Tatachilla news

Our Year 7/8 netball team displayed outstanding skill, teamwork and resilience at the Division 1 state netball final, proudly finishing as silver medallists.

On Tuesday 27 August, the Year 7/8 netball team proudly represented our college in the Division 1, School Sport SA state netball final at Netball SA Stadium. Our players demonstrated teamwork, talent, defensive grit and attacking flair in every game.

Minor round results

•    Game 1: Tatachilla vs Tenison Woods College – won 24–22
•    Game 2: Tatachilla vs Immanuel Lutheran College – lost 21–22
•    Game 3: Tatachilla vs Sacred Heart – won 28–26

These strong performances saw Tatachilla advance to the grand final against Immanuel College. Despite their best efforts and relentless spirit, our team went down 44–23 to finish as runner-up state champions in Division 1, proudly taking home the silver medal.

Our team

Our hard-working team comprised Charlotte Deboo, Isabelle Brown, Isla Hockham, Airlie McCade, Annie Hockey, Grace Syvertsen, Mabel Mills, Summer Ballantine, Charlotte Prestwood, Ruby Madgett, Ruby Schipper

With the guidance of our Year 11 Assistant Coaches, Emily Hart and Kaysha Dellow (from the Advanced Athlete Development Program) and under the leadership of Coach Tracy McAvaney, the team displayed incredible growth, composure and passion for the game.

A huge congratulations to every player and the coaches on this outstanding achievement – silver medallists in the state Division 1 final!
 

Our students recently had the rare opportunity to uncover the hidden beauty of the natural world, thanks to a scanning electron microscope (SEM) on loan to the school.

The SEM allowed students in Years 4 –12 to investigate specimens in astonishing detail. Unlike traditional light microscopes used in classrooms, the SEM uses a beam of electrons to magnify objects tens of thousands of times, producing images with remarkable three-dimensional clarity.

Students explored the intricate legs of millipedes, the compound eyes of insects, delicate butterfly scales, and the geometric structures of pollen grains and leaves.

“Being able to see such detail up close was an incredible experience for our students,” said Kristy Simpson, 7-12 Science Learning Leader. “The SEM brought science to life in a way that textbooks simply cannot. It showed our young people the cutting-edge tools used in real-world research and opened their eyes to the hidden complexity of the natural world.”

As part of National Science Week 2025, the college also hosted a scientific escape room challenge. Aligned with the national theme, Decoding the Universe, students in Years 7–10 worked together to solve puzzles inspired by the Moon and space exploration, testing their critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Together, these experiences gave students a deeper appreciation of both the vastness of the universe and the extraordinary detail within the natural world, reminding us all that science is not just about knowledge—it’s about discovery.

Our Year 12 Chemistry students recently showcased their scientific skills in the RACI Titration Competition, achieving a milestone for Tatachilla by qualifying for the state final.

Titration is a fundamental analytical technique used in chemisty and the pharmaceutical and manufacturing industries. In Term 2 our students put their titration knowledge into practice and advanced to the state final of the RACI Titration Competitionfor the first time in college history.

Held on Saturday 16 August at the University of South Australia’s Hetzel Laboratory, the competition tested our team's skills with a brand new titration challenge. While our students narrowly missed out on an Excellence Award, they can be incredibly proud of reaching such an advanced level—an achievement attained by very few.

A special congratulations goes to Charlie Atherton, who earned a Gold Award for his outstanding individual result, recording only a 0.2% error.

The competition is a valuable extension of senior Chemistry at Tatachilla, giving students the chance to apply their skills in a university-level laboratory and experience science beyond the classroom.

Well done to the following students for their commitment and success during this competition:

• Charlie Atherton
• Jordan Holmes
• Eddie Last
   

From Zen gardens to boba drinks, our Japanese students got a taste of Japan right here in Adelaide — just weeks before their real-life adventure!

Last Thursday, 39 students from Years 9–12 explored Japanese culture in the heart of our state's capital, beginning their city adventure with a peaceful visit to Himeji Garden. Here they had the opportunity to admire the carefully raked zen garden, shimmering lake and beautifully designed Japanese landscaping—a little piece of Japan tucked in the heart of the CBD.

Next, the group headed to the Central Markets, where the pace picked up. Students explored Japanese shops, tried their luck at claw machines and enjoyed refreshing boba drinks.

A highlight of the day was a delicious Japanese lunch at Sato Restaurant. Students savoured authentic dishes while practising Japanese dining manners, combining taste with cultural learning.

The excursion finished in Rundle Mall with an exciting 'Amazing Race' challenge. In teams, students raced between Japanese stores, completing tasks, solving clues and experiencing Japanese culture in Adelaide’s bustling shopping district.

It was a day filled with learning, laughter and discovery. Students left not only with full stomachs but also a deeper appreciation of how Japanese culture is celebrated locally.

Now, the excitement is building—just three weeks to go until our students embark on the adventure of a lifetime: an overseas trip to Japan itself. On 19 September, a group of Year 10 and 11 students will depart for a 15-day cultural tour, experiencing Japan through visits to temples, castles and major cities.

A highlight of the trip will be the week-long homestay with the students of Toryo High School, Tatachilla’s sister school.

Families can read more about international learning at the college here: Global experiences at Tatachilla

R U OK? Day is a meaningful reminder to reach out, connect and start conversations that can make a real difference in someone’s life.

Thursday 11 September 2025 is R U OK? Day, a national day of action that reminds us all to check in with the people around us – not just today, but every day. At Tatachilla Lutheran College, we are encouraging students to take a moment to ask someone, “Are you OK?” and to listen with care.

This year, we are sharing a simple tool to help guide students in having meaningful conversations with friends who might be struggling. It’s called ALEC – a four-step guide to having an R U OK? conversation:

A – Ask: Start by asking, “Are you OK?” Pick the right moment and let the person know you’ve noticed something might be up.

L – Listen: Take time to listen with an open mind and without judgment.

E – Encourage Action: Help them think about one small step they could take, like talking to a trusted adult, friend, or school counsellor.

C – Check In: Follow up later. Let them know you care and that you're there for them.

These conversations don’t have to be perfect – they just need to come from a place of care and genuine concern. To support students in feeling more confident, the R U OK? Day website has helpful videos, conversation tips and resources. Students are encouraged to visit www.ruok.org.au to learn more.

Let’s help each other feel seen, heard and supported – because a simple question can make a big difference.

If your child requires further support, please get in touch with our wellbeing team:

Michael Ebert: michael.ebert@tatachilla.sa.edu.au

Rose Richards: rose.richards@tatachilla.sa.edu.au

Tatachilla’s soccer talent is on full display, with both our Year 5/6 and Year 7/8 boys' teams powering their way into the state finals after dominant performances in their qualifying rounds.

Year 5/6 boys qualify for state finals

Our Year 5/6 boys' soccer team has booked their place in the state finals, to be held on 17 September.

The boys stormed through qualifying, defeating Willunga 9–1 and Antonio Catholic School 9–0 with a blend of attacking flair and defensive discipline. Captain Sebastian James was outstanding, netting eight goals across the two matches, including a double hat-trick in the final. He was well supported by Jayden Smith (4), Kallen Romano (2), Connor Johnstone (2), Liam Flewellyn Odena (1) and Ned Owens (1).

Strong leadership also came from defensive captain Lachlan Moore, while our Year 10 student coaches Ari Stassinopoulos and Ollie Owens, along with linesman Zach Trajanovski, provided vital support.

Congratulations to the team for their teamwork, spirit and determination — and good luck in the state finals!

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Year 7/8 boys through to state finals

Tatachilla’s Year 7/8 boys also advanced to the state finals after two convincing wins at the statewide championship on Monday 11 August.

The boys opened with a 4–0 victory, then outclassed Seaview High School 7–1. Goals came from across the squad: Tommy Aldridge (4), Declan Maasdorp (2), Sydney Remde (2), Oscar Hays (1), Naz Theil (1) and Shay Barker (1). Captains Xavier Lucas and Zak McReynolds led with composure, while the team’s strong defence and sharp passing set up wave after wave of attacking opportunities.

Year 10 student coaches Owen Suter (forwards), Mitchell Hughes (defence) and Max Hamnett (midfield), together with Head Coach Darren Vile, praised the boys for their discipline, teamwork and unity.

Congratulations to the whole team: George Pritchard, Flynn Newbold, Seth Best, Ryan Zimmer, Joel Foody, Oscar Hays, Declan Maasdorp, Zak McReynolds, Tommy Aldridge, Xavier Lucas, Sydney Remde, Naz Theil, Tom Sinel, Magnus Thompson, Oscar Turtle, Noah Rowe and Shay Barker.

The squad now looks ahead to the state finals in Week 8, aiming to carry their momentum into the championship stage.

With teamwork, determination and standout performances, our Year 9/10 girls' basketball team powered through Round 1 of the knockout competition at Victor Harbor.

On Friday 22 August, our Year 9/10 girls' basketball team travelled to the Victor Harbor Recreation Centre for the opening round of the knockout competition — and came away with two strong victories.

The girls combined brilliantly as a team, showing skill and determination to record comfortable wins over both schools. They defeated Victor Harbor High 62–30, with standout shooting from Nara Weber (28 points), before overcoming Woodcroft College 47–26, led by Grace McDonald (20 points).

Our congratulations to the full team: Alannah Munzberg (Year 8), Milly McCool, Isobel Baraiolo (Year 9), Abigail Styles, Nara Weber, Isabelle Cameron, and Grace McDonald (Year 10).

Special thanks to Year 11 student Eva Aldridge (Assistant Coach) and to Coach Jenna Fowler for their guidance and support. The girls now progress confidently to Round 2 of the competition.

From acrobatics and gymnastics to soccer, Tatachilla students have showcased remarkable talent, dedication and sporting spirit, achieving outstanding results at state and national competitions.

Congratulations to Gracie Summer, Year 10, who has competed at a state acrobatics championship, teaming up with a partner for a daring 'duo cube' act, where two acrobats perform on a three-dimensional spinning cube (see picture above). Gracie also performed with her acrobatic troupe. Her hard work and artistry paid off, winning her first place in both events and another qualification for Nationals. 

Beyond competition, Gracie is also a performer in the Adelaide Fringe with the Creative Motion Company and she’s seizing every opportunity to grow her skills. 

Photo credit: Kelly Walker, Artistry Photography, of Gracie Summer and her acrobatics partner Summer Attwood. 

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Congratulations to Max Tresidder, Year 9, who travelled to the Gold Coast on 3 July to represent South Australia at the Australian National Gymnastics Championships. We are so proud of all his hard work and dedication that has led to this incredible achievement. 

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Congratulations to the Tatachilla students who represented the Onkaparinga South District SAPSASA teams at the recent State Soccer Carnival.

In the girls’ team, Ella Moore, Willow Alexopoulos (Year 5), Mila Mansell and Zara Lucas (Year 6) played with determination and skill, contributing to some fantastic results, including a strong win and a hard-fought draw.

In the boys’ team, Connor Johnstone, Lachlan Moore, Liam Flewellyn Odena (Year 6) and Sebastian James (Year 5), showed great resilience across eight matches, finishing with two wins and a draw against tough opposition.

Well done to all our players on their teamwork, dedication and sporting spirit — a fantastic effort from everyone involved!