Woodville High School has begun an exciting new chapter as we develop our Strategic Plan for 2027–2030. As our current three-year plan draws to a close, we have an important opportunity to reflect on our achievements, build on our momentum and shape a shared vision for the future of Our Woodville.

Following our recent whole-staff meeting, we thank our staff for their engagement, generosity and professionalism. The depth of discussion and quality of ideas reflected the collective expertise, commitment and care across our school community. We were also delighted to welcome back Louka Parry to co-facilitate with the Principal this important work, as we consider the opportunities and challenges that will shape education in the years ahead.

Preparing for a changing world

Our new Strategic Plan will be more than a document; it will be the roadmap guiding our priorities, decisions and actions over the next four years. It will help us build on the significant growth in enrolments, engagement and achievement since 2021, strengthen alignment with the Department for Education’s Strategy for Public Education, and bring our programs and improvement efforts together under a clear, shared vision.

Using the PESTLE model, staff considered the broader political, economic, social, technological, legal and environmental influences shaping our school and the world around us. From the rapid development of artificial intelligence and changing employment pathways to cost-of-living pressures, student wellbeing, online safety and the richness of our culturally diverse community, these conversations highlighted the importance of preparing our young people for an increasingly complex and rapidly changing future.

Our motto, Reach for the Stars, Despite Adversity, remains central to this work. We want every student to become a curious, adaptable lifelong learner, equipped with the knowledge, skills and confidence to navigate change and pursue their aspirations.

A shared vision, shaped together

As with our current plan, collaboration and shared leadership will be central to developing our next strategy. A Co-Design Team will bring together students, staff, families, Governing Council members, alumni and industry representatives to help shape our priorities and direction.

Since 2024, our Strategic Action Groups, aligned with the four Constellations of our current plan, have created opportunities for staff, students, families and the wider community to contribute to decision-making and school improvement. We look forward to building on this collaborative approach, ensuring our new plan reflects the voices, expertise and aspirations of Our Woodville.

Ultimately, this strategy will connect our everyday work to a larger purpose, providing clarity about what matters most and ensuring our decisions, resources and professional learning have the greatest possible impact on student learning, wellbeing and success.

Together, we will continue building on our proud history, embracing new opportunities and creating a school where every student, family and staff member is empowered to thrive.

If any families would like to participate in the Co-Design Team, please contact Molly Benzija: Molly.Benzija341@schools.sa.edu.au as our first meeting on Friday 30 October. 

Our next chapter starts with us. Reach for the Stars.

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International Students have achieved stronger than anticipated outcomes across academic results, attendance, wellbeing and engagement. Students previously identified as at risk have progressed to at least B grades, while attendance remains strong, with the lowest individual at 83.3%. Students also have stronger sense of belonging and engagement. Families and students, including SAP (Study Abroad Programs) students who have returned home after a term at Woodville High School, have shared positive feedback and stories about the impacts of their time at Woodville High School on their academic progress, wellbeing and future plans. In addition, there have been no withdrawals or transfers to TAFE or Foundation Studies, as occurred in previous years. It reflects strong student engagement, retention and confidence in Woodville High School and our school’s support.

A wonderful celebration of culture, connection, and community at Woodville High School. It provided a special opportunity to acknowledge the rich contribution our international students make to school life, not only through their academic efforts, but through the cultures, stories, languages, and perspectives they bring to Our Woodville. Their presence enriches our community in meaningful ways, and we are deeply grateful to have them as part of our school.

The evening also gave us the opportunity to farewell our four Term 3 SAP students. Although their time with us has been brief, they have become part of our story, and we hope they leave with lasting friendships, cherished memories, and the knowledge that, for a time, Woodville High School was their home too.

For our Year 12 students, the International Dinner was also a moment to pause and celebrate before the final stage of their school journey. As they prepare for their upcoming examinations, we wish them all the very best. We encourage them to move forward with integrity, resilience, courage, and compassion, qualities that will guide them well beyond the school gates.

To all our graduating students: Reach for the Stars. Dream boldly, embrace the opportunities ahead, and never underestimate the difference you can make in the world. We are proud of you, we celebrate you, and we wish you every success in your exams and in the exciting journey that lies ahead.

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A Historic Achievement for Raheim “RJ” Brown Junior

Woodville High School is incredibly proud to celebrate the outstanding achievement of Year 10 student Raheim “RJ” Brown Junior, who has signed with the Adelaide 36ers as a Development Player.

At just 15 years old, RJ has made history as the youngest player signed by an NBL club since 1982, marking an incredible milestone in what is already a promising basketball journey. His signing follows an impressive rise through the South Australian basketball pathway and highlights the talent, dedication and commitment he has demonstrated both on and off the court.

RJ is a junior with the West Adelaide Bearcats, where he has progressed through the club’s junior program before making his senior NBL1 Central debut in 2026. He appeared in nine games for the Bearcats this season. His performances against senior competition provided valuable experience as he continued to develop his game alongside more experienced players.

His pathway has not been without its challenges. RJ spent much of 2025 sidelined with a knee injury before working his way back onto the court and into the Bearcats’ senior program. His return and subsequent progression into NBL1 basketball has been a significant achievement and reflects the commitment he has shown to his development.

RJ’s development has also been supported through the Adelaide 36ers High Performance Schools Program at Woodville High School. The program provides students with access to high-level coaching and development opportunities, while allowing them to continue their education in a supportive school environment. The 36ers have specifically acknowledged Woodville High School for working with the club to ensure RJ can continue his schooling while developing as an athlete.

Following his signing, RJ demonstrated that he remains firmly connected to his school community. The day after becoming a 36ers Development Player, he was back on court with the Woodville High School Open team, competing in the Statewide Schools Competition finals at the State Basketball Centre in Wayville. Adelaide 36ers General Manager of Basketball Operations Matt Weston was also there to watch RJ and other emerging local talent.

For RJ, the opportunity also represents the next step towards ambitions that extend beyond the NBL. He has spoken about his goal of one day reaching the NBA, while remaining focused on taking his development one step at a time. He has drawn inspiration from former Adelaide 36ers Josh Giddey and Terrance Ferguson, both of whom followed pathways from Adelaide towards the NBA.

The Adelaide 36ers have highlighted RJ’s athleticism, speed and basketball skills, noting his ability to compete against significantly older players. His signing reflects the club’s commitment to identifying and developing emerging South Australian talent and providing young athletes with opportunities to progress within a professional basketball environment.

RJ also comes from a basketball family. His father, Raheim Brown, played professionally in Italy and France and founded The Dream Basketball Academy in Adelaide, where he has supported the development of young basketballers in the local community.

RJ’s achievement is a wonderful example of what can be possible when education, sporting development and strong community support come together. His journey reflects the opportunities available through Our Woodville and our partnership with the Adelaide 36ers, helping students pursue their sporting aspirations while continuing to grow academically and personally.

We are incredibly proud of RJ and all that he has achieved. We look forward to following his journey as he takes this exciting next step with the Adelaide 36ers and continues to pursue his goals both on and off the court.

Congratulations, RJ! We can’t wait to see where your journey takes you.

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This year’s theme, “Symphony of Stories,” celebrated the way stories bring together voices, cultures and imaginations to create a vibrant community of readers.

Once again, Our Woodville came together to celebrate Book Week, with students and staff embracing their favourite book characters and bringing the pages to life! From Bananas in Pyjamas, Harry Potter and Where’s Wally to Toy Story, Sonic, Spider-Man, Fairies and the Little Miss series, our Book Week Parade was filled with creativity, colour and plenty of imagination.

A huge congratulations to our Best Dressed prize winners! With so many incredible costumes, our judges certainly had a tough decision to make!

A special thank you to Maeve, Cherie and Mackenzie for their hard work, leadership and creativity in making Book Week such a welcoming, engaging and community-building celebration. Your passion was infectious!

What a wonderful way to celebrate the joy of stories and reading at Our Woodville!

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Guests enjoyed a selection of barista-made coffees, hot chocolates and teas, along with delicious muffins, fresh fruit cups and more. The event provided a welcoming space for everyone to catch up, enjoy some treats and celebrate the skills and talents of our students.

The Good Vibes Cafe was proudly organised by the IE Business and Innovation class, with tasty food prepared by the IE Food and Hospitality class. The event gave students an authentic opportunity to develop their hospitality, business, communication and teamwork skills while collaborating with the wider school community.

A huge thank you to all the students and staff (help from 3 Year 10 Semester 1 Coffee Business students Vaanya, Daniel and Maryam) who gave their own time during recess to be part of this special collaborative event, we could not have done it without them. Good Vibes Cafe was such a positive and welcoming event. We look forward to seeing where our students take the cafe next.

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Our Woodville STEM team is currently refining flight data that will be submitted to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) as part of an exciting project to launch a satellite into space in Term 4.

As students progress through the prototyping and testing phases of the project, they are developing valuable skills in engineering, data analysis, problem-solving, and aerospace technologies while applying their learning to an authentic real-world challenge. In the coming weeks, the team hopes to undertake a practice low-level launch on the school oval as they continue preparing for this incredible milestone.

This innovative project showcases the creativity, curiosity, and ambition of our students as they push the boundaries of STEM learning and explore future pathways in science, engineering, and space technologies. Watch this space as Our Woodville reaches for the stars.

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Congratulations to Woodville High School students Will Condon-Brown and Thuy Le, who have each been recognised with a 2026 Virtual War Memorial Australia Excellence Award for their outstanding historical research and biography writing. These prestigious awards acknowledge South Australian students who have made exceptional contributions to preserving the stories of Australians who have served our nation.

Will and Thuy demonstrated remarkable dedication, empathy, and attention to detail throughout the research process, producing biographies that honour the lives and service of the individuals they studied while ensuring their stories will be remembered by future generations. Their work reflects not only strong historical inquiry skills, but also a deep respect for the experiences and sacrifices of those who served.

The awards were presented by the Honourable Lucy Hood MP at a ceremony held at the Torrens Parade Ground, providing a fitting opportunity to celebrate the achievements of students, families, and schools involved in the project.

A special thank you to Nicholas Mchawala for his guidance and support of the students throughout their research journey, and to HASS Coordinator Belinda Parker for her ongoing leadership and commitment to authentic learning opportunities in History and the Humanities.

We are incredibly proud of Will and Thuy for this outstanding achievement and for representing Our Woodville with excellence, curiosity, and respect for the stories that have helped shape our nation.

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Recently at the Year 12 International Student Celebration held at Bonython Hall, North Terrace, Adelaide, two Woodville High School students were recognised for their outstanding contributions to the international student community.

David received the Leadership Award for creating opportunities and supporting peers, demonstrating leadership through initiatives that enhance the academic success, wellbeing, and sense of belonging of international students. Minh received the International Mindedness Award for fostering positive intercultural relationships, respecting diversity, and demonstrating empathy and understanding across cultures.

Congratulations to David and Minh on these well-deserved achievements. We are incredibly proud of the positive impact they continue to make within Our Woodville and the wider community.

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Woodville High School was honoured to welcome Martin Westwell, Chief Executive of the South Australian Department for Education, to Our Woodville. During his visit, Martin spent time engaging with students and staff, gaining insight into our commitment to student voice, leadership, inclusion, and innovative learning opportunities that empower every learner to thrive.

The visit provided an opportunity to showcase the many ways our students are actively shaping their educational experience through authentic leadership, agency, and participation in school decision-making. Martin also explored the diverse learning opportunities available across our school, reflecting Our Woodville’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and preparing young people for success in an ever-changing world.

We thank Martin for taking the time to visit our school and engage with our community. His visit was a valuable opportunity to celebrate the achievements of our students and staff and to share the exciting journey of transformation and growth taking place at Woodville High School.

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