Currency Creek
Our waterfront Eco Centre seems to be the envy of all schools. It has been such a pleasure to share it with our community at our Family Fun Day and as an integral part of our teaching and learning program throughout the year. This year we continued our Year 3 Custodian program (Year 4 in 2025), the Sustainable Futures Leadership Day for Anglican Schools and the joint excursions with other leading colleges.
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. Old Collegians are even talking about it as a place to get married. If you haven’t yet been there please ensure you don’t miss opportunities in 2025.
The Arts
It was a delight to see our students and staff shine at so many events this year, including SALA, the Spring Showcase, the Musical, and the House Song Competition, plus ELC and Junior School concerts. Investigator is aligned with Adelaide’s leading Music and Visual Arts schools, and we are becoming more prominent in this space every year.
Sport
Under the leadership of Head of Sport Andrew Palumbo, we are becoming a key player in the sporting arena, with opportunities and mentoring on offer. Already we are a force in equestrian, sailing, surfing, basketball, volleyball, netball, tennis, cricket, athletics, AFL, soccer and dancing, among others. Watch out – here come the Gators!
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), the 3- and 4-year-olds in attendance are being beautifully prepared to lead happy, fulfilled lives. They love their frequent visits to see the farm animals and enjoy science and music as specialist subjects. In 2025 we expand yet again to provide 66 daily places, plus playgroup.
Our Animals
The links between animals and 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 in the Quad’ event in 2025 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
At the time of writing, we had several teams competing at the national Vex Robotics championships in Sydney. With one of our Middle Years team recently sporting a number one national ranking (and sixteenth in the world), there is a very strong possibility that Investigator will also feature at the World Championships in Texas in May. Watch this space!
Similarly, we are shining in the area of enterprise and entrepreneurship, with increased focus this year. So many students have been busy at work 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 the best. Our learning is relevant, enabling student agency, an appropriate level of autonomy and engaging experiences.
Our world class experiences will reach new levels in 2025 and I am grateful for the leadership of Andrew Ayliffe and Lucas Lane and their efforts in 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 – because despite living in 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 2024 results are released on 16 December. Investigator is also gaining a name for its broad pathways for senior students, with many excelling in apprenticeships and workforce opportunities.
Our Staff
I am in awe of our team and the feedback from you makes me feel very proud. We are also backed by a particularly good Board! Thank you for partnering with us to ensure the best possible outcomes for your child. Together we will continue to achieve big things in 2025, including the completion of an improved carpark and an iconic Innovation Centre. The (re)opening of “the Galley” canteen has also proved popular and it will soon be serving top quality coffee for parents.
Wishing you all enjoy a safe, restful and blessed Christmas break. I feel privileged to belong to this delightful community.
Please note that lessons resume on Tuesday 28 January.
