Autism Inclusion
At Huntfield Heights School P-6, our goal is to foster an inclusive culture for all students, including those who are neurodiverse, ensuring a rich, safe, and supportive learning environment. The Department for Education has introduced Autism Inclusion Teachers in every public primary school. These teachers are tasked with supporting fellow educators in effectively educating autistic students and implementing practices that align with their school’s needs. By actively participating in formal learning opportunities and Autism Inclusion Teacher networks, these educators enhance their knowledge and teaching skills related to autism. At Huntfield Heights School P-6, we embrace all neurodiverse students within this framework, promoting the sharing of knowledge and resources among educators to better support neurodiverse children and young people. This initiative signifies an exciting opportunity to elevate the support provided to neurodiverse individuals in our school.
Interoception
Discover the Interoception Room at Our School!
Did you know that within each of us lies an incredible superpower? It’s called interoception, the ability to understand and navigate our own emotions. At our school, we’ve taken interoception to a whole new level with our dedicated interoception room, staffed by an extraordinary teacher who helps students harness this power and conquer any overwhelming emotions that may hinder their learning.
Step into our interoception room, a sanctuary designed to empower students in their emotional journey. With the guidance of our compassionate SSO2, students explore strategies to identify, understand, and manage their feelings effectively. No emotion is too big or too small—we’re here to support them every step of the way.
Our mission is simple: to equip students with the tools they need to embrace their emotions and return to the joy of learning. Through interactive activities, engaging discussions, and personalized techniques, we empower students to transform their emotions from barriers to catalysts for growth. We believe that by understanding and managing their emotions, students can thrive academically and emotionally.
AET /ACEO
Aboriginal Education Teacher
At Huntfield Heights School P-6, the Aboriginal Education Teacher (AET) plays a crucial role in providing comprehensive support to families and students. This support extends to addressing queries and assisting with various aspects concerning their children. Additionally, students benefit from in-class academic activities led by the AET during break times, enhancing their engagement in learning.
An AET is integral to establishing a proud and robust educational community that values and celebrates Aboriginal wisdom, knowledge, history, culture, and learning within mainstream teaching. This commitment is essential for ensuring that Aboriginal children and young people receive the education they rightfully deserve. AETs actively influence the learning experiences of Aboriginal students, utilizing high-quality teaching exemplars to foster learning excellence.
Every AET serves as a critical leader and advocate, shaping Aboriginal children and young people into empowered learners, active contributors, and forward-thinking individuals. Education, as a significant contributor, holds the key to unlocking the vast learning potential within each student.
The responsibilities of an AET encompass various facets, including a deep understanding of current educational research and its implications for Aboriginal student learning. AETs align professional learning curricula to drive improvements and outcomes for Aboriginal students, drawing on the Teaching for Effective Learning (TfEL) Framework. They comprehend the pedagogical implications and local contexts for Aboriginal students, ensuring a culturally sensitive approach to education.
AETs actively build and model high expectations, attitudes, and behaviors for every Aboriginal student, recognizing the pivotal role teachers play in influencing student learning and future pathways. They support classroom teachers in developing a profound understanding of the achievement levels of every Aboriginal student. Additionally, AETs prioritize establishing strong and respectful relationships with Aboriginal students and their communities, fostering a supportive and inclusive educational environment.
In essence, the AET is not only an educator but also a catalyst for positive change, working towards an educational landscape that respects, recognizes, and celebrates the unique cultural contributions of Aboriginal students, thereby unlocking their full potential and ensuring a brighter future.
Aboriginal Community Education Officer
Aboriginal Community Education Officers (AECOs) is an aboriginal staff member who plays a vital role by collaborating with teachers to integrate Aboriginal Cultural Studies and perspectives into curriculum design. Their responsibilities encompass administrative tasks like record-keeping, and maintaining files on Aboriginal students. AECOs contribute to site and individual learning plans, enhancing social development, well-being, and academic progress for Aboriginal students. They actively support teaching staff in developing and sustaining relationships with Aboriginal students, parents, and families, ensuring a cohesive educational environment. AECOs also advocate for the Aboriginal community voice in educational decision-making and offer valuable insights on the cultural diversity of Aboriginal groups.
Special Events for Aboriginal Learners
Nunga Tag is a yearly Southern Region Community Event, offering a free platform for Aboriginal students, families, and community members to connect with local schools and community service providers. This exclusive event, the sole Aboriginal-specific regional sporting gathering for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (ATSI) students in Southern Adelaide, fosters engagement and networking. Nunga Tag brings together young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students for a day filled with enjoyment, teamwork, and sports, creating a vibrant and inclusive space to celebrate community, culture, and the spirit of collaboration.
STEM
The STEM Aboriginal Learner Congress, a Department for Education initiative, is dedicated to motivating the upcoming generation of young Aboriginal scientists, technologists, engineers, and mathematicians. Uniquely structured within an Aboriginal community context, this congress is fully owned, co-designed, and executed by Aboriginal students. This annual two-day event delves into STEM connections with Aboriginal culture, guiding and inspiring future STEM pathways for all Aboriginal learners. The Congress seeks to actively involve students in STEM learning, providing industry experiences that serve as inspiration for them to pursue and achieve their aspirations in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Through this initiative, the Department for Education aims to foster a passion for STEM subjects among Aboriginal students, opening doors to diverse opportunities in these fields.
Culture Group
Aboriginal students from Reception to Year 6 gather weekly for the Culture Group, led by our school’s Aboriginal Education Teacher (AET) and Aboriginal Community Educational Officer (ACEO). Together, they delve into the local language Kaurna, exploring a diverse range of lessons on Aboriginal history and culture. This dedicated group has left a lasting impact by designing and building a new cultural space in our library. They have also crafted a fresh Acknowledgement of Country and collaborated on a mural featuring every student from Reception to Year 6, showcasing their commitment to fostering a rich understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal heritage within our school community.
Bush Tucker Trail
In 2022, all R-6 students at our school engaged in a research and design competition to establish a Bush Tucker Trail. The initiative involved researching native bush tucker plants indigenous to the area, considering growth conditions, sizes, and recipes. Students meticulously designed maps, accounting for space, plant growth, partner planting, and accessibility. This ongoing project has become a dynamic learning space, offering students continuous opportunities for growth. Through hands-on experiences, students have acquired skills in utilizing various tools, setting up irrigation systems, and mastering pruning techniques, fostering a deeper understanding of horticulture and environmental sustainability.
Kitchen And Garden Program
Our school’s Kitchen and Garden Program offers students from Reception to Year 6 a comprehensive education in environmental sustainability. Focused on cultivating an understanding of the environment, the program enables students to grow and harvest healthy food. In the kitchen, students acquire essential life skills, safely using various kitchen equipment. Working collaboratively, students engage in weekly recipe preparation, fostering teamwork. This hands-on approach not only teaches culinary skills but also encourages students to share their creations with peers, promoting a sense of community and culinary exploration.
Breakfast Club
Our school offers a Breakfast Club catering to students seeking or requiring an additional morning meal. Operating from 8:30 to 8:45, the club ensures students have a nourishing start to their day. Breakfast options include toast with a choice of spread or a selection of cereals. By providing this service, we aim to optimize our students’ readiness for learning, acknowledging the importance of a nutritious breakfast in supporting their academic endeavours.
Student Leaders
Student Leaders play a vital role at Huntfield Heights School P-6, dedicated to enhancing the overall student experience and ensuring every voice is heard. Elected by their respective classes based on alignment with school values, two student leaders from each class meet weekly to exchange feedback, discuss ideas, and disseminate important school updates. Their mission extends beyond these meetings; they actively champion change and advocate for their peers’ suggestions.
The objectives of our Student Leaders encompass promoting and safeguarding student interests, representing student views, fostering successful student groups, encouraging student participation, organizing events, and facilitating the integration of new students. They spearhead initiatives such as acquiring new lunchtime equipment, coordinating fundraisers, arranging special lunches, and organizing various events.
With a commitment to student welfare, they play a pivotal role in assemblies, drive the “bucket fillers” initiative by recognizing weekly winners, and undertake diverse responsibilities, including running lunchtime activities, supporting special events, conducting school tours, and addressing any emerging tasks throughout the year. Through their proactive engagement, the Student Leaders contribute significantly to the vibrant and inclusive atmosphere at Huntfield Heights School P-6.
Story Dogs
Huntfield Heights School P-6 is fortunate to collaborate with the Story Dogs Program, a free reading support initiative for year 1 and year 2 students. Students enjoy a weekly reading session with a trained dog and its handler. These canine companions serve as ideal reading partners, fostering children’s confidence in reading. The Story Dogs Program is dedicated to making reading an enjoyable experience for children, aiming to instil confidence and create lifelong readers. Through this unique partnership, students not only enhance their reading skills but also develop a love for reading in the company of these friendly and supportive furry friends.
Learning Club
Learning Club, provided by The Smith Family, is an after-school program designed to assist students with their reading and school work. Following school hours, students gather in the library to focus on improving their reading skills or receive extra help with ongoing classroom lessons. This program serves as a valuable resource, offering dedicated support to students, fostering a positive learning environment, and ensuring they have the assistance needed to succeed in their academic endeavours.
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