We would like to acknowledge and pay our respects to the Kaurna people, the traditional custodians whose ancestral lands we gather on. We acknowledge the deep feelings of attachment and relationship of the Kaurna people to country and we respect and value their past, present and ongoing connection to the land and cultural beliefs.
Dear families,
Welcome back to Term 4. It promises to be a fantastic term as we look ahead to our end-of-year concert celebration and the graduation of our Class of 2026.
Celebrating Japanese Culture
We had a fantastic day celebrating Japanese culture on Wednesday. It was wonderful to have some of our families join us for the picnic on the oval, and heart-warming to see the space come alive with kite flying and shared enjoyment.
A real highlight of the day was the kendama exhibition at the beginning of the day, followed by the student workshops. Our students were treated to an impressive display of skill from one of the world’s best before having the opportunity to try kendama for themselves. It was especially delightful to see some of our youngest learners mastering the art of kendama in their own way. We certainly have some very talented students among us.
Sincere thanks to Wallis Sensei for organising the day and for helping to ensure that Japanese language and culture continue to thrive at Hallett Cove East.
Class Placement Process for 2027
As we move through the term, the class placement process for 2027 is now beginning. We thank those families who have already provided input to support this important work.
Creating classes is a complex process that takes many factors into account, including student friendships, the balance of learning needs, class numbers across the school, parent input and teacher professional judgement. Considerable thought and care go into ensuring classes are formed in a way that supports both individual students and each group as a whole.
Please be assured that staff will be working carefully through this process, with the best interests of all children at the centre of our decision-making.
Farewell Mrs Stanfield
This week, we say a heartfelt farewell to Jayne Stanfield as she leaves our school to take up a new role outside of education.
Jayne has been a valued member of our staff over many years at our school. From the moment she stepped into the Performing Arts role, she has brought energy, enthusiasm and a genuine passion for children’s learning in the Arts.
In speaking with students and families over the past week, it is clear that interest in music and performance has grown significantly because of the opportunities and experiences Jayne has provided. From before-school band practice and lunchtime choir to her skilled puppetry and genuine love for music, Jayne has created many memorable and enriching experiences for our students.
She has lifted the quality of learning in Performing Arts and brought a level of specialist expertise that will be very difficult to replace.
I am sure you will join me in thanking Jayne for her wonderful contribution to our school and in wishing her every success in this exciting new chapter.
Welcome New Staff
A warm welcome to Emma Hewett-Smiles who is teaching in 5 West, year 2 this term whilst Jane Taylor is on leave. Also welcome to Akaysha Hoberg-Adderley who is undertaking the Performing Arts role for the remainder of the term.
With regards
Matthew Chapman
Principal
It has been such a busy and positive start to Term 4! From Japanese Cultural Day to the learning in class, we have hit the ground running!
One of my favourite highlights from my walkthroughs this fortnight has been seeing Facts on Fire across all year levels. For families who may be new to this routine, students complete two 2-minute practice runs before a final 1-minute sprint on their number facts. The goal? Improving on their own accuracy and fluency score. What I have loved most is seeing the same routine across the school, while still being matched to students at their level. There is something very special about seeing the pride on students’ faces as they notice their own growth in speed, accuracy and confidence.
Some classes have also started exploring procedure writing this term. I have seen lots of creative brainstorming, including the identification of Lego instructions as a procedure. Some classes will be creating a shared procedure together, while others are exploring writing their own and testing their instructions with a peer. I am sure we are about to see some creative writing come to life.
I was also able to witness some House 9 students during their Resilience Project lesson. Students were exploring ways to manage challenging emotions. It was encouraging to hear the strategies that they have identified to help them work through these emotions. This learning is helping students build self-awareness and responsibility.
The biggest thing that stands out to me is the way our students are learning… with persistence, care and a growing understanding of themselves and others.
“Every small step in learning, confidence and kindness helps shape the person a child is becoming.”
Warm regards,
Ktora Dannenberg
Deputy Principal
In Week 2, we were fortunate to welcome Wait Mate to Hallett Cove East for a free parent information session.
Wait Mate is an Australian not-for-profit movement that encourages families to work together to delay giving children their first smartphone until at least high school. The initiative recognises the power of parents making these decisions collectively, helping to reduce the social pressure children and families can feel around smartphone ownership.
Beyond delaying smartphones, Wait Mate encourages families to build healthy digital habits and create more opportunities for real-world play, physical activity and face-to-face friendships.
One important consideration when it comes to children's use of digital devices is the potential impact on sleep. Getting enough quality sleep is essential for children's learning, emotional regulation, concentration and overall wellbeing.
Our 2026 wellbeing data highlighted that 64% of students in Years 4–6 reported regularly getting a good night's sleep. This is an important reminder of the role that healthy routines, including balanced screen use, can play in supporting children's wellbeing.
As a school, we recognise that navigating technology and screen time can be challenging for families. Initiatives such as Wait Mate provide an opportunity for parents to connect, share experiences and support one another in making informed decisions.
If you would like to learn more about Wait Mate or join the parent pledge, please visit:
Together, we can continue supporting our children to develop healthy habits, strong relationships and positive wellbeing.
Kind Regards,
Ellie Burford
Student Wellbeing Leader
Volunteers are important to our school community. Our canteen relies on help from volunteers to deliver a meal service to our pupils.
To enable us to provide a varied recess and lunch menu offer to our pupils we really do need your help.
If you have a spare hour or more we would welcome your support.
Not registered with the school as a volunteer? Volunteer application packs are available from the front office containing all the information you need to submit your registration as a volunteer...... WE NEED YOU
The shop is stocked with a variety of second hand uniform items. The money raised is given back to the school and utilised in fundraising projects.
Remember that if you have any unused uniform items in good clean condition, we'd love to receive them. They can be left at the office anytime. Thank you.
Our Vision
For students to be confident, capable, and engaged young people, prepared to face the challenges of the world with empathy and integrity. We aim to cultivate a community where our learners are knowledgeable, compassionate, and resilient, thriving now and into the future.
Our purpose:
We are dedicated to creating a safe, inclusive, and dynamic learning environment that nurtures curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking. We strive to empower every student in their endeavours to make a positive impact on their school and wider community.
Our vision and purpose are underpinned by guiding beliefs:
Values
The school Values identified by the school community are reflected in the everyday language atschool by staff, parents, students and community members. The Values are
Our ongoing commitment to our Values is reflected in our Student and Staff Wellbeing programs including the Student Leaders' program, Buddy and assembly programs.
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