Presentation to the Mayor and Unley Councillors

Thomas (11BSTJ) presented to the Mayor and Councillors of the City of Unley alongside students from Urrbrae Agricultural High School and Glenunga International High School. Together, they shared insights into the impact of the 2024 My Voice in My Hands democracy project, in which several of our Year 10 students participated last year.

This initiative was part of a broader event series, funded by the SA Commissioner for Children and Young People, Helen Connolly, and delivered by the City of Unley. Over two days, students explored ways for young people to voice their perspectives on major global issues and refine a priority list to present to local Ministers, the Unley City Council, and a wider public forum. DemocracyCo facilitated both sessions, guiding students in addressing the following key questions:

• What could be done to help your voice be heard and enable you to be an active citizen in our democracy? 
• What can you do and what could government do?

Congratulations to all our students who participated so positively in the program last year. Tom represented us with confidence and maturity and received wonderful feedback from the Council members.

Inklings

Join our Inklings writing group if you are keen to extend yourself as a writer. Students in Years 7 to 12 are welcome. Click to register your interest.

Writing Competitions

You may like to enter one of the following writing competitions:

• SAETA Young Writers Awards: Entries are open to all South Australian students from Reception to Year 12. Entries may be up to 1,000 words – free topic, poetry or prose.

• What Matters? writing competition: What Matters? writing competition is currently open to school students in Years 5 to 12 from across Australia. Responding to the simple question 'what matters?', entrants are free to express their views on any matter they care about – up to 600 words. Read more...

• Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award: If you are 14 and would like to commence the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, please make contact as soon as possible. Pop into room G68 for questions and help with individual goal setting, or email any time for support. Learn more...
  • If you have already registered and need help with anything at all, please reach out.
  • Register your interest by emailing Mrs Rieger or popping in to visit in G68.

26 Book Challenge

Please don’t forget to sign up in the library for this year-long challenge. Check out the incredible Departure Gates display in our library to give you inspiration for certain categories. This year your reading challenge is the in the form of a passport. You can visit passport control (the library circulation desk) to get your passport stamped after you finish a book in a category. Be sure to add your name to the list in the library so that you can receive updates on everything related to the challenge.

Rostrum Voice of Youth

Rostrum Voice of Youth is a national public speaking competition for school students in Years 7 to 12. It provides an excellent opportunity for entrants to gain experience and confidence in expressing their views and communicating a message. Visit the Rostrum Voice of Youth website to see this year’s topics. You can nominate online.

Upcoming Opportunities

• National Youth Science Forum (NYSF): Read Angelina’s article in last fortnight’s newsletter about her incredible experiences at the 10-day National Youth Science Forum in January. Passionate Year 11 STEM students can apply for the 2026 Year 12 program. See Mrs Rieger, Mrs Crossing or speak with a Science teacher to learn more.
  SA Refugee Week 2025 Youth Poster Awards: Create a poster which celebrates the courage, resilience, strength and contributions of people of refugee background. Learn more here. Please see Mrs Rieger if interested. Entries are due on Friday 11 April 2025. The Awards are open to primary and secondary students.

Emma Rieger
Enrichment and Extended Learning