Australian Business Week
In the last week of term 2, our year 11 students successfully managed their Cafe businesses. With support from staff, they competed with five other companies over two years of trading. This involved:

• Assigning roles: CEO, General Marketing, Finance, Operations
• Completing case studies
• Writing a company report
• Creating a product, process, or service
• Delivering an 8-minute oral presentation
• Producing a 30-second video commercial
• Mounting a trade display
• Dressing appropriately for the workplace.

Winners:

• Computer Simulation: The Country Kettle
• Website: Kenko
• Video Commercial: The Wedgetail Cafe
• Oral Report: Brew and Brunch
• Written Report: Kenko
• Trade Display: The Wedgetail Cafe

Congratulations to the winning team, 'Kenko'! A special thank you to all our mentors and organisers who worked tirelessly to make this week a success. Your dedication and support are greatly appreciated.

Research Project Results

Congratulations to our year 12 students who received their Research Project results yesterday from South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE). 17 students achieved within the A band, with a special congratulations to these three students who achieved an A+ in this Stage 2 subject:

Fletcher H with teacher Kardinia Caputo.

Mia D with teacher Marina Pater.

Holly T with teacher Kardinia Caputo.

Well done to all students and teachers on their hard work and dedication!

Senior Supervised Study
Following positive results from year 11 students last semester, students can now use supervised study lessons as Home Study. Parents and caregivers have now signed an Edsmart form that was released in the July school holidays, which has been documented to grant permission each time your child signs in or out for Home Study. This is only at the beginning or the end of the school day. We will monitor progress to ensure effective use of time. This privilege can be withdrawn if necessary. Year 11 students are expected to attend Care Group at 11.00am daily.

Flinders University - Inspire Change
Flinders University offers the Inspire Change mentoring program, with 24 year 12 students participating. Mentors provide study support and discuss university entry and pathways. This program strengthens links for rural students, and Flinders University covers SATAC fees for participants.

RSSA Future Pathways Expo

In week 1, Renmark High School took our year 11 cohort to the inaugural Riverland Secondary Schools Alliance Future Pathways Expo at the Riverland Field Day site in Barmera. Over 30 exhibitors, including universities and trade options, participated. The event aimed to attract a wide range of exhibitors, with involvement from all 5 Riverland high schools. Families and students attended the evening session. Congratulations to Michael Pater, Emily Griggs, and the RSSA team for a successful event.

Taste of Training 

Last Friday, over 200 year 10 students participated in the 'Taste of Training' program, designed to prepare them for Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses as they enter year 11 in 2026. Renmark High School was fortunate to host courses in Allied Health Assistance (Cert 3), Construction Pathways (Cert 2), Early Childhood Education & Care (Cert 3), Electrotechnology (Cert 2), Agriculture (Cert 2), and Individual Support (Aged Care/Disability) (Cert 3) on site. Other programs, such as Automotive (Cert 2), Engineering Pathways (Cert 2), Hospitality (Cert 2), Information Technology (Cert 3), Hairdressing (Cert 2), and Screen and Media (Cert 3), were hosted by TAFE SA in Berri.

VET courses can lead to full-time and school-based apprenticeships, traineeships, and even university opportunities. A big thank you to the Riverland Secondary Schools Alliance and everyone involved for making this event a huge success!

Adelaide University Teacher Placements
Renmark High School recently hosted 10 third-year teacher trainees from Adelaide University. They gained experience in rural teaching and observed various subjects. The trainees praised the school's organisation, resources, and friendly atmosphere. 

Subject Counselling

Last night, we hosted our Subject Selection and Information Night, offering students and families the chance to explore the diverse subject offerings at Renmark High School. This event provided an opportunity for students to consider their options and prepare for the upcoming subject selection process next week. By engaging with our dedicated teachers and faculty leaders, families gained valuable insights to help plan their students' selections for 2026.

Year 9, 10, and 11 students will meet individually with their Care Group teacher and other experts to select their subjects on the following days:

• Monday 11 August: Year 11 into 12 (2026)
• Tuesday 12 August: Year 10 into 11 (2026)
• Wednesday 13 August: Year 9 into 10 (2026)

These interviews will take place in the Elaine Balfour-Ogilvy Library from 9.00am until the end of the day. Your child's appointed time is listed in the parent letter, which will be sent home by the end of this week. Parents are welcome to attend the interview. If you cannot attend, students will bring home their subject selections for your approval.

Visit our website to access our Curriculum Booklet: renmarkhs.sa.edu.au/student-learning/curriculum-2/, which outlines each subject and allows them to plan as they progress through each year level.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for this informative evening!

SATAC Applications
Year 12 students considering university pathways have received SATAC information. Flinders University will assist on Wednesday 6 August. Applications should be completed by the end of term to avoid late fees. Students can seek advice from their Care Group Teachers - Mr Michael Young or Mrs Tamara Hooper.

University Open Days
Open Days provide an excellent opportunity for students and families to explore campuses, meet staff, and learn about course offerings. Below are the key dates for upcoming Open Days:

• Adelaide University
• Magill Campus – Wednesday 13 August, 3.30pm–7.00pm
• Mawson Lakes Campus – Sunday 17 August, 11.00am–3.00pm
• Roseworthy Campus – Sunday 17 August, 11.00am–4.00pm

For more information on Adelaide University Open Days visit: https://adelaideuni.edu.au/about/events/2025/open-day/? 

• Flinders University
• Riverland Campus – Tuesday 5 August
• Tonsley Campus – Saturday 9 August

For more information on Flinders University Open Days visit: 
https://www.flinders.edu.au/study/events-key-dates/open-days 

We encourage students to visit these university websites to learn more about specific Open Day activities at each location.

Resume Support and Career Preparation

We continue to assist our senior students in updating their resumes and preparing for employment opportunities. Whether students are aiming for university, TAFE, apprenticeships, or local employment, we are committed to ensuring every Renmark High School student transitions successfully into their next stage of life.

I look forward to sharing more senior news and student success stories throughout 2025.

Marina Pater
Assistant Principal
Director of Operations