I would also like to share some updates regarding recent changes. We have some staff that have decided to branch out and continue their life outside of Cedar, a place they have called home for anywhere from 1 to 28 years. I would therefore like to update you on the upcoming changes to the Primary School in 2025.

Fond Farewells

Two of our longest serving staff are retiring at the end of this year – Mrs Elizabeth Crawford and Mrs Jan Green. Both of these wonderful ladies have been here for such a long time. Elizabeth was one of the first teachers here when Cedar began and she has worked as a Reception teacher, leading the Junior Primary, before working in CLIC. Jan began her time here around 2005, but was also involved when the school commenced, back in 1997. Jan has been a such a significant support for students when they needed a break, as well as being available for extra help during class time. Both Elizabeth and Jan will be very much missed, but we do hope we see them around next year if we need an extra hand.

We also have several staff that are moving to different schools to continue their teaching careers. Mrs Amy Webster, who began in 2004, is moving to a school a bit further north, taking up a Performing Arts position. She has worked so well in many aspects of our school, including Performing Arts, a classroom teacher, PE teacher and a relief teacher.

Mr Nathan Carson, who began in 2012, is moving much further north, closer to Renmark and Berri, to work in a Christian school in the country. He has worked in Year 6 for a number of years with a stint in Year 5. He has been a teacher with wise words to offer students during a variety of conversations.

Miss Johannah Petrie has decided to move even further, to Townsville in Queensland, to work in a fairly new school there. Johannah has worked at Cedar since 2016 as a relief teacher, Library teacher, Year 1, and Year 5 teacher. She has been a blessing to us for her willingness to work in any area of the school from Reception through to Year 12.

The last teacher, but certainly not least, is Mr Ray White, who has been at Cedar since 2011. Ray has worked in High School and Primary School while he was here. When accepting a job at Cedar 13 years ago, Ray expressed his desire to one day work in missions overseas, should the Lord lead him. Recently, Ray and his wife and family have been given the wonderful opportunity to move to Indonesia to teach in an international school. He will be leaving early next year, and we have included some further details in this newsletter.

Three of our support staff are moving on at the end of this year. Mrs Laura Carson, who has been in the student support role as an ESO, is also moving to the country with her husband and children. She has been a wonderful support to so many students, parents and staff in the school and we will miss her supportive nature.

Miss Emily Little, our Cedar Chaplain, has decided to work with young people at a university level, with a desire to help them discover Jesus. Emily has been an asset in the Chapel team, and as a support to students in the classrooms throughout the day. She has also supported students running Bible clubs at lunch times.

We also farewell our Library Assistant, Mr Adrian Herber. Adrian has been working in the library as an assistant to students in borrowing or returning books, enhancing displays and introducing students to new books that are regularly added to the library. Adrian also supported Digital Technologies at times with robotics, which is an area he has had previous experience with.

New Staff in 2025

With these staff leaving, we also have the exciting time of introducing new staff for 2025.

Mr Patrick Raw will be joining the team in the PE department. He will be teaching PE and Health from Reception through to Year 6. Mrs Tonya Otto will be sharing a class with Mrs Melody Birch and alongside Miss Emma Robertson in the two Year 6 classes. Mr Simon Cox will be joining us as our new Chaplain, and we will hopefully meet him in Week 7s Chapel.

For Upper Primary, in Year 5, Miss Susan Dix will team teach with Mrs Rachael Olafsen, with Mr David Gardner next door. There is a slight change in Year 4 with Mr Jeremy Wilson moving from Year 5 to teach alongside the team of Mrs Janine Homer and Mrs Elaine Priest. Year 3 remains the same with Mr Jason Rowe and Mrs Leonie Ziebarth, and Mrs Ziebarth will continue to be a full-time teacher in that classroom.

In Junior Primary, Year 2, Mrs Sue Rosmini and Mrs Clare Wright will share the class as they have done for a couple of years and Miss Tarni Heath will be a full-time teacher next door. In Year 1, Mrs Jaime Grandison will continue teaching in her class with Mrs Bronwyn Darcy being joined by Mrs Charlotte Van Uitert in the class next door. Our three Reception teachers will remain unchanged with Miss Justine Gallasch, Mrs Verona McDonald, and the team teachers, Mrs Susie Davies and Mrs Sharlene Tirimacco.

With these changes in the Primary School, each for different reasons as staff conclude their time at Cedar, we will continue to pray for all those leaving as they transition into new opportunities.

We are in the process of finalising several other positions, and will update you once these roles are filled. We look forward to beginning a new chapter at Cedar in 2025 with these changes.

Enjoy the last few weeks of the school year and I look forward to seeing most of you at the end-of-year performances. May the Lord bless your time this Christmas and may He show you more of how much you all are loved.

Mr Nigel Austin, Head of Primary School

My wife Deborah and I, along with our four children, are preparing to move to Indonesia with a Christian organisation called Pioneers. We strongly feel that God is calling us to take a step of faith and serve in this new setting.

A New Adventure

I will be teaching at an international school that provides education for children of workers doing wonderful and much-needed Christian work in the region where we will be living. We’ve been for a visit to check out the school and the area, and we were so inspired and encouraged by all that’s going on there. I feel a sense of anticipation as I move forward in following God’s call to share the hope we have in Christ in this unique part of Indonesia.

The teaching role is a volunteer one, so while we’ve been officially accepted, we won’t be setting out until we’ve raised full financial support. We’re also looking for people to partner with us in prayer. If you’re interested in learning more and stay updated, please join our mailing list.

I hope to stay connected to the Cedar community from afar. Thanks for the wonderful memories, everyone. Keep in touch.

Mr Raymond White, Year 5 Teacher

Table Tennis was held at The Lights, and it was fantastic to see our students put their skills to the test against other SACSA schools. Congratulations to the Year 5/6 Boys for finishing as runners-up in a tight grand final against Emmaus.

Basketball

The Year 5/6 SACSA Basketball carnival was an excellent day of development for all our teams. After a hard-fought competition, the Year 5/6 Boys secured bronze, narrowly missing a spot in the grand final, with Isaac McWaters named MVP. The Year 5/6 Girls were crowned champions once again, remaining undefeated throughout the day. Their dominant performance allowed only three points to be scored against them across seven games. Congratulations to Ella Porter for being named MVP, with Eve Wyllie a close second.

The Year 3/4 teams participated in the development carnival, enjoying a great day of basketball under the exceptional coaching of Mr Jeremy Wilson and Shannon Greenwood.

Touch Football

Next came Touch Football, where all our teams achieved podium finishes—Cedar College’s highest achievement in Touch Football to date. I had the privilege of coaching all the teams, with support from Alex, Lachlan O, and Aymee J, as well as supervision from Miss Tash Green across all three days.

• Year 7/8 Boys – Champions – MVP Tyler A
• Year 7/8 Girls – Bronze – MVP Zoe S
• Year 9/10 Boys – Silver – MVP Alex O & Tyler A
• Year 9/10 Girls – Silver – MVP Maya S
• Year 5/6 Boys – Silver – MVP Liam A
• Year 5/6 Girls – Silver – MVP Ella P

The final event of the year was the Division 2 Statewide Finals for Touch Football. The Year 7/8 Girls entered the competition determined to secure their first championship and did so with an exceptional defensive game against the highest-ranked percentage team. A brilliant try by Ella Porter sealed the victory.

The Year 7/8 Boys left no doubt about their status as an elite Touch Football team, finishing the day undefeated with 35 tries scored, with every team member contributing to the scoreboard. This marks their fifth title this year—following wins in netball, basketball, football, and touch football—making them the most successful group of students in Cedar College history. We look forward to competing in Division 1 next year!

• Year 7/8 Girls Div 2 State Champions – MVP Chloe G & Ariana T
• Year 7/8 Boys Div 2  State Champions – MVP Tyler A & Kade C

The exhibition was officially opened by Head of High School, My Andrew Lock, and attended by families, students, and staff, all eager to see this year’s exhibits. The students did not disappoint, once again displaying an array of creative pieces across a range of artistic disciplines.

Art and Design

Featured exhibits included traditional acrylic on canvas masterpieces, intricately designed dresses brought to life with dress-making precision, an original card game, a family cookbook, sportswear designs, watercolour paintings, photography, and ceramics. Along with the finished works, students presented an extensice array of back-up artwork and theory research that resulted the final works of art.

Congratulations to this year’s exhibitors on a stunning display.

The Year 9 class presented Happily Ever After?, a fresh twist on the classic Cinderella tale. In this version, the story was shown from the perspective of the Fairy Godmothers; trying their hardest to see Cinderella end up with Prince Charming, despite the meddling of their arch nemesis, Percy. From the costumes to the inventive lighting design, every element was thoughtfully crafted by the students themselves, making it truly a team effort.

A Drama about a drama

 Year 10 class brought us The Audition, a humorous and insightful glimpse into the world of high school musical auditions. The performance captured the hopes, anxieties, and unique personalities of students vying for a role, and resonated with anyone who has ever tried to step into the spotlight. The production allowed the Year 10 students to shine, not only on stage but also as designers and managers, responsible for costumes, makeup, lighting and sound, as well as set and props design.

Congratulations to all involved for their dedication and hard work in bringing these performances to life!

Miss Chloe Baker, High School Drama Teacher

After 14 years at Cedar College, Mrs Tracey Hopps has accepted a position at Horizon Christian School as “Head of Student Wellbeing: Learning and Engagement”. Tracey has been a pivotal staff member at Cedar College during this time, helping to shape the High School throughout a period of high growth. She has undertaken a number of positions of responsibility, including High School Timetable Coordinator, Science Coordinator, and Year 12 Coordinator. Tracey has also been our SACE Chemistry teacher, in addition to taking SACE Mathematics early on.

Mrs Helen Linke has also recently accepted a position at Blakes Crossing Christian College for 2025 as “Director of Character and Culture (R-12)”, after 6 years at Cedar College. Helen has had the responsibility of being Year 9 Coordinator for much of her time at the College and has also been a valued member of our Science and Mathematics faculties, primarily teaching from Year 8-10.

As many of you know, Mrs Laura Hill began maternity leave at the start of Semester 2 last year and welcomed her baby boy, Azariah. After 7 ½ years with us, Laura has informed us that she is ready to move on to the next stage of her working life and won’t be returning to Cedar College.

A member of our Cedar Care staff, Miss Larissa Jones, is also moving onto the next stage of her working life. Larissa has formed valuable and deep connections with many of our students over the past three years and has been an enthusiastic member of the Cedar Care team.

We are grateful for each of these staff members’ broad and thorough contributions to the College throughout their time here and we pray for God’s blessing to be upon them in the future. Their care for our students and their desire to see each student grow have been highly valued.

We have been through an extensive process of appointing new staff to these roles, and at the time of writing we are in the final stages of finalising appointments. We will update you in due course.

Mr Andrew Lock, Head of High School

This dedicated group of students successfully completed the Certificate III in Christian Ministry and Theology, an accomplishment that reflects their commitment and perseverance.

Throughout the year, these students explored Christian theology, deepened their faith, and served their communities, embodying the values at the heart of Veta Morphus. We are incredibly proud of their hard work and the spiritual maturity they have demonstrated.

A special thanks goes to the leaders, Mr Reg Thompson, Mrs Shamiah Ravestyn, and Mr Jeremy Wright, for their unwavering guidance and support throughout the program. Their mentorship played a vital role in shaping this memorable year.

Congratulations to our graduates! May you continue to grow in your faith and use what you have learned to make a positive impact in the world.

Mr Reg Thompson, Veta Morphus Coordinator