Middle School, Term 4 Week 4 2026

ACTivate: Looking Ahead to Thursday

This Thursday 5 November (Week 4), our ACTivate program will bring Middle School students together for experiences that encourage connection, teamwork and personal growth.

Through our newly formed partnership with the Adelaide Lightning, girls in Years 4–9 will take part in a basketball clinic during Lessons 4 and 5. Working alongside professional players, students will enjoy interactive activities before watching an Adelaide Lightning v Pulteney exhibition match. Participating in House groups will provide an opportunity to strengthen friendships and demonstrate House spirit.

During this time, boys in Years 7–9 will join guest speaker Daniel Merza for a session and workshops coordinated by our Wellbeing team. With a focus on positive masculinity, students will be encouraged to reflect, contribute and explore how they can positively influence those around them.

Middle School students are encouraged to wear their PE uniform with their House top on Thursday. We look forward to a rewarding afternoon for our students.

Student Leadership Opportunities for 2027

Today, our Year 8 applicants for the 2027 Year 9 Middle School Student Leader roles presented to their Years 7–9 Tutor groups. They represented their Houses with pride and shared thoughtful ideas about mentoring younger students, strengthening service opportunities and giving back to the school community.

It was encouraging to hear students speak about leadership as a responsibility to support others and contribute to a connected, inclusive Middle School. I thank each applicant for the preparation and courage involved in sharing their aspirations with their peers.

Our Year 7 applicants are also currently participating in interviews for 2027 leadership positions. We hope to conclude these by the end of this week, with appointments announced soon.I look forward to seeing our emerging leaders put their ideas into action and help shape Middle School life in 2027.

Looking Ahead to 2027

As we begin planning for 2027, I invite families to share any insights or considerations regarding their child’s classes and learning experience. Please provide this information by Friday 6 November to support the class planning process.

Please email me at lauren.connolly@pulteney.sa.edu.au with any information that may support our planning. While we cannot guarantee specific class placements, your insights help us consider each student’s learning and wellbeing needs.

Thank you for your ongoing partnership as we prepare for the next stage of your child’s journey at Pulteney.

Speech Night 2026
Thursday 26 November starting at 7.00pm

Attendance at Speech Night is compulsory for all Year 9, 10, 11 and 12 students, held at the Adelaide Convention Centre.

Students must be dressed in formal winter uniform on the evening and are asked to arrive prior to 6.15pm. On arrival, non-prize winning students are to make their way to the foyer of Halls M&N, where they will be marked off the roll and then seated in their Houses, being supervised by members of staff, before the commencement of the ceremony at 7.00pm.

The evening is expected to conclude by 9.15pm and students can be picked up from then. Please arrange a suitable location for pickup with your child.
If you child is unable to attend the evening, an email to their Head of House must be forwarded to negotiate their non-attendance.

We ask that families please make arrangements around co-curricular commitments and part time work to prioritise this important event in the School’s calendar. There will be no exams on the day of or the next morning after Speech Night to accommodate students’ attendance.

We invite the Pulteney Community to attend and booking can be made HERE. Year 9-12 students do not need to book tickets for the evening.

Prize winning students and all Year 12 students will be required to attend a rehearsal during the day and these details will be communicated soon.

Lauren Connolly
Head of Middle School

Once Upon a Festival

This year we introduced a new event for our creative writers. Students from Year 4-9 with a passion for writing, were invited to attend the largest literary festival in Australia, Once Upon a Festival, with the aim of fostering a lifelong love of literature. On the day, students were involved in various workshops and talks with world class authors and illustrators.

Middle School students:
Rose Mckenzie, Archer Adams, Gloria O’Connell, Alexander Smith, Edie Chapman, Olivia Schirripa, Miroslava Baryshnikova, Jayden Pham, Luca Kostarelis

Junior School students:
Alana Charatsis, Sloane Bedson, Siena Horne, Takuni Hains, Anya Liang, Alba Yearsley, Gloria Kumar, Lachlan Trenwith, Meredith McCauley, Taqdeer Kaur

Schedule for the day:

Middle School

The students represented Pulteney with pride and were inspired by what they heard and saw on the day.

We are pleased to be able to offer another amazing event that will inspire our talented, literary students.

Yours sincerely,

Ms. Sue Mavropoulos, Gifted and Talented Coordinator R to 12 and Senior School Teacher
Ms. Nicole Maxwell, Head of Teaching and Learning Junior School and Head of Department – English