Tatachilla news

Last week the college hosted its R–3 and 4–12 Sports Days, with students across the college delivering outstanding performances and rewriting a number of long-standing records.

During R–3 Sports Day, students showcased their developing athletics skills in a vibrant and inclusive carnival atmosphere. A standout result came from Charlotte Mann (Year 3), who broke a seven-year record in the girls’ 80m sprint, clocking an impressive 12.20 seconds.

Our 4–12 Sports Day saw exceptional competition across both pre-event and carnival day activities, with multiple records broken across year levels.

In field events, Zeke Tucker (Year 12) equalled a 20-year-old discus record, while Willow Waters (Year 8) set a new discus benchmark with a throw of 20.49m. Freya Hickman (Year 6) also claimed a new girls’ discus record with 16.85m. In shot put, Maison Hunt (Year 8) set a new girls’ record with a powerful throw of 11m.

Track events produced equally strong results, with Eli Simpson (Year 5) breaking a 10-year 800m record in a time of 2:52.15!

High jump was a highlight of the day, delivering an exceptional series of performances across multiple year levels. Hudson Croser (Year 12) cleared 1.81m to set a new benchmark, Ryan Zimmer (Year 9) broke the Year 9 record with a leap of 1.88m, Eve Ware (Year 10) set a new girls’ record at 1.49m, and Jayden Smith (Year 7) added to the success with a record-breaking jump of 1.54m—making it a remarkable day for high jump across the college.

Over at the long and triple jump pit, more records were smashed. Ryan Zimmer (Year 9) achieved an outstanding double, breaking the long jump record with 5.85m and the triple jump record with 11.88m. Amelia Perry (Year 10) also set a new girls’ triple jump record with a jump of 9.76m.

These performances reflect both the depth of talent across the college and the strong preparation undertaken by students in the lead-up to the events.

Overall R–12 House results:


Emerald – 3,014 points 🥇


Topaz – 2,905 points 🥈


Sapphire – 2,632 points 🥉


Ruby – 2,605 points

Congratulations to all students for their participation, effort and House spirit. Record breakers and Year Level Champions will be formally recognised at the end-of-term assembly.
 

Year 10 Ecological Science students are exploring biodiversity in action through the design and investigation of pollinator hotels to support native insect species.

This year marks the introduction of the Year 10 Ecological Science class, with students undertaking a Stage 1 Scientific Studies course for the first time. As part of this program, 16 students have been actively researching, designing and constructing pollinator hotels to support local ecosystems.

Working collaboratively, students formed groups to design and build a total of seven pollinator hotels, experimenting with a range of features. Their investigations focus on variables such as placement within trees, the use of natural versus synthetic materials and variations in material size. These purposeful design choices aim to determine which features are most effective in attracting pollinators.

While the hotels are designed primarily to support native bee species, students are also monitoring for other beneficial insects such as lacewings, beetles and wasps. With many native pollinator populations declining due to urbanisation, invasive species and pesticide use, providing safe habitats like these hotels can play an important role in supporting biodiversity. By offering protected spaces for insects to shelter and lay eggs, the project contributes to strengthening local ecosystems.

The pollinator hotels will remain in the college EcoSanctuary for several months, where students will collect and analyse data each week to evaluate their effectiveness. Their findings will be presented in a detailed scientific report at the conclusion of the task. If successful, some of the hotels may remain in place as a lasting feature of the sanctuary.

This hands-on, inquiry-based project not only deepens students’ understanding of ecological science but also fosters collaboration, critical thinking and environmental stewardship. 

We extend our sincere thanks to local businesses for their support of this project, particularly JMH Gates and Garage Doors in Camden Park, who kindly donated much of the timber used by students to create their pollinator hotels.

As part of Tatachilla’s commitment to meaningful career pathways, a large group of our senior students recently expanded their future options by completing their White Card training on 18–19 March.

Delivered by industry professionals from PEER, the training provided students with essential knowledge and practical understanding of how to work safely in the construction industry. The White Card is a nationally recognised certification and a legal requirement for anyone entering construction sites, undertaking maintenance work, or working within operational construction zones across Australia.

For our students, this qualification represents far more than a certificate — it is a gateway to opportunity. Whether pursuing a trade, exploring hands-on work experience, or simply keeping their options open, holding a White Card gives students a valuable head start. It equips them with industry-ready skills, builds confidence, and signals to employers that they are prepared to contribute safely and responsibly in the workplace.

This training comes at an ideal time, as students prepare for their upcoming Year 10 Work Experience placements. With their White Cards now in hand, they are well-positioned to access a broader range of opportunities and gain real-world insight into potential career pathways.

We warmly congratulate the following students on successfully completing their White Card certification:

Harrison Roach; Evan Frenzel; Archie Holden; Jack Gale; Jasper Harradine; Kayden Mill; Liam Pitcher; Lincoln Hutchesson; Micah Whitten; Mitchell Smith; Nate Stapleton; Riley Davenport; Ryder Cleland; Sophie Davenport; Yiheng Chen; Caitlin Boyd; Carter Bruce; Chase Annand; Cody Hastwell; Connor Mair; Jack Furner; Jack Houston; Kabe Boehm; Levi Miles; Macklin Baldock; Nathan Marsland; Oliver Freebairn; Saul Van Den Broeke; and William (Wil) Upitis.

We also extend our sincere thanks to PEER for delivering this valuable program and supporting our students as they take confident steps toward their future careers.

Our Year 6 students stepped confidently into their leadership journey in Week 6, embracing a week full of meaningful experiences designed to inspire courage, confidence and compassion.

The week began with an engaging Q&A session featuring college captains Jade and Jackson, who shared their personal leadership stories and encouraged students to lead by example in both big and small ways. This set the tone for a week of reflection, growth and action.

Students then took part in Emma Graetz’s “4 S’s of Leadership” workshop, exploring Spiritual leadership, Significant qualities, Servant leadership and Support. This session invited students to think deeply about the kind of leaders they want to be and the values that guide their choices.

Putting these ideas into action, our Year 6s embraced servant leadership in the EcoSanctuary, working together to remove Mustard Weed and care for the environment — a simple but powerful way to give back to their community. They also spent time with the college counselling team, learning how to lead others with empathy, resilience and respect.

There was plenty of fun along the way too! Teamwork and problem-solving came to life through activities like the Egg Drop Challenge and the ever-popular Challenge Cup Leadership Quiz, where students collaborated, shared ideas and supported one another.

The week concluded with a celebratory lunch, recognising the students’ enthusiasm and growth. A true highlight was Thursday’s leadership assembly, where our Year 6 students were proudly presented with their Year 6 badges — a special milestone marking their important role as leaders in the junior years.

We look forward to seeing this cohort continue to grow into thoughtful, capable leaders who make a positive difference in our community throughout the year and beyond.
 

The importance of supporting our young people through uncertainty with calm, clarity and hope.

In recent weeks, global events have brought uncertainty closer to home. Rising fuel costs are affecting family plans, some holidays have been postponed or cancelled and ongoing international tensions can feel overwhelming - even for adults. As we move into the Easter season, a time traditionally associated with hope and renewal, it is important to consider how we support our children and adolescents through these challenges.

Young people are highly attuned to the emotions and conversations around them. They may hear snippets of news, social media commentary, or adult discussions and fill in the gaps with their own interpretations - sometimes leading to increased worry or confusion.

What can parents do?

• Create space for conversation
  Encourage open, calm discussions at home. Ask your child what they have heard and how they are feeling. Listening without immediately correcting or dismissing their concerns helps them feel safe and understood.
   
• Provide age-appropriate information
  Offer clear and honest explanations, tailored to your child’s age. Avoid overwhelming them with detail, but gently clarify misconceptions and reassure them about their safety.
   
• Limit exposure to distressing media
  Continuous news cycles and social media can heighten anxiety. Setting boundaries around screen time—especially exposure to distressing content—can help maintain a sense of balance.
   
• Focus on what is within your control
  Cancelled plans and disrupted routines can be disappointing. Reframing these moments by creating new family traditions or simple shared experiences can help restore a sense of stability and connection.
   
• Lean into the message of Easter
  Easter offers an opportunity to reflect on themes of hope, renewal and resilience. For many families, this can be a grounding reminder that even in uncertain times, there is space for growth, compassion and new beginnings.
   
• Watch for signs of distress
  Changes in sleep, mood, or behaviour may indicate that a young person is struggling. If concerns arise, reaching out to the school or a trusted professional can provide additional support.

As a community, we are strongest when we work together to support our young people. By staying connected, modelling calm and creating safe spaces for conversation, we can help children and adolescents navigate uncertainty with confidence and hope.
 

From the fairways to the pool and the softball diamond, our students have been making waves in competition—their outstanding achievements across golf, softball and swimming are an inspiration.

We congratulate the following students on achieving sporting excellence:

• Bejay Thomas and Charles Jacobs – golf
  Bejay (Year 10) and Charles (Year 7) recently represented the college at the Secondary Individual Golf Championships. Competing against a strong field of 196 students, Bejay achieved an outstanding 12th place in the A Grade – Pro Stroke Nett Competition, finishing +6 with consistent rounds of 80, 77 and 71. Charles also performed strongly, finishing 18th in the B Grade – Stableford Competition with 30 points.
   
• Piper Brooks – softball
  Piper (Year 5) was selected in the Onkaparinga South Girls' Softball team and competed at the state carnival from 25–27 March. The team came second in the carnival, only losing one game to the APY Lands who won undefeated overall. 
   

• Keira Tucker and Evan Frenzel - swimming
  Keira (Year 8) and Evan (Year 10) recently competed in the State Long Course Swimming Championships at the SA Aquatic and Leisure Centre.
  
  Keira achieved a 25-second personal best (PB) in the 1500-metre freestyle, winning gold and the State Champion title with a time of 19:15.77. She also recorded a further 16-second PB in the 800-metre freestyle, again winning gold and the State Champion title with a time of 10:01.29.
  
  Evan competed in three events—backstroke, breaststroke and butterfly—achieving PBs in both backstroke and breaststroke. He placed 12th, 13th and 20th respectively in the highly competitive 50-metre events for the male 14–18 years age group.

We congratulate these students on their dedication, skill and commitment in representing the college.