Middle School, Term 2 Week 1 2026

Welcome to Term 2. It was a genuine joy to come together as a whole school community at this morning’s assembly and reflect on the many and varied experiences of our students. Moments such as these highlight the breadth of opportunity available and reinforce the strong sense of belonging that sits at the heart of our Pulteney community. It is in these shared experiences that our students see themselves as known, valued and connected, not only within their year level, but across Houses and the wider School.

A particular highlight was the induction of our 2026 Year 7 leaders. It was wonderful to welcome their families and share in this occasion together. Through these opportunities, our students begin to enact our commitment to service, connection and student voice, developing their capacity to contribute meaningfully to the Middle School. Leadership at this level is grounded in a deep sense of belonging, where students recognise their responsibility to support others, strengthen relationships and positively shape the culture of their House and cohort. We look forward to working alongside them as they lead with integrity, empathy and purpose.

Term 2 offers a rich range of experiences that support our focus on learner agency, growth and quality thinking. Our Year 9 cohort is currently preparing for their Outdoor Learning experiences in the Flinders Ranges. In Week 2, Kennion-Miller and Moore-Sunter will attend the camp, while Bleby-Howard and Cawthorne-Nicholls undertake AMPed. This will then reverse in Week 3. These experiences are a significant part of our AMPlify program, providing authentic opportunities for students to challenge themselves, build independence and strengthen their connection to one another. Through shared challenge and reflection, students deepen their understanding of themselves and their contribution to the community around them.

This Thursday, students from Years 7 to 12 will participate in the Rungie Cup competition. Students are encouraged to wear their House tops for the day as we come together in a spirit of participation, connection and House pride. Events such as these play an important role in building community, fostering positive relationships and strengthening the sense of collective identity that is so important in the Middle School years.

As part of our ACTivate wellbeing program this term, our focus is on Healthy Mindsets. Developing a growth mindset supports students to approach challenge with curiosity, respond to feedback with purpose and persist through complexity. These dispositions are central to building learner agency and contribute to a strong sense of belonging, as students feel confident to take risks in their learning, seek support when needed and celebrate progress together. In turn, this has a direct and positive impact on academic growth, strengthening confidence, motivation and engagement. To bring this to life, we are introducing a Growth Mindset Tutor Challenge across the term, where students will learn and develop the skill of juggling. Our Middle School Tutors and Heads of House began this challenge during our planning day yesterday, and it proved to be both engaging and enjoyable. We look forward to sharing how the challenge progresses across the term.

On Tuesday 28 April (Week 2), we look forward to welcoming our Year 6 families for a Middle School tour and information session. This provides an opportunity to share our approach to learning, wellbeing and pastoral care, and to experience the daily rhythms of the Middle School. We warmly encourage families to register their attendance and look forward to introducing them to our community. Register HERE.

We look forward to a term of continued growth, connection and purposeful learning across our Middle School community.

Lauren Connolly
Head of Middle School

“How To Succeed in Business” Musical Production – TICKETS!

DON’T MISS OUT! Tickets are selling fast! We have already sold 61% of all tickets, with closing night now 85% sold.

Ticket prices:

• Premium: $45
• Adult: $35
• Child (under 18): $30

Don’t miss what will be another brilliant production from our award-winning Pulteney Performing Arts community. We look forward to seeing you there!

This year, the Friends of Performing Arts are running a raffle for the musical production. We are seeking prize donations, so if you can contribute wine, electronic goods, or other substantial items, please let me know or drop them off to my office in the Nicholls (ground floor). We hope to have all prizes finalised by Week 4, Term 2.

Tickets on sale via Humanitix.