achievement!

Tayha Baillie

This student is a very deserving winner of the Term 4 RAA award. She has been voted by her peers to win this award. She reflects our school values daily in the classroom and in the yard. She has great patience when working with others and has a kind and caring nature. She demonstrates respect towards other staff and students and always knows how to have a laugh. She is a hard working and dedicated member of our class; this person always challenges herself with her learning and strives to achieve her smart goals.

Congratulation Tayha Baillie!!

This award recognises and encourages those students who have made an extraordinary commitment to their school or wider community beyond the normal level of involvement during the year. This can be demonstrated through volunteering, service for others and other community activities.

Charlotte Roebuck

This student has been recognised with the prestigious Parliamentary Award for her outstanding personal qualities and leadership within our school community. She consistently demonstrates initiative by seeking out ways to improve our environment and support her peers. Her respectful attitude towards others and her commitment to honest and open communication set a positive example for all. Her ability to work cooperatively, alongside her persistent effort to overcome challenges, makes her a truly deserving recipient of this honour.

Congratulations Charlotte Roebuck on this well-earned recognition!

On Friday November 14th, 100 year 4-12 musicians from 8 schools in the Barossa Valley area came together to rehearse and perform a concert at the Nuri Soldier's Memorial Hall for our annual Department for Education Instrumental Music Concert Band workshop.

Participating students performed their 9 pieces of music extremely well to well over 200 audience members. Songs included, Power Rock (medley of Queen's We Will Rock You and Another Bites the Dust), James Bond Movie Theme, TV Themes from Bluey and Friends and the hit song, A.P. T.

A massive congratulations to all of our students, we are very proud of you.  Thank you to the Nuriootpa and Kapunda High School students for mentoring the primary school musicians.  We are grateful for the support you give these young musicians.

Participating in this showcase event were primary school students from Angaston, Kapunda, Nuriootpa, Sandy Creek, Springton and Tanunda.

Special thanks to our IM teachers and other staff for joining us on the day to play and support our students in the band and for also helping with the many other jobs on the day.

Thank you to: Jacob Staehr, Chris Yeend, Noah Tilley, Bronwen Murphy, Yonna Taylor, Brett Eagles, Liz Fahlbusch, Carolyn Thorne, Emily Hewitt, Nicole Taylor and Kelly Mosey.

A lot of fun was had by all as we were building bigger and better brains.

Sonia Samain

Instrumental Music Teacher