Dear Saints Girls Community,
It is with great excitement that I welcome you to the 2026 school year. To our new families, you are now members of a truly special community, and I extend the warmest of welcomes to you. To our returning community, it’s wonderful to have you back with us as we begin another chapter in our School’s story.
The 2025 school year closed with outstanding Year 12 results once again. We congratulate our Emily Medal recipient, Rongxin Shao (SACE) as our 2025 Dux of School, whose ATAR placed her in the top 0.1% nationally. Rongxin achieved a Merit in Mathematical Methods and English B HL, alongside two High Distinctions for her subjects in Tertiary Recognised Learning. Our 2025 Dux of IB, Ashani Amarathunga, achieved outstanding results with Merits in Chemistry HL, English A HL, Physics SL and Mathematical Analysis and Approaches SL. Congratulations also to our Bessie Hill Memorial Medal recipients, Siqi (Maggie) Zheng (IB School Assessment-based Dux) and Olivia Park (SACE School Assessment-based Dux). The consistency of excellence across their studies reflects both academic rigour and a deep commitment to learning. We also acknowledge the outstanding leadership of our 2025 Head Prefect, Mollie Kennett, whose contribution to our School community was recognised with the Governor of South Australia Commendation Excellence Award. The academic achievements of our 2025 Year 12 students will be formally celebrated at our Academic Excellence Assembly being held in Week 2 of this term.
SACE Highlights:
- A top ATAR of 99.90
- A median ATAR of 94.00
- 39% of students secured ATARs of 95 or higher
- 36 subject Merits awarded
- 77 A+ grades achieved
- Perfect A band achievement rates in Dance, Digital Communications, Drama, English Literary Studies, Music subjects (Explorations, Ensemble Performance, Solo Performance, and Studies), Physics, and both Visual Arts
- 21 Distinctions and High Distinctions in Tertiary Recognised Learning
IB Highlights:
- A median score of 36.5—well beyond the world average of 30.58
- 26 subject Merits
- 65% of all subject grades falling within the A band
These figures tell only part of the story. Behind each result lies dedication, perseverance, and a commitment to excellence. Our 2025 Year 12s not only focussed on their academic learning; they invested themselves in building connection and community across every year level. From our ELC to Year 12, they modelled what it means to lead with courage, to care for one another with compassion, and to approach challenges with creativity. Their legacy extends far beyond their academic results.
The quality of learning we celebrate reflects the calibre of teaching and mentorship across our entire School. Our educators from ELC through to Year 12 invest themselves in knowing each student, understanding how she learns best, and creating the conditions for her to thrive. During the past week, our staff have been immersed in professional learning, reflecting on their practice and exploring new approaches to ensure every student experiences the support and challenge she needs. We remain strongly committed to working in partnership with families to create an environment in which every girl can flourish.
Here are the key dates for the term ahead.
Key dates for your diary:
- New Student Day: Tuesday 27 January
- First day of Term 1: Wednesday 28 January
- Academic Excellence Assembly: Monday 2 February
- Reception to Year 12 School Photos: Tuesday 3 to Thursday 5 February
- Welcome to 2026 at Saints Girls: Friday 6 February
- ELC/Junior School Family Twilight Tour: Tuesday 10 February
- Years 5 to 12 Music Camp: Wednesday 11 to Friday 12 February
- Year 3 Sport & BBQ Afternoon: Thursday 12 February
- Year 11 & 12 School Formal: Saturday 14 February
- School Tour: Thursday 19 February
- Swimming Carnival Years 4 to 12: Friday 20 February
- ELC Family Twilight Picnic: Friday 20 February
- Girls in Tech: Friday 26 February
- International Women’s Day Celebrations: Friday 6 March
- Head of the River: Saturday 14 March
- Choral Night: Thursday 19 March
- School Tour: Saturday 21 March
- ELC Coffee Van: Friday 2 April
- Term 1 concludes: Friday 2 April
Emily Centre Update
I would like to share an update of The Emily Centre. During Term 1, landscaping and internal fit-out will be completed, with the Centre being used by students and staff from Term 2. As such the site of the Emily Centre will remain fenced off this term. There will be an official opening of the Emily Centre in the latter part of Term 2 with the opportunity for community members to tour the centre after the official opening.
I encourage you to visit The Emily Centre section of this eNews for further details.
SA Fruit Fly Outbreak
Before closing, I would like to briefly mention the current fruit fly outbreak in South Australia. Stonyfell is classified as a yellow zone, and the School is adhering to all required guidelines. Produce from our ELC Community Garden is harvested and cooked onsite only, with no produce taken home. Further information and updates are available here.
The year ahead affords rich opportunities for learning, connection, and growth. I look forward to seeing you at the Welcome to 2026 at Saints Girls event on Friday 6 February. Thank you for helping to make Saints Girls the remarkable school it is.
Cherylyn Skewes
Principal