The event was held in the new centre for performing arts at PHHS.

Dear students, parents and carers,

The end of term 1 marked one of the most disrupted ones in recent times. Managing continuity of learning alongside Covid-related absences and closures has been a challenge, but one that our staff and students have managed to largely overcome.

I am really proud of our community and the way we have managed to support each other. The gratitude and support from our community of parents has also been humbling and I know much appreciated by staff. 

As the year goes by and restrictions will gradually lift (there's hoping that the pandemic will come to an end at some point), we are hoping to be able to meet with you in person more and more. We have put a number of events on hold, and we expect these to start returning to a level of normality.

This term's highlights:

NAPLAN is underway and we are encouraged by the progress our young people have demonstrated and expect them to do well. Whatever you think about NAPLAN, the key information for us is knowing what the kids already know so that we don't teach them skills they already have. For this reason, please encourage your child to try their best in whatever they do, including NAPLAN. I know our students achieve well and I would like the community to know that too. We do not get to publish a breakdown of our A-C grades, so NAPLAN is the next best thing in that respect. Plus, there is a nice surprise in store for those students demonstrating growth.

One Plan meetings are taking place in weeks 1-4 of this term and your child's care group teacher has been or will be in touch to make arrangements for a suitable time for this. If you haven't already done so, and your child has a One Plan, please complete and email back, or hand it in, or simply pop in and fill in your perspective in preparation for the One Plan meetings. You can access it here: https://phhs.schoolzineplus.com/_file/media/964/one_plan.pdf 

Parent/ teacher interviews will take place this term and more information will follow shortly. Our plans might need to be flexible to adapt to restrictions in place at the time, hence the 'wait and see' to confirm arrangements.

Our Disability Unit and Performing Arts Centre are now fully operational and ready to welcome prospective parents on Wednesday 11/05/2022. We are thrilled with the facilities and can't wait to show you around.

The site upgrades program continues, with the Disability Access Provision work and the renewal of the facade of the school both starting this term. Both bits of work are anticipated to be completed by early term 4. We will keep you posted with the progress of these works.

Best regards,

Alina

I’m the former Principal of Adelaide North Special School (2016-2021), located in the northern suburbs. I’m a passionate leader driven to improve the lives of all students through a rigorous education, inclusive practices and expertise in teaching practice.

I’m the current President of the South Australian Special Education Principals and Leaders association (2017-) and dedicated to establishing a consistent approach of evidence-based learning across South Australia’s Specialised settings. My biggest highlight being my role in facilitating the establishment of ABLES from Victoria Education and the University of Melbourne to South Australia.

My professional experiences over 20 years include school leadership, educational consultancy, mainstream teaching (primary years), special schools In London I worked as an Assistant Head Teacher in behaviour centres (Pupil Referral Units) supporting disengaged teenagers to successfully complete High School and move into employment or further education options. I also worked for charity; Shaftesbury Young People as an Education Officer helping children either homeless or in residential care access appropriate education pathways through advocating, white paper legislation and a holistic service support.

My door is always open so please come say hi.

Byron Stuut
Special Educator

Students have really enjoyed learning and rehearsing in this beautiful new purpose built space.  

Whether on stage or back of house, when creative students participate in the performing arts, they build confidence, character and compassion - attributes which stay with them for life.

Students gain technical mastery and performance excellence in their chosen performing art.  

Here's a sneak peak of the PAC. We can't wait to perform for you soon !

Check out our subject champions for term 1, 2022

Our students are working towards being very confident drivers thanks to the program.

The Driving for Success program supports our young people to gain experience behind the wheel of a car. Students can apply to have 5 lessons with a qualified driving instructor for only $10 per lesson. 

Sally Stewart | Head of Senior School 

Para Hills High School 

Free webinar to share with our parent community

eSafety’s Term 2 webinar on parental controls helps parents and carers learn about software tools and other strategies for taming technology at home. 

The webinar explores the benefits and limitations of parental controls and covers how to safely set up devices and popular games and apps like Roblox and Youtube

My name is Gill Smith and I am the new Pastoral Care Worker (PCW) at Para Hills High. I joined this wonderful community at the beginning of the year and have been busy settling in during term 1. This community is dear to my heart in a number of ways. I grew up in Para Hills and attended PHH as a student myself. I then returned 20 years ago in the role of School Chaplain and have now returned again to the same position although the name has since been changed to Pastoral Care Worker. In many ways it has been like coming home. The welcome from students and staff alike has been wonderful and the ethos of this beautiful community seems to have remained and I am really enjoying being a part of it again. I am passionate about encouraging and supporting young people to be their best selves and to set and reach goals which is why I absolutely love the school motto of “raising aspirations and inspiring excellence”.

A snapshot of myself:  I am married to the wonderful and incredibly patient David and we have two children. I have been working with young people in and around the education sector for 38 years. Prior to returning to PHH this year I worked at St Paul’s College as their Student Counsellor for 15 years but have held roles as Youth Worker, Case Worker and Youth Employment Manager over the years and after leaving here as Chaplain 20 years ago I went on to coordinate Chaplaincy in Secondary Schools in South Australia.

I work here Tuesdays and Wednesdays and am based in the Well-being Hub working with the fabulous Leonie Roberts (Well-being Coordinator) and our 2 wonderful Youth Leaders Bridget Hoare and Nick McIver.  My role is complimentary to the amazing work of this dynamic team. 

Many schools, primary and high, have PCW’s so likely you are already aware of the role but in case  not, the role of a PCW is to provide Chaplaincy Services to a School Community. This entails supporting the social, emotional, mental and spiritual well-being of both staff and students. The program is federally funded by the National Schools Chaplaincy Program and my role is provided by Schools Ministry Group (SMG). Access to PCW’s is available to all members of the school community is voluntary.

If I can ever be of support to yourself or your child please don’t hesitate to give me a call at the school on Tuesday’s or Wednesdays or leave a message with the front office and I will get back to you.

Kind regards,

Gill Smith

PHHS uniform update -

Shop Online here

Download Order form here

It's great to engage with our local community.  Para Hills Community Centre kindly supports the PHHS Open Day which will take place on Wednesday the 11 May from 4pm to 7pm.

If you looking for an excuse to enjoy a lovely dinner, why not try the Community Centre go to https://phhs.schoolzineplus.com/_file/media/969/the_place_to_be_flyer.pdf

We will be hosting an Open Night in May 2022.

We will be offering virtual tours as well as onsite (depending on SA Health restrictions).

Either way, look out for our virtual tour which we are currently filming with some amazing students.

Parent Program

Commencing May 12 for 8 weeks

COVID-SAFE check-in and sanitiser stations are provided at each PHHS entry point for your convenience.