Newsletter - Term 2, Week 10 2025
Principal's Update
It is already halfway through the year, and the weather has changed. Now we are deep into winter. The air is chilly and hopefully we will continue to see some nice big cold fronts swing through over the next two weeks and dump plenty of snow in Falls Creek ready for the Year 10/11 snow trip to be held in the first week of term 3.
Prioritising Attendance
Attendance at secondary school is crucial for a student's academic and personal development. We know regular absence from school can significantly impact on academic performance, literacy and numeracy development, social and emotional development and future employment opportunities and earning potential. Students who do not complete their education are more likely to face economic challenges later in life.
Think missing a day or more per week won’t make a difference:
- If a student miss one day of school each week, that equates to missing 40 days each year and the equivalent of 2.5 years of schooling in total between reception and year 12.
What about being a bit late to school every day:
- If a student is late to school every day by 1 hour, this equates to 1 day a week, which is also equivalent to the 5 years of schooling.
Whilst it is true students can progress their learning independently using technology regular attendance ensures students engage fully with the curriculum, benefiting from structured learning experiences that build foundational knowledge and skills. Missing school increases the likelihood of experiencing gaps in understanding, making it challenging for students to keep up with their peers and achieve their full potential.
Our school provides a safe and structured environment where students can explore their interests, participate in extracurricular activities, and receive guidance and support from staff. These experiences are integral to personal growth and self-discovery, helping students to become well-rounded individuals.
By prioritising attendance, students set themselves up for a brighter future, equipped with the knowledge, skills, and experiences necessary to thrive in an ever-changing world. Let’s work together to ensure every student at Golden Grove High School attends regularly and makes the most of their educational journey.
If your child is struggling with their attendance, please reach out to their Grove teacher, relevant Sub School Leader or one of the Wellbeing Leaders for support.
Quadrangle Update
I am excited to inform our school community our beloved quadrangle is getting a well-deserved facelift. It begins with the removal of the remaining ripped and torn shade sails. They will be replaced with 15 brand new sails using the same colours found on the recently painted DRMC building. New lockers have been ordered to replace the old metal ones, and we are currently investigating ideas and gathering quotes for updating the tired pavers. The planter boxes will be removed and replaced with new furniture and a selection of plants. The quadrangle is the heart and centrepiece of the school, and we are excited to bring it ‘back to life’ and make it a comfortable and attractive place for students.
The shade sails will be replaced in the term 3 school holidays, with the remaining upgrades to be completed over the Christmas break. How exciting. I can’t wait to see the outcome of this project.
Staff Update
- Shane Matei was successful in winning a Program Leader role at the brand-new Technical College at the Heights School. Shane begins his new role in term 4 this year. We are currently advertising for Shane’s replacement.
- Brodie Forbes was successful in winning a Behaviour Support Educator role for the Gawler district for the next 6 months. Ben Wilson will take over as the Year 8 Sub School Leader next term.
- Kirsty Faulkner returns from maternity leave and will resume her substantive role as the Year 7 Sub School Leader.
- Kelly Lycett has won a Physical Education teaching role at Goolwa Secondary College and will begin at her new school at the start of term 3. Kelly has been a key part of our highly successful Touch Football program, and we will really miss her energy and expertise. Kelly’s life has now moved down to the south coast, so we wish her and her family all the best for the next chapter in their lives.
- Tegan Gully-Crispe and Lizzy Farrier have both returned to their teaching duties in the Discovery Centre after periods of leave.
Semester One Reports
Semester one reports have been published in Compass. Please go to the Compass parent portal to download a copy of your child’s report. If you have any questions about any of your child’s grades, please contact the relevant subject teacher by email and the teacher will follow up with you early next term. If your child has received several concerning grades, you can expect a contact from a member of the year level sub school team early next term, most likely seeking a time to meet and discuss the learning concerns.
Perhaps there has been a staff member (teacher, leader or SSO) who has gone above and beyond for your child and has made a positive difference to their life. If this is the case, perhaps consider sending this staff member a ‘shout out’. To do this, fire up our school website and scroll down the home screen until you locate the Thank a Staff Member tile. Click on the image and this will open a page with instructions about how to send your shout out through. Staff love receiving these thoughtful gifts and I know how much your kind words affirm the great work they are doing every day.
I wish everyone all the best for the next few weeks and look forward to welcoming everyone back for the start of term 3 on Monday 21 July.
Peter Kus
Principal
Meet GGHS Family
My name is Andy Doran, currently year 9 Sub School Leader, who was educated at the Heights. After a bit of travel and soul searching I came back and ran a Personal Training and Massage business for over 20 years. During this time, I decided to be a mature age UniSA student to study Education.
Playing many sports from the age of 5 I knuckled down to forge a semi-professional soccer career to play over 260 games for Modbury Jets in NPL. After retiring, I went headfirst into triathlons, where I accomplished my goal of qualifying and completing the Ironman World Championships in Kona, 2024.
I spend my spare time exercising and coaching athletics at Golden Grove Little Athletics and the South Australian Team. I like to unwind by spending time with my son and my dog, Rocky (white Husky). I love food and am very happy eating, with my favourite dish being most recipes on the Mexican menu.
Senior School
What a Termf for Year 12's!
This term has flown by!
We celebrated Half Way Day in Week 6 with cake and ham-and-cheese toasties. Both students and staff are finding it hard to believe how quickly the year is passing. In recent weeks, we also took part in a special tree planting session. Each student chose a plant and, alongside their classmates, planted it with care. These plants will grow for years to come, leaving a lasting legacy at GGHS—it was a surprisingly emotional moment for many.
Excitement is building for the Formal, which is fast approaching in late July. Students are finalising their tables and have selected an alternate drop for the main course, followed by a delicious dessert. In preparation, we’ve been practicing a few classic dances: the Nutbush, the Electric Slide, and a four-person line dance. Students have embraced the challenge and grown more confident with every session. I can’t wait to see the dancefloor packed on the night!
As we look ahead, it's important to note that Term 3 is often the most intense part of Year 12. A proper break now will help students return refreshed and ready. Reports have now been published so please take some time to talk with your child about their progress and whether they’re on track to meet their goals.
Early next term (Tuesday of Week 2), we will hold Year 12 Parent-Teacher Conversations. Please remember to book a time with your child’s subject teachers.
Finally, Term 3 also marks the beginning of conversations about life after GGHS, with a range of University and TAFE representatives visiting to discuss SATAC applications and entry pathways.
Cannot wait to see what Term 3 brings!!
Tree Planting
Preparing for Formal
Middle School
Reflections on Semester 1 in the Middle School
As we approach the end of Semester 1, we would like to take this opportunity to thank our students and families for their ongoing support and engagement in our Middle School programs. This semester has been filled with rich opportunities for students to grow - not just academically, but in their wellbeing, friendships, and development of the GGHS Learner Dispositions: collaborative, creative, reflective, resilient, and self-motivated.
As Semester 1 reports are now available on Compass, we encourage families to sit down together and reflect on both academic progress and the broader learning journey. While it can be tempting to focus solely on grades, taking the time to explore the growth shown in learner dispositions can spark meaningful conversations and support your child’s continued development. Compass also provides access to attendance data - an important area to monitor. Our current average attendance rate across the Middle School sits at around 80%. While this reflects a broader trend across the state, it remains concerning. Missing one day each week equates to approximately two full weeks of learning lost per term, which has a significant impact over time.
Engaging in these reflective conversations with your child can:
- Build self-awareness and goal setting
- Encourage responsibility and accountability
- Strengthen parent-student-teacher partnerships
- Promote resilience and ownership of learning
Looking ahead, many of our Year 7 and Year 8 students will continue into Semester 2 with several of the same teachers, supporting consistency and strong student-teacher relationships. For our Year 9 students, who are just six months away from entering the Senior School, Semester 2 may bring changes to their class groups and teachers due to elective rotations. We encourage families to check Compass for updated Semester Outlines and class information to stay informed and engaged in your child’s learning journey.
We are incredibly proud of the growth we’ve seen this semester and look forward to continuing our partnership in supporting every Middle School student to thrive.
Celebrating Student Growth at the Year 7 Visible Learning Showcase
This semester, half of our Year 7 students took part in our exciting subject Visible Learning - a course designed to develop key learning skills that support success across all areas at Golden Grove High School. Students selected one of four engaging themes: Engineering Invention, Inspired Minds, My Artist Self, or The Great Outdoors. Each class provided a unique lens through which students could explore, create, and grow their understanding of the GGHS Learner Dispositions: collaborative, creative, reflective, resilient, and self-motivated.
The focus throughout the course has been on developing not only academic skills, but also deep learning behaviours - equipping students to be independent thinkers and confident learners in and out of the classroom.
On Wednesday 11 June, our Middle School building was buzzing with creativity, curiosity, and pride as we welcomed families to our Year 7 Showcase of Learning. This event gave students the opportunity to share their Visible Learning journeys, present their projects, and reflect on what they learned, how they learned it, and why it matters.
Visitors were treated to a diverse and inspiring range of student work:
- In Engineering Invention, students showcased everything from intricate Lego robotics to original prototypes and detailed design explanations.
- The Great Outdoors class featured mouthwatering meals cooked on trangias, alongside Minecraft-designed botanic gardens created to support bee populations and biodiversity.
- Students in My Artist Self wowed audiences with stunning artworks inspired by famous artists and brought to life with personal expression and creativity.
- The Inspired Minds class presented a wide array of passion projects, from professionally bound recipe books (complete with delicious samples!) to biographical deep-dives and tournament designs.
It was especially heartening to see so many parents, carers, and grandparents attending, sharing in the pride we feel for our Year 7 students and enjoying a celebratory morning tea together.
We extend our deepest thanks to the incredible Visible Learning teaching team for their passion and dedication, and to our school community for supporting such a memorable day of learning. We can’t wait to see what next semester’s Visible Learning students will create!
Kirsty Ujhelyi
Assistant Principal – Head of Middle School
Life Matters Consent Workshops Empower Year 8 and 9 students
We are pleased to share that our Year 8 and 9 students recently participated in a powerful and engaging workshop facilitated by the SMG Life Matters team. Renowned for their work with young people across South Australia, SMG Life Matters delivers creative, thought-provoking seminars that support students in exploring important life topics — all aligned with the Australian Curriculum.
Held on Thursday, 5 June 2025, the workshop focused on the vital topic of consent, providing students with a respectful and inclusive space to explore personal boundaries and the importance of building healthy, respectful relationships.
Through a mix of guided discussions and interactive activities, students were encouraged to reflect on the choices they make and the impact those choices can have on their friends, school community, and the wider world. The sessions offered practical tools and insights to help students navigate relationships with confidence, empathy, and understanding.
We believe this was a highly valuable experience that supports our continued commitment to promoting respectful relationships and fostering a safe and supportive school environment.
Andy Doran
Year 9 Sub School Leader
Middle School Leadership Update
As we move into the start of Term 3, we would like to share a few updates to our Middle School leadership structure.
We’re pleased to welcome back Kirsty Faulkner, who is returning from maternity leave and resuming her role as Year 7 Sub School Leader. Kirsty brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of how to support students in building strong foundations for success in high school.
A huge thank you to Ben Wilson for the fantastic job he has done leading our Year 7s through the transition to high school and their first semester at GGHS. His leadership and positivity have helped set a strong foundation for this cohort.
We also farewell Brodie Forbes from the Year 8 Sub School Leader role as he takes on an exciting new position as Behaviour Support Educator through to the start of 2026. Though he has only been with us a short time, Brodie has made a significant impact, and his presence and energy will be missed.
This change creates an opportunity for Ben to continue his leadership journey as he steps into the Year 8 Sub School Leader role for the remainder of the year. We know he will bring the same enthusiasm and dedication to his new role as he did with Year 7.
Please join us in congratulating all involved as they move into their new roles and thank you for your continued support of our Middle School team.
Summary of Middle School Leaders for Semester 2
Year 7
Sub School Leader: Kirsty Faulkner
Exec Leader: Kristy Power
Year 8
Sub School Leader: Brodie Forbes
Exec Leader: Sarah West
Year 9
Sub School Leader: Andy Doran
Exec Leader: Kirsty Ujhelyi
Year 7 Visible Learning Showcase
Celebrating PBL Success in Year 8
A key focus for our year 8 community this year has been kindness and recognising the great things our peers are doing to make this such a wonderful school community to be a part of. Year 8 Sub-school Leader Brodie Forbes challenged the students at the start of the term to take notice of their classmates and friends who were demonstrating our PBL classroom expectations or our school values, and to send through a peer nominated Positive Behaviour Chronicle to Brodie through a Microsoft Forms... wow were we inundated with entries! Across term 2 there were over 80 peer nominations, that's 80 times our students were celebrated, and how special to come from a friend or peer!
The success didn't stop there with positive recognition, as our year 8 student community received the most Positive Behaviour Chronicles for any year level in the school... even more so, out of the top 10 student nominations in the school, 8 were from year 8...AND... 5 of those were from 803!
A special congratulations goes to year 8 student Amelia who has received the most points through positive recognition for the whole school. We may need to ask her what habits she has built that have made her so successful so she can share her wisdom with her peers.
Our students will have noticed the year 8 PBL Leadership Board up near the Sub-school office. This will go live in term 3 with recognition, fun and games for the dispositions and display of values our students are showing so well. We were just shy of 1000 Positive Behaviour Chronicles for year 8 in term 2 at 928... can we break our record next term?
Sarah West
Assistant Principal - Year 8 Oversight
Celebrating 100 Days of Year 7
We recently celebrated a significant milestone—100 Days of Year 7! This special occasion was filled with joy and reflection on the achievements of our Year 7 students.
Each Grove class contributed special items to a sealed time capsule, which will be opened at their Year 9 Graduation. This thoughtful gesture will serve as a cherished memory of their early high school years.
The celebration included a delicious cake, and students enjoyed the fun challenge of finding 100 hidden ducks around the Year 7 classrooms, with prizes for those who succeeded. Laughter filled the air as we shared funny photos of our Year 7 teachers, humorously aged 100 years.
The past 100 days have been truly enjoyable, and we eagerly look forward to the next 100 days of learning and growth.
Kristy Power
Assistant Principal - Year 7 Oversight
Celebrating Success with a Pizza Party
We recently hosted a delightful pizza party to celebrate the outstanding achievements of our students. This event recognised those who have excelled in various areas, making our school community proud. Firstly, congratulations to our best attenders! Your commitment to being present and engaged in your learning is commendable. Regular attendance is crucial for success, and you have set a fantastic example for your peers.
Our weekly quiz winners were also celebrated for their impressive knowledge and quick thinking.
Finally, a special mention goes to the Grove class with the most positive behaviour points. Your exemplary conduct and positive attitude have contributed to a supportive and respectful school environment.
Thank you to all the students for your hard work and dedication. Let's continue to strive for excellence and enjoy more celebrations in the future
Ben Wilson
Year 7 Sub-school Leader
PBL Focus Term 3
Be here. Learn. Thrive. - Focus on Student Attendance
Our PBL Lead Team have been discussing the importance of attendance to school, not just as something we check on the class roll, but more importantly as a driver of positive culture within our community. Our school purpose statement prioritises a sense of belonging and we want to support our school community to be present, maximise the learning opportunities and most importantly maintain connections with peers. We value each and every day we get to support your child in their learning journey into a fulfilling future and want to work in partnership with you to make sure we get to see them in our classes each and every day.
Some simple ways you can support your child's attendance at school:
- Develop a regular bedtime routine that allows for a minimum 8 hours of sleep
- No tech time - switch off devices at least 1 hour before sleep to encourage quality sleep
- Encourage good organisation habits such as preparing belongings the night before, set an alarm (or two!), encouraging them to eat a healthy breakfast before they leave home and check bus schedules for any changes
- Regularly check on your child's Compass portal for assessment due dates and homework tasks to support their time management skills
At school we provide a rich and differentiated curriculum, full of exciting learning opportunities we don't want students to miss. We will work with you as well to overcome attendance challenges and keep in communication with you when we notice things might be going off track.
If you would like to discuss your child's attendance at any time, please contact their Grove teacher who will be more than happy to help or seek any supports they may need.
Sarah West
On behalf of the PBL Lead Team
Communications
Accessing Student Reports on Compass App
To help you access your child's report through the Compass app, follow these simple steps:
- After opening the app, click on your child's profile image
- Scroll the top menu bar to 'reports'
- Click to download!
Tailored Learning
The Tailored Learning Pizza Party end of semester celebration was a fantastic event designed to recognise and honour the achievements of students who had successfully completed a semester of learning and skill development.
The event was organised by the Tailored Learning team, which worked in collaboration with SAPOL, Tea Tree Gully Council Youth Development, Baptist Care to create a memorable occasion for the students. We celebrated with special guests and Principal Peter Kuss not only acknowledged the hard work and growth of the students but also fostered a sense of community and support. The event included a fun and casual atmosphere with pizza, snacks, music, decorations and certificate awards (including two golden tickets of the most improved) allowing students, educators, and community partners to come together and share in the success of the semester.
Thank you to SAPOL, Tea Tree Gully Council and Baptist Care for being involved and highlighting the collaborative efforts of local organisations in supporting student success and building positive connections between the community and education.
Patricia Lambert
TLP Leader
Discovery Centre
What a fantastic (and jam-packed!) Term 2 it’s been in the Discovery Centre!
Our senior students proudly participated in the Animal Welfare League program, where they learned valuable skills around animal care, responsibility, and compassion. The program wrapped up with a special graduation celebration, and each student received a certificate recognising their hard work and dedication. A huge congratulations to the group – we’re so proud of you!
Golden Graze launched its much-anticipated Doggy Release Box this term – and it was a howling success! So many lucky pups were spoiled, and we want to thank everyone who supported and purchased a box. Every cent raised goes directly back into the Discovery Centre to support our incredible students with disabilities. Your support truly makes a difference.
Our students also had the opportunity to participate in the annual disability basketball and soccer carnival. These events are always a highlight – not just for the fun, but for the chance to build resilience, teamwork, and sportsmanship. The energy was high, the cheers were loud, and the smiles said it all.
Creativity has been in full swing, with students producing some seriously impressive and unique artwork.
To top it off, we were thrilled to have new smart boards installed in our classrooms. These have already become a favourite among students, offering exciting new ways to learn, collaborate, and express their creativity in an engaging and interactive format.
We’re so proud of everything our students and staff have achieved this term and can’t wait to see what Term 3 brings!
Cherie Dawkins
Discovery Centre Leader
Sport
Year 7/8 Statewide Netball
In Week 9 of Term 2, the Golden Grove 7/8 Netball Team, played against Gleeson, Pedare and Kapanda in the Statewide Knockout Tournament.
In their first game against Gleeson, in a very close contest, won by 1 point. In their second scheduled match against Pedare, overtime was granted but unfortunately lost by two goals. The girls played with extreme persistence and determination. The day finished off with a strong win against Kapunda.
Unfortunately, the girls did not make it to the next round, coming a close second overall. This remarkable accomplishment reflects the dedication of the players and the unwavering support from parents, teachers and the school community who supported the girls on the day.
Congratulations to all the Year 7/8 girls involved. Your enthusiasm, cooperation, and teamwork was great to watch!
A special thanks to the Year 10 girls Evie, Lucy and Summer, who helped coach, score and umpire on the day.
Year 12 Lunchtime Volleyball
Year 12 PE Shine in TTGVA Weekly Volleyball Competition
In Term 2, Golden Grove High School's Year 12 PE class made a powerful statement in the TTGVA Weekly Volleyball Competition, which ran from Week 3 to Week 8. The competition saw two dedicated and determined Golden Grove teams take to the court each week, showcasing skill, strategy, and teamwork in every match.
As a part of their Volleyball Group Dynamics Assessment task, the two teams played against teams from Pedare and Gleeson in a six-week season. In the season, both teams demonstrated consistent growth and sportsmanship, rising to the challenge with grit and energy. Their hard work and commitment paid off in spectacular fashion, with both Golden Grove teams reaching the ultimate stage: the grand final.
In a thrilling all-Golden Grove showdown, the teams faced off against one another in a display of school pride and friendly rivalry. While only one team could take home the final victory, both teams earned the respect of their peers and the wider competition for their outstanding efforts.
Congratulations to all the Year 12 PE students involved. Your dedication, teamwork, and passion was awesome to watch!
School Life
🏉✨ Golden Grove High School proudly participated in the annual SAASTA Power Cup carnival at Alberton Oval, proudly sponsored by the Port Adelaide (Yartapuulti) Football Club.
A massive congratulations to our student Kaitlyn, who's amazing guernsey design was selected to represent our Academy Parafield! The design was created during a special workshop led by our good friend and Aboriginal artist Scott Rathman, using the 2025 NAIDOC Week theme of The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy.
Well done to all our students who represented GGHS with pride, passion and respect!
🖤💛❤️
Work Experience 2025: A Journey of Discovery and Success!
Week 8 was an exciting time for our Year 10 students as they embarked on their work experience journey, stepping into a world of various industries. This opportunity allowed them to not only develop essential skills but also broaden their understanding of the professional landscape.
Our students worked in diverse fields, including:
- Aged Care
- Animal Care
- Automotive
- Building and Construction
- Business and Defence
- Early Childhood and Care
- Education
- Electrotechnology
- Engineering
- Food Processing
- Hair and Beauty
- Health Support
- Hospitality and Tourism
- Plumbing
- Retail
- Screen and Media
- Sport and Fitness
For many, this was their first taste of the working world, while others with part-time jobs explored new horizons. They observed, shadowed, and learned from seasoned professionals, mastering new skills and tackling tasks independently.
These placements are more than just a glimpse into potential career paths; they are a vital stepping stone in planning future opportunities. The feedback from staff, students, and employers has been overwhelmingly positive, highlighting our students' exemplary representation of our school through their dedication and initiative.
We are thrilled to announce that several students have secured part-time employment or apprenticeships, thanks to their outstanding performance during their placements. Congratulations to our Year 10s for their remarkable achievements!
Exciting Short Courses:
This semester, our students eagerly embraced a range of immersive activities, each designed to assist their future pathways and ignite their passions. These experiences included:
- Try a Trade Experiences: Students explored hands-on opportunities in Electrotechnology, Health and Individual Support, Hospitality, and Screen and Media, gaining invaluable insights into these vibrant industries.
- White Card Certification: Equipping students with essential safety training, this qualification opens doors to construction sites, ensuring they are prepared and confident in navigating this vital sector.
- First Aid Certification: Empowering students with life-saving skills, this certification enables them to provide crucial first aid both in the workplace and within the community.
These short courses are more than just qualifications; they are stepping stones to a brighter future, offering our students the chance to discover their interests and chart their own unique paths.
Shane Matei
VET and Pathways Leader
Wellbeing
As the upcoming school holidays approach, we want to share some exciting resources to keep your children engaged and entertained:
Tea Tree Gully Council Holiday Activities:
Explore a variety of community events and activities designed for youth during the school holidays. You can find more details and upcoming events here.Fun Ideas to Beat Boredom:
If you're looking for inspiration on activities and ways to keep your kids entertained, click here to check out this helpful blog.
We hope these resources help make the holidays enjoyable and fun for everyone!
Professional Learning
Professional Learning Day Focused on Differentiation at GGHS
On Tuesday 10 June (Week 7, Term 2), all our teaching staff participated in a full-day Professional Learning event focused on differentiation, a key priority in our teaching and learning strategy for 2025 and beyond.
Differentiation is about ensuring that every student can access the curriculum in a way that suits their individual needs, interests, and learning styles. It’s a powerful approach that allows teachers to adjust the environment, content, process, or product of learning to support all students in achieving success.
The day began with a deep dive into the "why" of differentiation, exploring what it is (and what it isn’t), why it’s especially important right now, and what our national and school-based data is telling us about the needs of our learners. Staff also engaged in experiential activities to build their understanding of neurodiversity and how it impacts learning.
In the afternoon, teachers explored practical strategies across the core elements of differentiation - learning environments, content, process, and product - before choosing targeted workshops to apply these strategies to their classroom context. The day concluded with a collaborative reflection and planning session to bring all the learning together.
We would like to acknowledge the hard work of our Pedagogy Team, who thoughtfully designed this day to be both practical and inspiring. Their commitment to ensuring that every student at GGHS has the opportunity to thrive in a supportive and inclusive learning environment is truly commendable.
We look forward to the positive impact this professional learning will have in our classrooms and, most importantly, for our students.
Kirsty Ujhelyi
Assistant Principal - Head of High-Quality Teaching and Learning
Old Scholars Association
We are on the look out for more alumni to join our Old Scholars Association!
If you are an ex student, or know of someone who attended our school, please share the link below so we can maintain a connection and share exciting opportunities available to support our school and celebrate with old friends at reunion events.
Our reunion celebration night this year will be for the classes of 1995, 2005 and 2015. The reunion event will take place in Term 3, stay tuned for more details!
Homestay Program
Have you met “Ken”? Pakin is a Year 12 international student from Thailand and part of the high school graduate program. He started at Golden Grove High School in Year 10 and has achieved excellent academic results despite English being his second language. He has developed strong friendships and earnt great respect from his teachers.
He achieved the Personal Growth Award at this year’s IES Year 12 International Graduation which was attended by nearly 300 international students around Adelaide.
Here is what Ken’s teachers had to say:
- Physics teacher: "Ken is a high achieving student in Physics (A+ in test) and has recently submitted an exemplary written Science as a Human Endeavour task"
- Mathematical Methods teacher: "Ken's English has improved immensely in my time teaching him, and he has always shown resilience in overcoming any language barriers when they arise. Across both his physics (Year 11) and maths (year 11 and 12), Ken has always improved and grown, being at the top of the class almost always"
- Chemistry teacher: "Ken fosters positive relationships with his peers through his friendly and supportive demeanor. He collaborates effectively by seeking clarification, sharing ideas, and demonstrating a willingness to work with a diverse range of classmates. Ken contributes to a collaborative classroom environment by actively participating in learning activities and engaging thoughtfully in class discussions."
We welcome other international students for short and long-term study programs at GGHS and invite our school community to be homestay families. If you are interested, please complete this Registration of Interest - Homestay Program and Short-Term Study Tours at Golden Grove High School
On behalf of our International Education team
Download The Compass App!
Have you downloaded the Compass app yet?
Easily accessible from your app store, the Compass parent portal app is the ultimate tool for parents and caregivers. It connects you directly to your child's learning, assessment and timetable. This is also where you can read all about the positive behaviour Chronicles their teachers have awarded them. It is also a useful portal to check our calendar, report on any absences or communicate with your child's teachers.
Using the app you can stay in the loop as we will often send push notifications to your phone for daily updates and reminders.