Currency Creek
Our waterfront EcoCentre seems to be the envy of all schools. It was such a pleasure to share it with our community at our 21st birthday celebration, and this year we launched our Year 3 Custodian program. Who can forget the Community Bonfire, the Sustainable Futures Leadership Day for Anglican Schools and the joint excursions with St John’s Grammar and Walford Schools? On top of the visits from every Junior School class and our Year 9 Rite Journey Camp, our secondary conservation and sustainability courses are unequalled. I even overheard a conversation about it being a wonderful place to get married! If you haven’t yet been there, please ensure you don’t miss opportunities in 2024.
The Arts
It was a delight to see our students and staff shine at so many events this year, including SALA, Spring Showcase, the Musical, 21st birthday performance, Middle School lunchtime concert, House singing, plus ELC and Junior School concerts and Festival of Music. Investigator is aligned with Adelaide’s leading Music and Visual Arts schools and we have only just started.
Sport
Under the leadership of Andrew Palumbo as our Head of Sport, we are now becoming a key player in the sporting arena, with the opportunities and mentoring on offer. Already we have become a force in equestrian, sailing, surfing, basketball, volleyball, netball, tennis, cricket, athletics, AFL, soccer and dancing, among others. Watch out- here come The Gators! 2023 also saw the introduction of a new ‘Intercol’ competition against St John’s.
Little Investigators
Nestled between the Junior School and the Nature Play area is arguably the best Early Learning Centre this side of Adelaide. A ‘boutique’ centre that flows seamlessly onto Reception (next door), these 3 and 4 year olds are being beautifully prepared to lead happy, fulfilled lives. They also love their frequent visits to see the farm animals and enjoy sustainability as one of their specialist subjects. This year we expanded our licence to provide 50 daily places for fortunate 3 and 4 year olds, plus playgroup.
Our Animals
The links between animals and authentic wellbeing cannot be denied and how lucky are we to have lambs, calves and chickens on campus. We also love dogs and it has been lovely to see a number of teachers share their furry friend with their classes. We are planning another ‘Dogs on the Quad’ event in 2024 so please bring in your well-behaved pooch to meet the rest of the community and enjoy a cup of coffee.
21st Century Learning Focus
For example, two Investigator robotics teams were invited to the Nationals last weekend. Similarly, we are shining in the area of enterprise and entrepreneurship, with increased focus this year. So many students working on solving problems and creating new products and businesses to improve our world. This is cutting-edge learning and Investigator is mixing with the best of them. Our learning is relevant, enabling student agency, an appropriate level of autonomy and engaging experiences. Our world class experiences are opening further in 2024 with the laptop program extending to Year 6, new Middle Years programs and additional staff leadership positions aligned to helping our students reach dizzy heights. Importantly, respect and manners remain hallmarks of an Investigator student and this is recognised by employers.
Our Students
Temporary Relief Teachers always say how much they have enjoyed their day when they return their keys after school. Respect is vital and the great work of our teachers, aided by particularly strong Positive Education programs, pays dividends as despite living a turbulent world, Investigator students can feel safe, inspired and supported. Year 12 SACE results are not everything but we also shine here and no doubt will again when 2023 results are released on 18 December. Investigator is also gaining a name for its broad pathways for Senior students, with many excelling in apprenticeships and workforce opportunities.
The Staff
I am in awe of our team, and it is normal in a progressive school undergoing positive change to welcome great new staff members but also to farewell others.
Hopefully you were at Speech and Celebration Day and have already heard mention of this. For example, it was very sad to farewell high impact Head of Junior School, Nick Smith – who we will miss immensely – yet it was lovely to welcome Westminster legend, Grant Bock, when he visited staff and students on Tuesday.
Thank you for partnering with us to ensure the best possible outcomes for your child. Together we will continue to achieve big things in 2024! Please join us for coffee when school resumes on Tuesday 30 January and a catch up with new and old families, plus staff. Wishing you all enjoy a safe, restful and blessed Christmas break. I feel privileged to belong to this delightful community.
John Robinson
Principal
