Tatachilla news

Our students had the rare opportunity to see the hidden beauty of the natural world during National Science Week 2025, thanks to a scanning electron microscope (SEM) on loan to the school.

The theme for this year’s National Science Week, Decoding the Universe, invited students and teachers to explore the mysteries of the cosmos and the languages of nature. At Tatachilla, one of the highlights was the arrival of the SEM, which provided students from Year 4 to Year 12 with the chance to investigate specimens in astonishing detail.

Unlike traditional light microscopes used in classrooms, the SEM uses a beam of electrons to magnify objects tens of thousands of times, often producing images in remarkable three-dimensional clarity.

Students explored the intricate legs of millipedes, the compound eyes of insects, delicate butterfly scales and geometric pollen grains and leaves.

“Being able to see such detail up close was an incredible experience for our students,” said Kristy Simpson, 7-12 Science Learning Leader.

“The SEM brought science to life in a way that textbooks simply cannot. It showed our young people the cutting-edge tools used in real-world research and opened their eyes to the hidden complexity of the natural world.”

The week also featured a scientific escape room challenge, where students solved puzzles inspired by the Moon and space exploration, reinforcing this year’s theme of “decoding” the secrets of our universe.

Through these hands-on experiences, National Science Week 2025 inspired curiosity, deepened understanding and reminded us all that science is not just about knowledge—it’s about discovery.

Our Year 12 Chemistry students recently showcased their scientific skills in the RACI Titration Competition, achieving a milestone for Tatachilla by reaching the state final.

In Term 2, students put their skills to the test with one of Chemistry’s key analytical techniques. For the first time in our history a team of three Tatachilla students was selected to take part in the state final.

Held on Saturday 16 August, our team of three tackled a new titration at the University of South Australia’s Hetzel Laboratory. Although they fell just short of an Excellence Award, the students can be incredibly proud of making it this far – an achievement reached by few.

A special congratulations goes to Charlie Atherton, who received a Gold Award for his outstanding individual result with only a 0.2% error.

The competition is a valuable part of senior Chemistry at Tatachilla and gives students the chance to gain early experience in a university-level laboratory. Well done to the following students for taking part:

• Charlie Atherton
• Jordan Holmes
• Eddie Last

From Zen gardens to boba drinks, our Japanese students got a taste of Japan right here in Adelaide — just weeks before their real-life adventure!

Last Thursday, 39 students from Years 9–12 Japanese explored Japanese culture right here in Adelaide.

The day began with a peaceful visit to Himeji Garden, where students admired the carefully raked zen garden, shimmering lake and beautifully designed Japanese landscaping—a little piece of Japan tucked in the heart of the city.

Next, the group headed to the Central Markets, where the pace picked up. Students explored Japanese shops, tried their luck at claw machines and enjoyed refreshing boba drinks.

A highlight of the day was a delicious Japanese lunch at Sato Restaurant. Students savoured authentic dishes while practising Japanese dining manners, combining taste with cultural learning.

The excursion finished in Rundle Mall with an exciting 'Amazing Race' challenge. In teams, students raced between Japanese stores, completing tasks, solving clues and experiencing Japanese culture in Adelaide’s bustling shopping district.

It was a day filled with learning, laughter and discovery. Students left not only with full stomachs but also a deeper appreciation of how Japanese culture is celebrated locally.

Now, the excitement is building—just three weeks to go until they embark on the adventure of a lifetime: visiting Japan in person. A group of students in Years 10 and 11 will leave for Japan on 19 September to participate in 15-day cultural tour of Japan, which includes visits to temples, castles and cities.

A highlight of the trip will be the week-long homestay with the students of Toryo High School, Tatachilla’s sister school.

To read more about the global experiences offered at Tatachilla, please visit our website: Global experiences at Tatachilla

R U OK? Day is a meaningful reminder to reach out, connect and start conversations that can make a real difference in someone’s life.

Thursday 11 September 2025 is R U OK? Day, a national day of action that reminds us all to check in with the people around us – not just today, but every day. At Tatachilla Lutheran College, we are encouraging students to take a moment to ask someone, “Are you OK?” and to listen with care.

This year, we are sharing a simple tool to help guide students in having meaningful conversations with friends who might be struggling. It’s called ALEC – a four-step guide to having an R U OK? conversation:

A – Ask: Start by asking, “Are you OK?” Pick the right moment and let the person know you’ve noticed something might be up.

L – Listen: Take time to listen with an open mind and without judgment.

E – Encourage Action: Help them think about one small step they could take, like talking to a trusted adult, friend, or school counsellor.

C – Check In: Follow up later. Let them know you care and that you're there for them.

These conversations don’t have to be perfect – they just need to come from a place of care and genuine concern. To support students in feeling more confident, the R U OK? Day website has helpful videos, conversation tips and resources. Students are encouraged to visit www.ruok.org.au to learn more.

Let’s help each other feel seen, heard and supported – because a simple question can make a big difference.

If your child requires further support, please get in touch with our wellbeing team:

Michael Ebert: michael.ebert@tatachilla.sa.edu.au

Rose Richards: rose.richards@tatachilla.sa.edu.au

Tatachilla’s soccer talent is on full display, with both our Year 5/6 and Year 7/8 boys' teams powering their way into the state finals after dominant performances in their qualifying rounds.

Year 5/6 boys qualify for state finals

Our Year 5/6 boys' soccer team has booked their place in the state finals, to be held on 17 September.

The boys stormed through qualifying, defeating Willunga 9–1 and Antonio Catholic School 9–0 with a blend of attacking flair and defensive discipline. Captain Sebastian James was outstanding, netting eight goals across the two matches, including a double hat-trick in the final. He was well supported by Jayden Smith (4), Kallen Romano (2), Connor Johnstone (2), Liam Flewellyn Odena (1) and Ned Owens (1).

Strong leadership also came from defensive captain Lachlan Moore, while our Year 10 student coaches Ari Stassinopoulos and Ollie Owens, along with linesman Zach Trajanovski, provided vital support.

Congratulations to the team for their teamwork, spirit and determination — and good luck in the state finals!

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Year 7/8 boys through to state finals

Tatachilla’s Year 7/8 boys also advanced to the state finals after two convincing wins at the statewide championship on Monday 11 August.

The boys opened with a 4–0 victory, then outclassed Seaview High School 7–1. Goals came from across the squad: Tommy Aldridge (4), Declan Maasdorp (2), Sydney Remde (2), Oscar Hays (1), Naz Theil (1) and Shay Barker (1). Captains Xavier Lucas and Zak McReynolds led with composure, while the team’s strong defence and sharp passing set up wave after wave of attacking opportunities.

Year 10 student coaches Owen Suter (forwards), Mitchell Hughes (defence) and Max Hamnett (midfield), together with Head Coach Darren Vile, praised the boys for their discipline, teamwork and unity.

Congratulations to the whole team: George Pritchard, Flynn Newbold, Seth Best, Ryan Zimmer, Joel Foody, Oscar Hays, Declan Maasdorp, Zak McReynolds, Tommy Aldridge, Xavier Lucas, Sydney Remde, Naz Theil, Tom Sinel, Magnus Thompson, Oscar Turtle, Noah Rowe and Shay Barker.

The squad now looks ahead to the state finals in Week 8, aiming to carry their momentum into the championship stage.

With teamwork, determination and standout performances, our Year 9/10 girls' basketball team powered through Round 1 of the knockout competition at Victor Harbor.

On Friday 22 August, our Year 9/10 girls' basketball team travelled to the Victor Harbor Recreation Centre for the opening round of the knockout competition — and came away with two strong victories.

The girls combined brilliantly as a team, showing skill and determination to record comfortable wins over both schools. They defeated Victor Harbor High 62–30, with standout shooting from Nara Weber (28 points), before overcoming Woodcroft College 47–26, led by Grace McDonald (20 points).

Our congratulations to the full team: Alannah Munzberg (Year 8), Milly McCool, Isobel Baraiolo (Year 9), Abigail Styles, Nara Weber, Isabelle Cameron, and Grace McDonald (Year 10).

Special thanks to Year 11 student Eva Aldridge (Assistant Coach) and to Coach Jenna Fowler for their guidance and support. The girls now progress confidently to Round 2 of the competition.

From acrobatics and gymnastics to soccer, Tatachilla students have showcased remarkable talent, dedication and sporting spirit, achieving outstanding results at state and national competitions.

Congratulations to Gracie Summer, Year 10, who has competed at a state acrobatics championship, teaming up with a partner for a daring 'duo cube' act, where two acrobats perform on a three-dimensional spinning cube (see picture above). Gracie also performed with her acrobatic troupe. Her hard work and artistry paid off, winning her first place in both events and another qualification for Nationals. 

Beyond competition, Gracie is also a performer in the Adelaide Fringe with the Creative Motion Company and she’s seizing every opportunity to grow her skills. 

Photo credit: Kelly Walker, Artistry Photography, of Gracie Summer and her acrobatics partner Summer Attwood. 

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Congratulations to Max Tresidder, Year 9, who travelled to the Gold Coast on 3 July to represent South Australia at the Australian National Gymnastics Championships. We are so proud of all his hard work and dedication that has led to this incredible achievement. 

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Congratulations to the Tatachilla students who represented the Onkaparinga South District SAPSASA teams at the recent State Soccer Carnival.

In the girls’ team, Ella Moore, Willow Alexopoulos (Year 5), Mila Mansell and Zara Lucas (Year 6) played with determination and skill, contributing to some fantastic results, including a strong win and a hard-fought draw.

In the boys’ team, Connor Johnstone, Lachlan Moore, Liam Flewellyn Odena (Year 6) and Sebastian James (Year 5), showed great resilience across eight matches, finishing with two wins and a draw against tough opposition.

Well done to all our players on their teamwork, dedication and sporting spirit — a fantastic effort from everyone involved!