Tatachilla news

Many families may not realise that Tatachilla Lutheran College is home to its own Australian Army Cadet Unit — offering students a unique opportunity to build leadership, resilience and confidence through adventure-based learning beyond the classroom.

425 ACU, based at Tatachilla, is part of the nationally recognised Australian Army Cadets youth development program for young people aged 13 to 18. The program supports students to challenge themselves, work as a team and develop practical life skills in a safe and age-appropriate environment.

At the heart of the program is a strong sense of identity, purpose and belonging. Cadets support one another through shared challenges, form lasting friendships and develop confidence through real responsibility. Senior cadets mentor younger students, lead activities and training exercises — experiences that build initiative, character and leadership skills that extend well beyond school.

One cadet shared: “I joined cadets when I was 13 and didn’t know what to expect, but the senior cadets and adults were really encouraging. I was really nervous on my first camp, but now camps are my favourite part because I get to spend time with my mates and learn new things.”

425 ACU meets at Tatachilla Lutheran College every Wednesday from 4pm to 7pm and welcomes students of all backgrounds and abilities. Young people who are at least 12 years old and turning 13 in the same calendar year are encouraged to apply.

Families interested in learning more about the cadet program or joining 425 ACU can visit the Australian Army Cadets website or contact the unit directly at 425ACU@armycadets.gov.au.

Skill, teamwork and determination were on full display as Tatachilla surfers competed against some of the state’s best young riders at the 2026 School Sport SA Team Surfing Championships.

Held at Middleton Beach on Friday 15 May, our surfers were greeted with clean 2–3 foot offshore waves throughout the morning, before rain added an extra challenge later in the day.

Tatachilla entered three teams, highlighting the growing strength of the surfing program at the college.

Two teams progressed through the heats to reach the final, with Magnus Thomson, Bernard Forbes, Tommy Aldridge, Jesse Ellis and Leo Wilson finishing in an impressive second place and earning a spot in the grand final later this year!

Another Tatachilla team featuring Bejay Thomas, Jake Ayres, Mylin Anderson, Lachlan Fanning and Adilyn Anderson finished fifth overall after strong performances throughout the day.

A third team made up of Xavier Lucas, Harper Greer, Tom Sinel, Jarvis Groffen, Oscar Turtle and Harry Butler also competed strongly, narrowly missing the finals and placing eighth against a talented field from across the state.

All Tatachilla surfers demonstrated excellent skill, teamwork and composure in challenging conditions. The performances of our younger surfers were particularly encouraging, highlighting a bright future for competitive surfing at the college.

Students from Years 3–6 demonstrated outstanding determination and endurance at the recent SAPSASA Cross Country Carnival.

Fifty-six Tatachilla students from Years 3–6 travelled to Noarlunga Downs Primary School, with students taking part in either the 1km, 2km or 3km race, depending on their age group.

The course proved challenging, with runners navigating varied terrain and undulating sections throughout the event. Out of Tatachilla's 56 entrants, 13 students finished in the top five of their respective age groups, earning selection to represent the district at the Cross Country State Carnival at Oakbank Racecourse.

A special congratulations goes to our three age group winners: Charlotte Mann (Year 3), Eli Simpson (Year 5) and Sebastian James (Year 6).

All students displayed an immense amount of endurance, courage and determination, giving their absolute best right through to the finish line. They should be extremely proud of their achievements.

Our Year 3 students enjoyed an exciting and immersive History excursion to the historic township of Willunga last week — their first excursion of the year and a wonderful opportunity to bring their classroom learning to life.

The day was filled with hands-on experiences that helped students explore what life was like in the past. From role-playing a courtroom case involving a boy accused of stealing a peach from the market, to discovering the importance of slate mining in the town’s history, students were captivated by the stories and experiences of early settlers.

One of the highlights of the day was stepping inside a traditional 1800s classroom. Dressed as scholars from the era, students practised writing on chalkboards, used ink pens and even marched into class to the beat of a drum. It was a fascinating glimpse into how different school life once was!

Students also explored the living quarters and workspace of Constable Tuohy, where they viewed historical artefacts including an antique telephone and handcuffs. There was plenty of excitement as students handled objects recovered from the famous Star of Greece shipwreck and even experienced what it felt like to be locked inside the old jail cells.

At recess time, students enjoyed playing traditional games from years gone by, discovering how some classic pastimes have evolved into games still enjoyed today.

The excursion also provided valuable opportunities to learn about First Nations history and culture. Students were particularly interested in the scar trees used by First Nations peoples to create coolamons for carrying babies, food and other important items.

While there were many fascinating discoveries throughout the day, students were especially relieved to learn that the “long drop” toilet in the old jail cells had not been used for a very long time!

The excursion was a rich and engaging learning experience, and our Year 3 students represented the college beautifully with their curiosity and enthusiasm throughout the day.

Creativity, collaboration and language skills were on full display as students took part in this year’s South Australian Japanese Movie Making Day.

On Thursday 7 May, Year 10 Japanese students joined students from schools across the state for a fun and creative cultural experience at St John’s Grammar.

Students were placed into mixed-school teams and were given a focus item to advertise in Japanese through a short film commercial. Teams were judged on their creativity, use of Japanese language, acting, editing, sound effects and special effects, with impressive technical and linguistic skills on display throughout the day.

One of the teams — including Tatachilla students Bence Saunders, Ben Shaw and Lachlan Lambourne — achieved an impressive third place for their entertaining and imaginative advertisement promoting Totoro plushies.

Another team, featuring Milly McCool, Archie Holden and Amelia Perry, was recognised for producing the film with the most outstanding use of Japanese dialogue in their advertisement for an obento lunchbox.

Elsepth Wills and Ilka Simiugheime also worked exceptionally well with their teammates to create a polished and well-edited commercial.

All students enjoyed a delicious sushi lunch and soft drink in the Japanese garden, adding to the authentic cultural atmosphere of the day.

The event provided a fantastic opportunity for students to collaborate with peers from other schools, build confidence communicating in Japanese in a real-world context, and showcase their creativity. It was a fun and memorable day for all involved!

Our Year 5/6 girls’ netball team delivered an outstanding performance at this year’s Statewide Schools Knockout Competition, progressing to the next round undefeated after a day of spirited and skilful competition.

Displaying strong teamwork, resilience and composure under pressure, the girls supported one another brilliantly across every match and represented the college with pride. Their positive attitude, determination and encouragement of teammates were just as impressive as their success on the scoreboard, making the day a fantastic achievement for the entire team.

The day featured a 'round robin' format, with teams competing against a range of schools from across the region including McLaren Vale Primary School, Woodcroft College, Aldinga Payinthi and All Saints Catholic Primary School. 

The girls achieved an outstanding result, finishing the day undefeated and winning all four of their matches. 

Congratulations to all players on an excellent performance: Shanae Botha, Asha Hepburn, Isla Mason, Billie Jolly, Pippa Syvertsen, Sarah Phillips, Luca Collins, Noveau Drew, Ruby Worrall and Frankie Jones.

The college is also grateful to all student coach assistants who helped umpire through the carnival: Grace McAvaney, Maelin Lock and Izzy Brown.

Year 12 Arts Ambassadors Ashlyn Horn and Friedrich Hillen played a leading role in creating a special collaborative artwork for Mother’s Day this year, bringing together the voices of students and staff across Tatachilla.

The artwork (shown above) features a mother holding a child, symbolising love, care and connection. Within the image is a series of heartfelt messages written by members of our college community that express gratitude and love for the mothers and significant women who make a difference every day.

This project reflected the important role of the Arts Ambassadors in building community spirit through creativity and meaningful expression. By organising and guiding this initiative, they encouraged students and staff to share messages that are not always spoken aloud, reminding the special women in our lives just how valued they are.

As part of our Mother’s Day chapel service, letters and chocolates were also shared with families who attended the service helping to make the occasion thoughtful and memorable for our community.

Our thanks go to Ashlyn and Friedrich, as well as Visual Arts teacher Coral Winterbourn, who supported the students in this creative project.

Students currently enrolled in the subject Exploring Identities and Futures recently completed work experience placements during Week 2 of this term, stepping beyond the classroom to gain firsthand insight into a variety of career pathways and industries.

Across the week, students immersed themselves in workplaces spanning veterinary science, construction, childcare, exercise physiology, bookselling, orthodontics, physiotherapy and wildlife conservation, developing practical skills, confidence and a deeper understanding of the world of work.

These valuable experiences not only allowed students to explore personal interests and future career possibilities, but also strengthened important employability skills including communication, teamwork, initiative and professionalism.

The college extends its sincere thanks to the many generous businesses, organisations and mentors who welcomed and supported our students throughout their placements. Employer feedback was overwhelmingly positive, and we are incredibly proud of the maturity, enthusiasm and professionalism our students demonstrated while representing the college in the wider community.

Several Tatachilla students have recently celebrated outstanding achievements across a range of sporting disciplines, demonstrating dedication, perseverance and excellence beyond the classroom.

Congratulations to Tom Ainsworth (Year 11), who has been selected to represent School Sport SA at the School Sport Australia Swimming Championships (Multi-Class, 13–19 Years) to be held in Melbourne this July — a fantastic achievement at a national level.

Congratulations also to Lucy Ainsworth (Year 9), who proudly represented the college at the Secondary Schools Diving Championships held at the SA Aquatic and Leisure Centre on Friday 1 May. Lucy placed fifth in the 15-Year-Old Girls Individual Springboard event and also competed in the synchronised diving competition alongside a student from Walford Girls.

We also congratulate Mitchell Hollitt (Year 6), who has been selected in the Onkaparinga South Boys Football Team for 2026. Mitchell and his teammates will compete at the upcoming state carnival at West Beach later this month.

We are incredibly proud of these students and the commitment they continue to show in pursuing their sporting passions.

Helping young people navigate uncomfortable moments can play a powerful role in building resilience and emotional wellbeing.

The teenage years can bring many challenges — friendship issues, academic pressure, uncertainty about the future, setbacks and growing independence. While it is natural to want to protect young people from discomfort, some of their greatest growth comes from learning they can work through difficult moments rather than avoid them.

Feelings such as stress, disappointment, anxiety and frustration are a normal part of adolescence. With support and encouragement, these experiences can help young people build resilience, confidence, emotional awareness and problem-solving skills.

Parents and creagivers can support young people by:

• listening without immediately trying to fix the problem, helping them feel heard and understood
• encouraging courage over avoidance by taking small steps to resolve challenges
• focusing on growth and effort by praising persistence, resilience and bravery
• staying connected by creating regular opportunities for conversation and support.

When young people learn that uncomfortable feelings are manageable and temporary, they become more confident in navigating life’s ups and downs.

At Tatachilla Lutheran College, we are committed to supporting students to grow academically, emotionally and socially as they develop into resilient young adults.

Helpful parent resources include:

• ReachOut Parents
• ReachOut Australia