Department for Education’s Deputy Chief Executive, Mr Peter Kelly visited Nuriootpa High School last Friday (Week 5) to meet students and staff, tour the school grounds and learn more about the unique learning opportunities available to students.

Mr Kelly was welcomed by the school’s marching band, whose lively performance set a positive tone for the visit. He then spent time with principal, Mr David Marino, to gain further insight into school’s five-year Site Learning Plan, of which key goals are to grow learner agency and expand engagement with community.

Mr Kelly toured the school’s renowned Wine Education Centre — a hallmark of the school’s approach to practical learning, and connection to the local region. Students and staff shared with Mr Kelly how the wine education program not only develops viticultural and agricultural skills and knowledge but also provides meaningful pathways to careers within the region’s biggest employing industry.

The visit included meaningful conversations with First Nations students and members of the Student Representative Council (SRC) centred on student leadership, inclusion, and the school’s commitment to amplifying student voice in decision-making.  Mr Kelly then joined students to record an episode of Agency Now, Nuriootpa High School’s recently launched podcast series.

“We were very proud to welcome Mr Kelly, and it was a wonderful opportunity to share the progress of our school, especially through the perspectives, experiences and stories from our students,” said Principal, Mr David Marino.