Ardtornish Newsletter

Term 3 Week 7 - 4th September 2025
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No 15

In this issue

  • Teaching Writing in an Explicit and Fun Way
  • Canteen Roster
  • The Ultimate Footy Experience
  • Come & Try Baseball
  • Principal’s Award
  • Ignite Program
  • Banksia Markets
  • Parent Forum
  • Unexplained Absences & Late Arrivals
  • Does Attendance Really Matter
  • Student Writers Take Centre Stage in Week 8 – By Room 6
Diary Dates
September
8th - Farm Barn Excursion
         Receptions, Governing   
         Council Meeting 7pm
10th- Kildare Transition
12th- SAPSASA Tennis Carnival
15th- PUPIL FREE DAY
18th -Festival Choir Rehersal &
         Performance
19th -SAPSASA Athletics Champs
22nd- SAPSASA Netball Carnival
26th- LAST DAY TERM 3 – 2.00pm
         DISMISSAL
Road Crossing
Monitors

Wed 10th Sep – Tue 16th Sep
Stelios P, Xavier M, Chase P
 
Wed 17th Sep – Tues 23rd Sep
Annabella R, Ahlia J, Cassidy C
 
Wed 24th Sep – Tue 14th Oct
Arrym K, Lily I, Olive H-Z
 
Please arrive by 8.25am

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Teaching Writing in an Explicit and Fun Way
The Great Toy Debate – Year 1 Room 23

This term, Mrs Wendy’s students have been learning how to write persuasive texts in a clear and structured way.
At Ardtornish teachers focus strongly on helping children understand the building blocks of persuasive texts, how they are organised, the features they include, and the language choices that make an argument strong. By breaking the process down step by step, students have been able to see exactly how persuasive writing works and how to apply these techniques in their own work.
To bring the learning to life, the class shared a daily picture book carefully chosen to link with their persuasive writing focus. After reading, the students practised specific writing skills, gradually building their confidence with persuasive structures and language.
The highlight of the unit was The Great Toy Debate. Students brought along a favourite toy and were challenged to convince others why it should be crowned “the best.” To model the task, Ms Wendy demonstrated by writing her own persuasive piece about the class pet, Pickles. Students then created their own arguments, working with their writing buddies to share, edit, and refine their pieces.
Finally, it was debate day! Each child presented their writing to the class, using the persuasive strategies they had been practising all week. The room was full of energy, enthusiasm, and creativity as the students confidently spoke about the toys that mattered to them and every one attentively listened to their arguments.
Persuasive writing is an essential skill, helping children learn how to express their opinions clearly, back them up with reasons, and communicate with influence. By connecting tasks with students’ own lives and interests, like their much-loved toys, teachers make the learning meaningful, engaging, and, above all, fun.
It was wonderful to see how engaged the children were and how confidently they shared their ideas and used sophisticated vocabulary. The Great Toy Debate was a wonderful celebration of writing, teamwork, and creativity and our students were very proud of their efforts. Mrs Wendy 

Canteen ROSTER

Tuesday 9th                             Arrym, Lily                              
Wednesday 10th                      Deneice P
Thursday 11th                          Jess C
Friday 12th                               Chris G                   
 
Tuesday 16th                           Olive, Rin
Wednesday 17th                      Deb M    
Thursday 18th                          Deneice P, Yui M
Friday 19th                               Chris G
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2025 Magain Next Step School Holiday Clinic
 
The Ultimate Footy Experience on Adelaide Oval
SANFL’s Magain Next Step Program is back these school holidays, offering kids the exciting opportunity to step onto the iconic Adelaide Oval and take part in a footy experience like no other.
Designed for children aged 5 – 13, the program provides a fun and supportive environment for young players to develop their footy skills, meet new friends, and most importantly, have a great time. Whether they’re new to the game or already footy fanatics, this is a rare opportunity to play on South Australia’s most iconic oval.
Each Participant will receive:
  • Customised program guernsey*
  • Precision Sherrin Footy and Boot bag
  • School bag tag and pack of AFL footy cards
  • SANFL Grand Final family pass
  • Enter into the draw to play on Adelaide Oval at Half Time throughout the 2025 SANFL Final Series
  • Fruit snack and fruit boxes
  • Play footy on the iconic Adelaide Oval!
  • Training tees available as an optional extra
*Will be mailed to you after the program
These clinics will sell out fast! Don’t miss out – Registrations will close on September 20, unless sold out prior.
 
https://sanfl.com.au/2025-next-step-school-holiday-clinic/
Unexplained Absences & Late Arrivals
We are trialling sending an SMS to families with students who have an Unexplained absence at approximately 11am on the day of the absence.   There has been a positive response from parents regarding the sms message. Parents (not all) have been quick to send a message with the reason for the absence.  This also includes students who are late and have an unexplained reason. 
Please always send a message (the earlier the better) via Seesaw, Dojo or school mobile (0447467152) on the day of the absence - if the classroom teacher is already aware of the absence, this is not required.  This is the same for lateness - if your child arrives at school after 8.50am they will be late, please be sure to make contact with the school with a reason.
 
HD1 - is morning (this includes Late arrivals as well)
HD2 - is afternoon
 
We are hoping to customize the text message to display Ardtornish Primary School as well.  The message comes automatically from a different phone number.
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​Our Year 4–6 students have been working hard this term, not only as readers but also as authors! Each student has written and published their very own novel, showcasing their creativity, imagination, and growing writing skills.
To celebrate these amazing achievements, Student Writers Week will take place in Week 8. During this week, all of the novels will be proudly displayed in the school library. Students will have the opportunity to read each other’s stories, share feedback, and be inspired by the different ideas and styles of their peers.
For our Year 6 students, this event is particularly special. Many of them have been taking part in novel writing for several years, and they can now look back to see just how far their writing has progressed. From early attempts at short stories to more complex and detailed novels, the growth in their skills is something to truly celebrate.
This is a fantastic chance for students to recognise their hard work, celebrate the talents of others, and enjoy the experience of being published authors. Families are encouraged to visit the library during this week to see the wonderful display and support our young writers.
We are very proud of the effort and creativity our students have put into their novels, and we can’t wait to see the library filled with their stories!
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