YAS Term 3 Week 5 Newsletter
Principal's Note
Dear Families
It is hard to believe that we are already halfway through Term 3!
At the start of term 3, we take the opportunity to reflect on the progress we have made towards our Strategic Directions and student achievement.
It is my pleasure to share with you some of our data sets that our community should be proud of.
NAPLAN Results
Our NAPLAN results were pleasing in several areas this year, with years 3, 5 and 9 all showing improvement from 2024. Notable achievement goes to our Year 5’s who achieved in the strong band across all components!
Year 3 and 5 have achieved the highest/best results since the new NAPLAN grading system was introduced in 2023.
Student Wellbeing
The annual Wellbeing Engagement Collection Survey was recently undertaken by year 4-12 students. There were some great improvements including the decrease in physical, verbal and social bullying. Cyberbullying remains an issue, and while we address this through our Child Protection Curriculum, partnership between parents and the school is important.
Please see the resource at this link for some great information on
how parents and schools can work together on the issue of cyberbullying:
Parental involvement in preventing and responding to cyberbullying - Family Matters 92, 2013
Current Enrolment Trend
Since the start of the year we have had had an additional 29 in-zone students join us.
This data trend is one to be proud of. The positive enrolment trend reflects the well standing reputation of YAS in the community and I would like to recognise the hard work of our YAS teachers, leadership team, governing council and of course our students, in contributing to the positive public perception of the school.
You asked…we delivered
When I first started at YAS the feedback from staff and the community was overwhelming in that they WANTED A PLAN! A plan that reflected the improvement priorities for the school moving forward.
Through the co-design process, the YAS Strategic Directions were designed with input from staff, parents and students.
As you know, these directions align to the Department for Education’s strategy.
Our latest Perspectives results (a staff culture survey) represent exceptional growth in this area. With YAS not only improving on the 2022 survey data, but also “beating” the Department for Education overall/average score. Our staff are clearly feeding back that our direction is strong and clear.
Subject Selections
A few weeks ago subject selection meetings were held for year 8-11 . The engagement of our students was high. They all put in a lot of effort in considering their future pathways, abilities and interests.
We had some new and exciting curriculum subjects on offer for 2026, including:
- Year 9/10 Independent Studies: a course focused on developing life skills
- Year 9/10 Photography and Media Arts
- Year 9/10 Digital Technology
- Stage 1 and 2 Society & Culture
Opening of Ninja Course
The new ninja course opened this week for our upper primary and middle school students.
The benefit of the ninja course being modular means we can continue to add to it over time!
A huge thank you must go to our Grounds staff for their project management and enthusiasm in getting the course up and running for our students.
Welcome Lizzie Mahoney
I am pleased to welcome Mrs Lizzie Mahoney to our leadership team who has taken the position of Head of Inclusion for the remainder of the year.
Lizzie has been with us for just over a week and it has been wonderful to see the positive student and staff relationships that have already been built.
I look forward to seeing what our students and the entire school community continues to achieve by the end of the term.
Haley Przibilla
Principal
A Note from The Pastoral Care Worker
G'day school community,
I have had a busy term so far. I had my biennial review for my Pastoral Care Worker role. From the review, it was suggested I create a document that highlights the role of a Pastoral Care Worker in the school. To contact me or for further information, my email is wendy.lindsay412@schools.sa.edu.au.
We had our Comfy Clothes Day, with all donations going to the 5CY Community Pantry food appeal. A HUGE THANKYOU to all the families for their donations. We had over 7 big tubs of goodies that we were able to donate to the Pantry. Our community thanks you for your support.
Then, there was a wonderful whole school assembly followed by morning tea in Cockatoo Cafe and hosted by Governing Council. It was at morning tea that we had the opportunity to chat with a number of enthusiastic parents about participating in a Parent's and Friend's group. I would like to invite those who showed interest at the morning tea and anyone else that perhaps may be interested in joining the P&F, to join me for a cuppa at Lot 50 on Friday 5th September at 9:15.
Welcome Lizzie Mahoney
Hello! I’m excited to be working in our Yankalilla community and supporting our students to reach their full potential. As the Head of Inclusion at YAS, I feel privileged to play a role in helping students find their place, feel a sense of belonging, and build strong connections with our school. I believe deeply that schools are the heart of a community, and I look forward to working closely with families to strengthen those bonds and build genuine, lasting relationships. I’m passionate about ensuring all students experience success in their learning. For me, that begins with students feeling connected, supported through challenges, and optimistic about their journey through school.
Lizzie Mahoney
Head of Inclusion
Finance News
MAKING PAYMENTS?
There are a variety of ways that payment can be made for Material & Services Charges, Excursion, Camps, Incursions. Uniform, Fundraising, Events
QKR (preferred)
Direct Credit to the School Bank account- BSB 065511 Account 1021 7519
EFTPOS either at the Finance office or over the phone
Centrepay- A set amount can be paid to the school from any Centrelink benefit. https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/centrepay
Cash at the Finance Office
Any questions please contact Lisa in the Finance Office on 8558 0888 or lisa.pinder549@schools.sa.edu.au
Selamat Hari Kemerdekaan at YAS!
Happy Indonesian Independence Day at Yankalilla Area School!
On Thursday, 14 August, Yankalilla Area School celebrated Indonesian Independence Day with a vibrant cultural event. Our Year 6 students showed fantastic leadership as they ran activities including fruit tasting, fan decorating, traditional games, and more. The day was filled with energy, colour, and opportunities to learn about Indonesian culture.
The celebration concluded with beautiful Balinese dances performed by Ibu Made and Ibu Kencana. Terima kasih (thank you) to our Year 6 leaders for their responsibility and enthusiasm, and to all students for joining in the spirit of the day.
Bu Lisa
The Hungry Caterpillar
As part of Book Week, Year 11 students hosted a fun-filled Hungry Caterpillar party for our Reception classes.
Year 7-12 Netball Carnival
On Wednesday the 30th of July, we took 41 students to Victor Harbor High School to take part in the annual Netball Day Carnival. It was a great day out with strong results across the board and plenty of positive team spirit on display.
A big thank you to the staff and parent volunteers who assisted with coaching, scoring, and supervision throughout the day. Your support was greatly appreciated and contributed to the success of the event.
Cockatoo Cafe
🌟 Cockatoo Café – Open to the Public! 🌟
Come and experience the amazing work of our talented students at the Cockatoo Café! Open every Thursdays 10am - 11.30am, this student-run café is a fantastic initiative where kids take the lead—serving up delicious food, warm drinks, and even warmer smiles. ☕🍰
From taking orders to preparing meals, our young team does an absolutely outstanding job each week. It’s a great opportunity for them to build confidence, learn real-world skills, and connect with our wonderful community.
📍Everyone is welcome – we’d love to see you there!
👏 Huge shoutout to all the students and staff who make it happen. You’re doing an incredible job!
Year 8/9 Home Ec
Our Year 8/9 Home Ec students smashed it in the kitchen today, creating and beautifully presenting delicious Chicken Burritos! Their skills – and flavours – were top class!
R-12 Assembly
🎉 R-12 Assembly – Celebrating Semester 1 Achievements! 🎉
On Thursday, 7th August, we gathered as a whole school community to celebrate our Semester 1 academic achievements, acknowledge student growth, and reflect on our school values.
A special part of the assembly was welcoming our new Reception students to the school – we're so excited to have you join our community! 💫
Thank you to all the families who attended and helped make this a memorable occasion. 💙
Uniform News
Softshell Jackets Now Available!
We’re excited to announce that Softshell jackets are now available for purchase from the uniform shop.
Prices:
Sizes 6–16: $55
Sizes Small – 2XL: $60
Stay warm and comfortable while representing our community in style!
