SAASTA Success in 2024: Port Adelaide FC Visit

Yesterday, PLHS was again privileged to receive a visit from several representatives of the Port Adelaide Football Club. On this occasion, Ebony Noack, Christine Glenn and Tim Tuikaba made the trip across to spend time with members of our South Australian Aboriginal Secondary Training Academy (SAASTA). Joining them this year were:

• Viv Davey from Flinders University
• Coen Taylor and Swayne Ackland from SAPOL
• Katharine Watson and Andrew Thomas from the Department for Education
• Boyd West and Shanara Reid from Cummins Area School (accompanying our three new feeder students)

The Power team facilitated an interactive session that allowed our students to explore this year’s NAIDOC theme – “Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud” – whilst continuing to build an understanding of the requirements of success within the SAASTA program. The students were also treated to a fun and physical practical football session on Centenary Oval.

Success for our SAASTA students is measured against a series of Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s); these include attendance, academic excellence, behaviour, pride, respect and teamwork.

During Term 2, SAASTA academies from around the state will converge on Adelaide for the 2024 Santos Aboriginal Power Cup. To earn the right to play in the Power Cup Grand Final at Adelaide Oval (before the Port Power versus Carlton AFL match), each SAASTA team must accrue as many points as possible from the following activities:

• participating in the Port Adelaide visit
• guernsey and polo design
• school attendance
• round robin football carnival
• health and careers expo
• leadership
• sportsmanship

Our academy received some positive feedback from today’s workshop – we wish them all the best in their quest to make this year’s GF.

We would like to thank the Port Adelaide Football Club and associated sponsors – their continued support is helping South Australian Aboriginal students make their mark.

~ Miss Susie Doyle (SAASTA Coordinator) & Mr. Hayden Bennett (SAASTA Teacher)