Monthly Archives: July 2015

Enews – Term 3, Week 2 2015

Issue no. 22 

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From the Director of Teaching & Learning

Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all –  Aristotle

MeredithBeck_webPerhaps the two most stressful periods for Senior School students are subject selection time and exams. Good advice, support and placing both in the context of learning and possible future selves are strategies that we use to help the girls successfully navigate these milestones.

The inaugural Subject Selection Expo held on Thursday afternoon and evening was a departure from our traditional information nights. The format of the Expo was developed after surveying all of our current Years 11 and 12 students. They told us what they valued in terms of curriculum information. There was clear preference for face to face interaction with teachers and Heads of Department in a combined parent and student format.

subject-expo1In the next few weeks of the subject selection process, we encourage the girls to choose subjects and pathways to reflect their interests, abilities and aspirations, be courageous but realistic, be open to recommendations and “keep their options open”. This means thinking of what their positive futures may be, and the subjects necessary and supportive of this vision.

The first choice that Year 10 students make is whether to follow a South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE) or the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). The IBDP is an excellent option for many of our girls. Not only does it offer an academically rigorous programme of breadth and depth, but also the IB philosophy and core components of Creativity Action and Service (CAS), Theory of Knowledge (TOK) and Extended Essay (EE) work together to provide a highly regarded international education.

subject-expo2The SACE too is an internationally recognised qualification that allows for depth of study and is framed by guidelines to enhance the skills and knowledge for future study and the workplace. We also commend the SACE. It includes the compulsory components of the Personal Learning Plan and Research Project and provides a quality educational programme. With these compelling choices how does one decide?

Some students are very clear about what they wish to do. However, we encourage those who still haven’t made up their minds and who anticipate a tertiary education, to experience the IB Diploma in Year 11 and see what it offers. The strength of the IB pathway is also that there are exit points into SACE at the end of Semesters 1 and 2.

Having decided on a pathway, the excitement continues in terms of choice of subject. For Year 11s in 2016 there are 28 subjects being offered on campus. To build on the refrain of keeping options open, students need to consider their aspirations and prerequisites for tertiary study. We also understand that a high Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) may be a goal. The ATAR is a measurement of outcomes and the conventional passport into university. However, in the quest for a high ATAR we discourage students from placing too much emphasis on the scaling effects of SACE subjects. One year is a long time to spend in a subject chosen just for an anticipated but not guaranteed upward scaling effect. In this age of data and measurement, we are accustomed to seeing the data from NAPLAN, PISA, TIMMS and other areas that inform our knowledge and support decision-making. However, in the midst of choosing subjects and considering possible ATARs, it is important to pause and think of bigger questions such as:

What is the purpose of education?
What do I need to flourish?
Can everything that is worthwhile be measured?

In the Senior Secondary years, when outcomes can overshadow learning, and assessment deadlines undermine curiosity and courageous thinking, the big questions help us keep some perspective. What is important is a full and robust education. Whilst we proudly stand behind our excellent academic record, we know that education is so much more than measurable data. It is holistic, built upon shared values and commitment to learning and to nurturing and developing the individual. Parents who send their daughters to St Peter’s Girls understand this. The real prize, the best outcome, is a great education. This is what provides a strong foundation for the future. And this is how we truly “keep our options open”.

Meredith Beck


Reminder: Student absences

Under the terms of the Education Act with which the School must comply, we are required to record and maintain leave records for students. As such, we remind you that the School is required to be advised of absence from school.

Absence due to illness or late arrivals due to appointments can be notified via text to 0428 601 957, email attendance@stpetersgirls.sa.edu.au or by phoning the School on 8334 2200.

Requests for leave (e.g. family holiday, sporting events) are to be advised in writing prior to the commencement of leave. These requests should be directed to the Heads of Sub-Schools, Anne Mitchell for Junior School, Richard Lisle for Middle School and Kerry Skinner for Senior School. Any long term leave (a term or more), and notification of withdrawal, must be directed to the Principal, Julia Shea, via email or hard copy.

A formal confirmation from the relevant Head of Sub-School will be sent to you upon receipt of a leave request.

On a further matter, students will not be allowed to attend excursions unless a written permission slip is received by the School. We cannot accept verbal permission.

We thank you for your assistance in this matter.

Kerry Skinner
Deputy Principal


Important safety reminder for our car park

The start of a new term provides an ideal opportunity to remind members of the School community about the importance of complying with the guidelines the School has developed for our car park. We want to ensure the safety of all members of our community.

The most important points to remember are:

  • keep the car park entrance and exit zones clear
  • use the set down and pick up zones appropriately during peak times
  • obey speed limits when driving through the car park

To allow traffic flow, the car park entrance and exit zones must be kept clear at all times. Please do not queue across these areas.

In peak times, do not park in the set down and pick up zones for extended periods. When cars overstay in this area, the car park quickly becomes gridlocked, also bringing traffic on Stonyfell Road to a standstill.

Drivers must observe the 10 kilometre per hour speed limit at all times in the car park, whether entering, exiting or travelling through it. Speed limit signs are clearly displayed in prominent locations and, in order to ensure the speed limit is observed, speed humps were installed two years ago.

If you have any feedback or questions about the car park guidelines please direct them to Mr Andrew Rosser (Business Director) on 8334 2218.


Thomas joins Saints Girls

thomasThis term we are embarking on groundbreaking research and rich learning experiences through our ‘How NAO’ project. We have been selected by AISSA to be one of only two schools to host a NAO Humanoid Robot for the first 9 weeks of Term 3. However, importantly, we are one of the very first schools internationally to investigate the use of NAO Humanoid Robots in the Early Years of schooling.

This exciting project will enable us to engage young girls in computational thinking and meaningful problem-solving, and further build their empathy and interpersonal skills. Through the girls’ interaction with the Humanoid we will introduce them to coding and programming principles in innovative and meaningful ways. The girls will engage in Interdisciplinary Digital Technologies, Mathematics, and Science Inquiry learning experiences. These learning activities will be heavily focussed upon socio-affective development and will be co-constructed with the students to reflect their interests, capacity and skill development.

Our NAO Humanoid Robot’s name is Thomas and he will be in the Hallett Room in the ELC, Michelle Liddy’s Reception class, Mark Routley and Anne Kruger’s Year 3 classes one day per week, throughout the project. We will also run a robotics club during Thursday lunchtimes for two students from each class in Years 3-6, as selected by their teacher. Within this club the girls will learn to program a virtual robot with the brief to enrich the lives of another student.

Watch the below video to meet Thomas. The Year 3 girls programmed this sequence.

Year 3 students programmed Thomas the robot to introduce himself to the Saints Girls community.

Thomas can be programmed or interact with the girls in an automated mode. The girls have been delighted by Thomas’ unscripted interactions with them and have welcomed him with open arms into their learning communities. After only one day with Thomas in their classroom the girls’ level of questioning and depth of inquiry has increased exponentially. We are excited to develop the girls’ conceptual understanding and extend their thinking over the coming term.

It is critical that we equip our girls with the skills necessary to flourish within their future. The App development industry is among the fastest growing employment sector within Australia. It has been widely published to have absorbed the shortfall in the Mining Industry. We certainly hope that this project will spark an ongoing interest in critical and creative thinking, coding and programming within our girls. What an exciting term we have ahead of us as we challenge our thinking and embrace a world of new opportunities.

Ms Melissa Bray
eLearning Integrator


National Tree Planting Day at the ELC

elc-trees

It is our environmental responsibility to ensure we are educating our young generation to replenish their natural environment and develop an awareness of the impact trees have on our planet. Having an ELC situated adjacent to a natural conservation park gives us the unique opportunity to raise awareness of the importance of caring for a sustainable environment. We believe that even our youngest learners can become responsible for their land, taking care of plants and recognising the importance of living plants, including native plants, that belong in our environment. We can all contribute to a more sustainable future.

As a staff we revisited our mission to expose and integrate children’s learning through nature. We acknowledge that in our building works we did need to move some established native plants and we were keen to replace these. We are very fortunate to have a partnership in this learning with our Property Services Department and together we all care for our land. Ned and Angus supported the children on Friday afternoon to plant their trees in small groups. Each room took responsibility for a tree and we carefully selected suitable places to plant these.

Our immediate learning will be related to taking care of our new native trees. Ned carefully wrapped them up after planting in what he described as their special blanket. The children will see this symbol as a reminder to be gentle whilst our trees get established. Each room will care for their tree and take this learning into our bigger picture question about taking care of our world. This learning aligns with both our PYP focus and our project work and has the overarching areas of the Early Years Learning Framework embedded. We are inviting exploration, discovery and connection with nature.

Kate Mount
Director of Early Learning


The importance of being active

be-activeLast Friday I spoke to all Year 4-6 students regarding the ‘Premier’s Be Active Challenge’.

These year groups have now begun the challenge and will be continuing for four weeks. The girls need to participate in one hour of physical activity on at least five days, for each week of the challenge.

They will be logging their activity on the challenge website; http://www.pbac.sa.edu.au/Home.aspx where they can choose the type of activity they have performed. This can be done on a daily or weekly basis.

I spoke to the girls about how encouraging it has been to see huge games of chasey being played around the School at lunchtimes lately amongst year levels, and we discussed the health benefits.

We also discussed the fact that activities for the challenge do not need to be a structured sport but can be any pursuit where they are using large muscles. It can also be six lots of 10-minute exercises, and does not need to be 1 hour straight. Many girls would already be completing this much activity and more, while some may need to allocate extra time.

At the completion of four weeks, the girls will receive a medallion for their participation.

Daniel Searle
Head of PE, Health & Outdoor Education


Year 11 retreat

yr11-camp

On Thursday 26 June, the Year 11s departed Adelaide and headed for the Glenhaven Camp Site at Stockport. The retreat was an excellent opportunity for the students to strengthen bonds with their peers and to demonstrate their leadership skills in preparation for 2016 when they will be leaders of the school.

Throughout their stay, the Year 11s worked in their Houses to prepare them for next year when they will work, plan and execute many events both in their Houses and as a year level. The camp demonstrated each student’s leadership skills through the many challenges that were faced, including belaying their peers as they walked across a wire metres above the ground, hauling a classmate 10 metres into the air so that she could experience the thrill of the giant swing, and working as a team to generate the most points as a House from archery.

A strength finder test completed prior to the camp presented the students with information on their individual strengths, which the students then used to delegate roles in group tasks. The students had time to reflect on their strengths and understand how each student was a valuable member in a team while they worked together to create a skit portraying a value that each team pulled out of a hat. Each group was given a theme relating to the qualities of a leader, such as having empathy and respect.

The two day camp proved successful in helping the group make stronger bonds and help each individual student to recognise her importance in her House group and in the year level. We have developed the skills and knowledge needed to take on leadership roles in Year 12.

Elise Schaedel and Alex De Porteous


Year 9 students investigate e-waste: Can you help?

yr9-geog
John Draper talking to a Year 9 Geography class

Last Wednesday Mr John Draper, Senior Project Manager, Burnside City Council, came to speak to Ms Stefopoulos’ Year 9 Geography class about e-waste. Students are currently investigating if e-waste is a growing problem and how countries are dealing with the disposal of this waste.

Students were astonished to discover that before 2012-2013 e-waste could be sent to landfill. With the introduction of digital televisions (TV) there was an increase in illegal dumping of analogue TVs, as more people preferred to upgrade their device to LCD or plasma.

In Australia it is illegal to export waste to a second country for processing, or recycling in its whole form. However, there is a grey area; some recyclers will grab the whole TV tube as a product and send this overseas and these are the products going to Africa, India and China. The problem with this is that when the TVs are broken down they release a dangerous gas. Students in class have watched videos identifying how illegal dumping in underdeveloped countries is impacting on the lives of humans, often very young children, and the environment.

The students conducted a class survey to identify how many electronics they possessed in their house; it was narrowed down to specific items. From a class of 22 students, who were present on the day, the results are staggering, further fuelling the desire to find out how e-waste is growing and what can be done about it.

  • TV: 37
  • Computers: 72
  • Mobile phones: 148

We would like your help in providing us with your views about e-waste. We ask that you click on the link provided below and respond to 10 short questions that would take you 5 minutes to complete. This will allow students to assess people’s responses to e-waste and their views about what should be done about the issue. This will support the students in their investigation and we thank you in advance for your help.

Access the survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Q96W5DJ

This survey will be accessible until Monday 3 August.

Anna Stefopoulos
Humanities Teacher


Tertiary Information Morning

satac-info3Creating an environment where young women can face the future with confidence was the aim of the Tertiary Information Morning held at the School on Friday 24 July.

This was timely as we move into SATAC applications for Year 12s and subject selection and counselling for Years 10 and 11 students.

We also need to thank all of the Adelaide tertiary institutions who sent representatives to our School to talk with students.

Each presented new initiatives at their institutions and gave the girls an insight into life at university and provided the most up-to-date advice and information to our students.

satac-info2As teachers and parents we do all we can to enable the students to achieve their preferred career choices.

The important point to remember is that with a bit of inspiration and a few signposts, girls will weather the whole situation without too much fuss and find a future that fits the unique person each is.

I sincerely hope the morning was beneficial and if you require further information and support, please do not hesitate to contact me to arrange an appointment.

Karen Alderson
Careers Counsellor


Success at the Nationals

On Saturday 25 July, Aditi Tamhankar (8SRO) represented St Peter’s Girls and South Australia at the National Finals of the Rostrum Voice of Youth competition, held at NSW Parliament House in Sydney. From an original number of more than 1600 students who participated Australia-wide at the State level, Aditi was one of 14 National finalists – quite an achievement in itself.

Aditi delivered the speech she prepared for the State Final – “A Time for Reflection”, highlighting the plight of children worldwide, particularly those who were part of the Stolen Generation in Australia and children who are victims of war and abuse in more recent times. As with the State Final, Aditi’s performance was poised, articulate and very moving – there were many moist eyes in the audience. As well as a prepared speech, finalists were required to deliver a 3-minute speech after 15 minutes of preparation. Aditi chose the topic, ‘Breaking Down Barriers’, and spoke about her grandfather who was stranded in Bombay when a huge dam broke. Aditi used this anecdote to explain how the breaking down of barriers leads to the ultimate choices we all make in our lives.

Of the 14 finalists, Aditi was the youngest participant but acquitted herself exceedingly well, taking out second place nationally. Not only are we at Saints Girls very proud of her, but this is the first time in seven years that South Australia has placed at the Nationals, so the SA Rostrum organisers were understandably very proud and pleased also. As second place winner, Aditi received a trophy, a cash prize and a certificate. She will also be entered in the Rostrum Voice of Youth Honour Roll.

Cindy Pitkin
Debating and Public Speaking Coordinator


Elevate sessions

Elevate Education is an award-winning study skills programme whose quest is to unlock the secrets to the final years at school: Why do the top students get the top marks?

On Tuesday 28 July 2015 all of our Senior girls participated in an Elevate Seminar that was tailored to address specific study challenges pertinent to each year level, as well as building on their pre-existing knowledge of earlier Elevate seminars in Term 2.

Each cohort spent a very entertaining 50 minutes with their presenter, Matt, who successfully managed to hold the girls’ attention and keep the session light-hearted and humorous, despite tackling some very humourless issues and offering some useful advice on study habits and how to improve end of year grades.

The Year 10 girls participated in the ‘Time Management’ course which offered sage advice on how to actually find the time in their busy schedules to get homework done, as well as how to use goal-setting and sub-tasking to manage the damaging effects of procrastination.

The Year 11s found their session very useful on preparation excellence for exams, covering such useful topics as how to give yourself adequate time to prepare for exams; the importance of identifying and correcting past mistakes; the undervalued benefits of using study groups; and lastly, the importance of past exam paper “practice, practice, practice” when leading up to exam week .

The Year 12s participated in a new seminar entitled ‘The Finishing Line’ which aimed to educate the girls on how to get the most out of their final months of bookwork, and ways for better managing stress levels.

For more information, please download a free copy of Elevate’s best-selling study guide, ‘The Science of Student Success’, found at www.elevateducation.com.

Kate Hunt
School Counsellor


Chess update

On Friday 24 July, St Peter’s Girls chess team played Round 7 against Walford Blue and won 3.5 – 1.5.

Congratulations to Glenda Hanson, Tam Nguyen, Rachel Banham and Marley Banham.

We also defeated Mercedes Gold in Round 8, 3-2, a great win for Glenda Hanson, Rachel Banham and Marley Banham.

Great match, girls!

Glenda Hanson
Chess Captain


Open for comment

Burnside City Council has recently released the proposal for Bell Yett Reserve and this is open for public comment.

To view the proposal, and show your support for the project, please complete the online survey here: www.engage.burnside.sa.gov.au

> Read about the proposal
> Feedback survey


Senior Drama: Carmella Finds Out

SS Drama Carmella Enews

The Senior Drama students have been working hard on their production, ‘Carmella Finds Out’. As has been the case for the last four years, they are presenting an original work… written, developed, workshopped and constructed in-house.

The play itself is a symbolic exploration of oppression, social structures and faith. Set in a bland world of black and white and brown, the fable-like narrative follows Carmella who dreams of colours, and charts the conflict she experiences as a result. Imagistic and expressionistic, the play uses sound and vision powerfully to complement the unfolding story.

Don’t miss out on a startling piece of theatre!

Time: 7:30pm
Dates: 12, 13 and 14 August 2015
Venue: Arts Centre, St Peter’s Girls School
Tickets: $10 Adults or $5 concession

To book, visit www.trybooking.com/ILVF

Please note the play is suitable for children over the age of 12, as it contains some adult themes and frightening scenes.

Michael Butler-Wills
Drama Teacher


Winter Cabaret

Winter-Cabaret-Enews

Last Tuesday the members of the Concert Band had the opportunity to rehearse with the Australian Army Band Adelaide at Warradale Barracks. This was in preparation for our combined items in the Winter Concert on Saturday 8 August.

The girls had an absolute blast playing alongside the Reservists for an hour and a half of intense rehearsal. One of our parents who came along said, “It was amazing. I wouldn’t have missed it for the world.” Our Concert Band girls left on a high and this opportunity has given them a huge motivational boost.

Playing alongside professional musicians is such a wonderful experience and gives our students an insight into future career paths, as well as a much better understanding of the impact Concert Band music, played by top musicians, can have.

We are all looking forward to our next rehearsal with the band next Tuesday evening when they visit our school for the dress rehearsal. Parents are welcome to come along and watch the rehearsal. Performing this music at the Winter Cabaret will definitely be the highlight of the Music calendar this year. Don’t miss out – tickets for the Winter Concert are still available!

army-banner

As well as the Concert Band, the Winter Cabaret will also feature the Chamber Ensemble, Senior Strings, Junior Choir and Concert Choir, Stage Band, Senior Rock Band, Year 8/9 Percussion Ensemble and Senior Percussion Ensemble, as well as several Year 12 soloists.

Friends of the Arts will have pies and pasties, platters and drinks available for sale on the night.

Proceeds from the concert will be donated to Legacy.

When: 7pm, Saturday 8 August 2015
Venue: Arts Centre, St Peter’s Girls’ School
Tickets: $15 adults or $10 concession
Tables of 10 will be set up in the lower area of the Arts Centre or general admission seats can be booked in the top section.

Bookings are now open: visit www.trybooking.com/IFHQ

We look forward to seeing you there.

Sally Rounsevell
Director of Music


Year 12 student to receive Queen’s Scout Award

Another exciting achievement for one of our students, with Brianna Neeson receiving a letter of acceptance that her Queen’s Scout Award has been recognised. The Year 12 Community Service Captain received the letter during the school holidays and she will be presented with this award in October at Government House.

The Award has been 3 years in the making and is certainly not for the faint-hearted. It requires Scouts to focus on personal development and achieve challenges from a number of areas, including community involvement, adventurous activities, personal growth and leadership development.

Brianna is the only venturer from the Mount Lofty District, who will receive this award this year.

Head of Senior School, Kerry Skinner, said, “The Award is highly recognised with the employment sector for showing strong leadership and problem-solving skills. The award is only granted to a few that have strong determination and set goals and follow through.”

Brianna has been involved with Scouts for 5 years, and in 2012 she spoke with a number of adults who recommended the Queen’s Scout Award. She then met with her Scout Leader and they outlined each component that she was required to complete.

“I thought of all the extra curriculum activities I was involved with at the time, and most of it was already covered. I decided to undertake school soccer, school tennis, and middle school choir as well as the Environment Club. I was strongly determined to successfully complete the award and to do it to the best of my ability in my spare time.”

Brianna said the award will be a big honour, “When I received the letter of acceptance, I felt relieved and proud of myself for working hard and finally having it all being approved.

“The most challenging part of the award was the constant juggle of school sports, prefect position, Stage 1 and 2 Spanish classes outside school and the constant pressure from myself to achieve high results in my school work.”

Brianna said she drew on many attributes to complete the award, “Through determination, patience, time management skills, dedication and a lot of commitment, I was able to see the light at the end of the tunnel as I drew closer to finishing and as I completed each 20, 25 hour component, I felt a sense of relief and it motivated me to just keep going until everything was done.”

Brianna recommends other Scouts consider doing the Queen’s Scout Award, with this advice, “You have to be determined, committed and have excellent time management skills. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity and there is no hurt in giving it a good go. It’s a great way to develop many communication skills, personal skills, and get to know your strengths and weaknesses, as well as build on organisational skills.”


Class of Cabaret reflection

Class-of-CabaretOver the past six months I have be luckily enough to participate in a program called the ‘Class of Cabaret’. The program, run through the Adelaide Festival Centre’s Education Department in conjunction with the Adelaide Cabaret Festival, provides SACE students in Years 10-12 the opportunity to participate in six months of development and workshops leading up to a show of their own in the internationally recognised Adelaide Cabaret Festival.

After an audition and long waiting process I was notified that I had been one of the 25 students across the State selected to participate in the 2015 Class of Cabaret, representing St Peter’s Girls. The intense program promised to help aspiring performers develop the skills needed to take on the entertainment and cabaret industry. The program run by musical director, Matthew Carey, and education manager, Robyn Callan, introduced the 25 participants to cabaret professionals, including Michael Griffiths, Amelia Ryan, Stacy McCandless and Kim Spargo who took on mentoring roles. Over the development stage we attended a five-day cabaret boot camp in the Adelaide Hills and around 20 workshops and rehearsals, where we worked hard in developing skills in the key elements of cabaret.

The Adelaide Cabaret Festival occurs every year for three weeks throughout June. The 2015 Class of Cabaret were given multiple opportunities to perform and participate in the Cabaret Festival’s events. Performing twice at the sold out Opening Gala for the Cabaret Festival with Daniel Koek, we were given the opportunity to meet and talk to well-known performers, including festival artistic director, Barry Humphries, Adam Hills and Hugh Sheridan. We also performed a solo cabaret act of our own as a part of the Class of Cabaret show.

The Class of Cabaret was a highly enjoyable and rewarding experience and has provided me with the skills and contacts to pursue cabaret performing in the future. It was a pleasure being given the opportunity to participate in the Adelaide Cabaret Festival and represent St Peter’s Girls.

www.facebook.com/alexdeporteousmusic
https://vimeo.com/132722868

Alex De Porteous


Would you like to try rowing?

If you’ve ever wanted to give rowing a go or think this could be your sport, you’ll be more than welcome at Saints Rowing.

Join us for an information evening to learn more about the Saints Girls rowing program, how you can be involved, and why rowing is such a great sport. The evening will be held at 6pm, Tuesday 25 August in the Humzy Theatre.

There will be a free Come and Try day from 11am – 1pm on Sunday 30 August for students in Years 6 – 10 at the Scotch Boatshed, Victoria Drive, Adelaide (behind the Convention Centre). Rowers will have access to a modern fleet of boats and excellent coaching staff.

Girls may also be interested in taking on the role of coxswain (cox). The cox plays an important leadership role by taking charge of the crew and supporting the rowers through their training program as ‘the coach on the water’.

The sport of rowing assists girls to develop lifelong skills including leadership, health, nutrition, fitness and how to work as an effective member of a team.

Info night: 6pm, Tuesday 25 August in the Humzy Theatre

Come and Try: 11am, Sunday 30 August at Scotch Boatshed, Torrens River

Official training commences for Years 7-11 students in Week 8 this term. The Learn to Row program for Year 6 students commences in Term 4.

Ben Flannagan
Director of Rowing


Winter Interhouse

Winter Interhouse Enews

Winter Interhouse will be held on Saturday 8 August for all students in Years 7-12.

Netball – 8-9:30am
Hockey – 8-9:30am
Badminton – 8-10am
Soccer – 10-11:30am

Barbecue breakfast, coffee and drinks will be also be available.


Sport News

Athletics and cross country

Congratulations to Anna Cross (Year 11) and Beth Cross (Year 9) who have both been selected in the State Secondary Schools Cross Country team to compete in Melbourne at the end of August.

sprt-T-Hammond2Hockey

Tash Hammond (Year 11) has been selected in the SA Country Women’s Hockey team and will be travelling to play in Wollongong.

Swimming

Further good news from swimmers who participated at the State Short Course Championships. Congratulations to Stephanie Smalls (Year 6) who won Silver in the U/12 50m Butterfly and Gold swimming for Norwood U/13 in the 4 x 50m Freestyle and Medley relay.

Krista Ceplite (Year 11) won Gold medals in the 400m, 800m, 1500m freestyle, 200m and 400m Individual Medley, Silver in the 100m, 200m freestyle, 100m backstroke and 100m butterfly and claimed gold medals in the open age 400 Individual Medley and 1500m freestyle.

Krista also managed to break 3 Latvian Women’s National records in the 400m, 800m and 1500m freestyle.

Krista currently holds the Latvian National Women’s records for the 400m, 800m and 1500m freestyle Long Course and she will also claim the Short Course records.

Congratulations also go to Ruth Oliver (Year 6) and Emily Baldwinson (Year 5) who have been selected to represent South Australia at the Pacific School Games being held in Adelaide in November. Ruth has been nominated for 6 individual races and additional relays and Emily has been nominated for 5 individual and relay races.

Open Knockout Volleyball – Wednesday 22 July

Sprt-Open-VolleyballThe Year 10 knockout team has progressed to the State finals after playing in a round robin tournament to qualify. Saints played Mercedes in the first round, and after dropping the first set 23-25 rebounded to win the next 2 sets 25-19 and 17-9. In the second match Saints easily accounted for William Light 25-18, 25-14 and 18-13. In the third round Saints lost 2 sets to 1 against Glenunga, meaning that heading into the final match against Blackwood, any of 3 Schools still had the chance to win the day. Saints won the first set 25-22, and then in a tense second set came from behind to win 27-25, which changed the momentum of the game, and Saints went on to win a third set 19-12, which was enough to edge Glenunga out and allow Saints to qualify for the State Finals. Neil Fuller (Supervisor)

Open Knockout Soccer – Thursday 23 July

Last week Saints participated in a school knockout tournament against Mary Mackillop. In order to continue to the next round we had to defeat Mary Mackillop, which we knew would be challenging. After a long game we came away with a 3-1 win progressing us to the next round. Well done to the whole team for excellent teamwork and having our best game of the season so far. Congrats to Jordan, Jasmine and Layne for scoring our 3 great goals. Olivia May (Captain)


Sport Results

Badminton – Saturday 25 July

Open A – Saints defeated Seymour 3-3
Best players: Josephine Liu, Emily Murdock and Sabrina Chou

Open B – Saints defeated Seymour 5-1
Best players: Nancy Huang, Alice Powell and Laura Sivewright

Open C – Saints defeated Seymour 3-3
Best players: Erica Reid and Felicia Mi

Open D – Saints defeated Pembroke 3-3
Best players: Lola Dimond and Kate Landon

Open E – Saints defeated Seymour 6-3
Best players: Amy Li, Jiali Hu, Nicole Ma and Michelle Yeoh

Open F – Saints defeated by Pembroke E 3-6
Best players: Anna Bi and Charlotte Sapio

Open G – Saints had a bye
Sonya Risbey (Coordinator)

Hockey – Saturday 25 July

Open A – Saints 1 drew with Pembroke 1
sprt-O-May-T-HammondIt was a close game that Saints almost won. The highlight of the game was Olivia May scoring our goal, by staying low on the pads with the strikers. The team is showing improvement each week and it is really evident in our strong team play and sharing of the ball. We look forward to playing this week against Immanuel and playing in knockout this Tuesday. Sophie Fry (Captain)

Open B – Saints 4 defeated St Dominic’s 3
The Bs had a fantastic victory over St Dominic’s, after losing to them earlier in the season. The girls had a well-constructed plan to put pressure on the opposition’s dominant player and we were able to make the most of some excellent moves forward, where goals came from Grace Russell-Jarvie (2), Rachael Disney and Kate McKellar-Stewart. Olivia Goldsmith, Jemimah Simpson and Grace Packer all had very good games. Dan Searle (Supervisor)

Open C – Saints 1 defeated by St Dominic’s 8
The Cs played a difficult match against a strengthened opponent. The girls were not able to quell the influence of a very good opposition player and the final result ensued. The girls should take heart from producing a number of forward line opportunities and controlled the play for parts of the game but could not capitalise from this. The girls will focus on a few areas in particular this week at training where they can improve, and look to bring this to next week’s game. A strong performance came from Eliza Hannon who was outstanding. Carys Jones and Renee Lawrence.

Lacrosse – Saturday 25 July

Under 15 – Saints 10 defeated Seymour 9
This was another close match that the girls managed to win. Emma Auricht (Year 8) used her speed in mid-field to keep possession of the ball and transition it into attack. Sophie-Louise Shearwood (Year 10) and Millisent Wilkin (Year 7) did well carrying the ball under pressure. In the second half the girls worked on sticking tightly to the opposition until the last second and then moved to the girl running at the goal. Sophie Auricht (Year 8) dodged around players well, trying to score a goal, and Harriett Maerschel (Year 7) was great in attack, scoring five goals. The rest of the goal scorers were Emma Auricht, Sophie Auricht, Millisent Wilkin and Hannah Stroeher (Year 8). Best players were Sophie Auricht and Harriett Maerschel. Lucy Martin (Captain)

Under 13 Division 1 – Saints 12 drew with Woodville 12
It was a fantastic and exciting start to the second half of the season. The girls played exceptionally well in the first half, with Abigail Lisle (Year 7) and Kate Reade (Year 7) working well in defence to cause many turnovers. In attack, Chelsea Walls (Year 7) and Millisent Wilkin (Year 7) ran hard and scored many powerful goals. At half-time it was emphasised that the girls needed to work on throwing the ball into space and not towards the opposition. In the second half Isabelle Norman (Year 7) made a number of great saves and Millisent Wilkin (Year 7) gained possession of the ball most of the time from centre. The final minutes of the match were nail biting and it came down to the final seconds. All the girls played a fantastic game. Goal scorers were Kate Reade, Chelsea Walls and Millisent Wilkin. Lucy Martin (Captain)

Under 13 Division 2 – Saints 12 defeated Wilderness 8
The girls played in an excellent game and recorded a strong win. Good job to all the girls on working hard and keeping everyone involved. Portia Maerschel showed great skills and high intensity, along with Steph Smalls scoring a great 6 goals, showing confidence throughout the halves. At half-time it was determined that the girls needed to keep the ball possession safe and use it wisely, and to keep the ball movement continuous. Brilliant play by all the girls and a well-deserved win! Goal scorers: Portia Maerschel, Steph Smalls and Ruth Oliver. Portia Reppucci

Netball – Saturday 25 July

Open A – Saints 38 defeated by Immanuel 64
Coming up against Immanuel this week, we knew that it was going to be one of the hardest games of the season. However, we went in positively, ready to give them some good competition. The first half of the game was challenging for us. Despite the fact that we were playing well together as a team, Immanuel’s strength got the better of us and we were down on the score board. We went into the second half determined to keep up our efforts and decided to go into the third and fourth quarter as though the score board was reset. In the second half, we kept our heads up and managed to work through Immanuel’s tough zones and other tactics, allowing us to get 12 goals against their 13 in the final quarter. It was a great game for us and the score definitely does not depict what we put out onto the court. Well done to everyone, it was definitely a whole team effort! Amy Wishart (Captain)

Open B – Saints 14 defeated by Immanuel 73
This week the girls faced a tough game against Immanuel and despite the score, they kept their heads up the whole game and should be proud of their efforts. The entire team did not let the score get to them, and focussed on working as a team and improving on last week by executing the skills learnt at training. Each week the movement down the court improves and this was evident in this week’s games. Unfortunately the girls could not secure a win; however, their perseverance and determination was fantastic! Amy Wishart (Captain)

Open C – Saints 5 defeated by Immanuel 45
A tough return to Term 3 with a very up and down game. Despite being short of players the girls demonstrated a good work rate and everyone tried to match Immanuel who were just too strong. Best players: Mimi Long and Lucy Brown. Hayley Edge (Coach)

Year 10A – Saints 27 defeated by Immanuel 49
The game started out slow, with the girls struggling to find space to attack. Unfortunately Immanuel continued to stay in front of the girls. The girls put in a great effort to improve their game each quarter. Best player: Grace Dawson. Alana Coppock (Coach)

Year 10B – Saints 17 defeated by Immanuel 36
We started the first half of the game strong but struggled to keep close to Immanuel in the second half. However, girls had great movement down the court from defence to attack, which was great to see. Best player: Ebony Jack. Alana Coppock (Coach)

Year 9A – Saints 22 defeated by Immanuel 55
The level of energy, as always, was impressive to see. There were an outstanding number of turnovers throughout the game and improvements are still needed in retaining possession and using these opportunities to score goals. During a streak in the third quarter, the turnovers were utilised and the girls were able to score four shots in a row with great movement down the court by the midcourt players. Charlotte Kelly timed her leads perfectly and held many centre passes, as well as stellar intercepting by Jessie Rundle in the defensive end. Despite the loss to the incredibly strong opposition, the girls should be pleased with their efforts. Eliza Falconer and Ellana Welsby (Coaches)

Year 9B – Saints 1 defeated by Immanuel 62
This week the girls had a tough match. Despite the end result, the girls never gave up. The girls displayed some very good play moving down the court and out of centre and worked well as a team throughout the game. Our defence, Olivia Compare, Lucy Cox and Amira Shahin, worked very hard against very accurate shooters and helped move the ball down the court. Freya Ware, Holly Steer and Willow Fowler in our mid court also worked very well to make strong leads. Eliza Falconer and Ellana Welsby (Coaches)

Year 8A – Saints 11 defeated by Immanuel 32
Our aim this week was for the girls to play their own style of game, but this proved challenging with Immanuel’s fast-paced style and constant pressure. It wasn’t until the fourth quarter that the girls pulled it together, slowed down and worked as a team. Despite the loss, there were some positives with Anna Pryor demonstrating strong defensive pressure throughout the match, and with the back-up of Charlotte White and Sarah Matheson, achieved many turnovers. Eve Habel and Brooke Elliott consistently worked hard both offensively and defensively, but unfortunately Immanuel’s strong defence didn’t allow us to consolidate our scoring opportunities. Well done to the girls for coming out in the final quarter with some fight; it was unfortunate that it was too late to change the outcome. Vanessa Brooks (Coach).

Year 8B – Saints 26 defeated Immanuel 8
What a return after the holiday break! The girls worked as a team from the first whistle to the end and really proved how much they have improved over the season. The focus for the girls this week was using one handed passes and moving the ball down the centre corridor of the court. The girls listened intently to their fill-in coach, Hayley Edge, and worked hard throughout the match to incorporate these things. Rachel Kameniar and Sarah Carrodus were a strong combination in defence, working well together to achieve many turnovers. Zoe Vine Hall demonstrated strong movement around the goal ring and proved to be a reliable team member in attack. The girls should be proud of their efforts this week; it was a fantastic team effort and a well-deserved win! Vanessa Brooks (Staff Supervisor).

Year 8C – Saints 9 defeated by Pembroke 33
The girls were energised and eager to play after their 3 week break but Pembroke’s fast play meant the girls took time to adjust and make them play our style of netball. Hannah Lunn worked hard to make repeated second efforts all game. Brooke Weymouth played excellently in goals, hardly missing a shot and ensuring the ball moved into the ring effortlessly from the mid-court. Best player was Anneliese Thomas who continues to amaze me each week with her consistency in GD. Well done, girls. Emily Smith (Coach)

Year 7A – Saints 16 defeated by Immanuel 19
The girls applied forceful pressure all the way down the court and allowed for many turnovers in the opposition’s attack end. However, this unfortunately did not translate into shooting opportunities and successes due to difficulty in passing and receiving. Regardless, the team played well together and we know what to work on this week at training. Best players go to Hannah Freeman and Ruby Bouhamadan for their consistency and leadership on the court. Roger Mills, Corinne Dyer and Emily Wishart (Coaches)

Year 7B – Saints 21 defeated Immanuel 18
The Bs played exceptionally well in the first half of the game which was definitely the best half of netball they have played all season and commendable efforts by all. The attacking line got the ball into the goal circle easily and our shooters were extremely consistent. Defensive pressure was applied down the court by all players and on many occasions resulted in a goal. Best players go to Imogen Parkinson for playing so well after recovering from injury and Stella Clark for playing such a strong first game back. Roger Mills, Corinne Dyer and Emily Wishart (Coaches)

Year 10 Knockout Netball – Tuesday 28 July

Saints 28 defeated Golden Grove High 27
sprt-Y10KOTeamThe Year 10 Knockout Netball team headed to Golden Grove Rec Centre on Tuesday to take on Golden Grove High School in Round 2 of the Knockout Netball Competition. The girls took a little while to settle, letting GGHS get out to a 4-1 lead early in the first quarter. We steadied but were trailing 5-9 at quarter time.

Georgia Bateman came on in WA in the second quarter and had an impact straight away, getting out for centre passes and driving strongly onto the circle. Lily Habel and Fiona Dawson worked hard in goals, Abbey Goodwin was strong through Centre and our defence (Grace Dawson, Sophie Freeman and Lydia Smalls) worked tirelessly to keep turning the ball over.

Lots of positional changes at half-time saw Fiona Dawson and Abbey Weymouth in goals together, Mirella Di Cesare come on into Centre, Chelsea Marchetti into Wing Defence and Grace Dawson go back to Goalkeeper. We started strongly and caught up the three goal deficit in no time to draw even but Golden Grove responded and Saints were still trailing 20-22 going into the last quarter.

We needed to stay calm and the girls knew that if they did this they could win the game. We started with a bang and caught up the two goal deficit almost immediately. The quarter then went goal for goal; however, Saints held their nerve and used the ball well in the final few minutes. With one minute to go Grace took an important rebound and the team very patiently worked the ball down the court to our feeders. Georgia and Mirella hit the circle and worked the ball to each other, giving Abbey and Fiona a chance to make a good lead in the circle. Fiona took the shot with 20 seconds to go and she scored, giving us the lead, and with a Saints centre pass the girls were able to keep possession of the ball until the final whistle! Alice Johnswood (Director of Netball)

Enews – Term 3, Week 1 2015

Issue no. 21 

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From the Principal

JuliaShea_EnewsWelcome back to the start of Semester 2. I know many families went in search of a warmer climate during the holidays. I hope you all had a relaxing break and have returned refreshed for an exciting new term.

Over the break, I travelled to Melbourne to visit a number of schools and endured the wettest day in 20 years! Despite that, it was a very worthwhile trip and much of what I saw triggered valuable discussion. Over the past year, I have been working with the Board of Governors and Senior Leadership Team to identify our next building priorities. The new Master Plan will be released later this term. In the meantime, I would like to update you on another key development for the School.

Exciting Information Technology upgrade

21st century education demands that access to web-based tools and resources needs to be both instantaneous and ubiquitous, both inside and outside school. To provide students with the education they need to thrive in a globally connected world, the School must design, acquire and maintain the infrastructure that will make connectivity a reality for every teacher and student in every space.

The bandwidth required for today’s student to upload high-definition multimedia content, participate in an online video conference or curate an electronic portfolio of learning far exceeds what was required to give students access to early online tools such as email and static reference materials. For students to access cutting-edge digital learning tools, the School must upgrade its technical infrastructure.

Following an extensive investigation, the School has recently chosen to join Australia’s Academic and Research Network, AARNet.

AARNet is a not for profit company – its shareholders are 38 Australian universities and the CSIRO. AARNet provides high-capacity, leading-edge internet services for the education and research sector, including universities, research organisations, vocational training providers, schools and cultural institutions.

Currently AARNet connect over one million users – researchers, faculty, staff and students – at institutions across Australia, supporting education across the life-long learning spectrum and research across a diverse range of disciplines in the sciences and humanities, including high energy physics, climate science, genomics, radio astronomy and the arts. Any educational institution in Australia can communicate directly with another, anywhere in the world, without touching the commercial internet. AARNet combines emerging technologies and visualisation tools to give students access to real-time data from science and research organisations in Australia and across the globe.

Through new fibre optic cabling, our connection to AARNet will increase our internet speed from 150 to 1000 megabits per second and place no limit on our download size. This type of connection is essential if the School is to truly embrace the latest technologies as they become available.

To harness the true power of AARNet, every segment of our own network must also be able to accommodate these high speeds. Even if a school is connected to the Internet via fibre, if the network inside the school is outdated, students will not experience high-speed connectivity in their classrooms. In short, the slowest segment of a school’s network determines the speed of the network downstream from that point.

In preparation for our connection to AARNet, a significant update to our internal cabling and switches is required, much of which was completed during the recent vacation period. I anticipate that the link to AARNet will go live in Term 4 and will keep you updated on our progress this term.

Staffing news

We welcome a number of new staff to our Junior School. Sarah Fenwick will be teaching the Mid-Year Reception class, Alana Iannazzo will teach Year 1 whilst Liz Sandercock is on long service leave. Olivia Coulter returns to cover Cassandra Moore’s Year 6 class for the term. In addition, Old Scholar Stephanie Neale returns to teach Music whilst Sari Noble is on long service leave and Leanne Pease and Lia van der Pennen join our team of co-educators in the ELC.

As mentioned at the end of last term, Terry Coris, who has driven the Tea Tree Gully bus for many years, has retired. Ross Nicholson will take over from Terry and Gary Sutherland will commence driving the Southern Van route. As always, if you have any queries in relation to our bus service, please contact Brian Caire at bcaire@stpetersgirls.sa.edu.au.

Julia Shea

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New website launched

As you may have noticed, the new St Peter’s Girls’ School website was launched this week. The site reflects the School’s new tagline, Challenge your Thinking, and visuals from the current promotional campaign.

Much of the content has been reorganised and simplified to allow easy access to key enrolment information.

The website also features a new calendar option, that provides great access to see when events are happening. You can add events to your own calendar and also export a list of events.

Parents can continue to access all essential resources from www.stpetersgirls.sa.edu.au/community/parents

Please save this link to your favourites.

Tim Wilson
Director of Marketing, Communications and Development

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Year 10 work experience

Work experience is an integral part of the Year 10 Personal Learning Plan course and provides the girls with an opportunity to explore and investigate a field or career they may be interested in pursuing in the future. This year the placement was at the end of Term 2, from 22-26 June. The week again proved to be an invaluable learning experience for our girls. Students ventured into many varied and interesting places such as vet clinics, law firms, kindergartens, hospitals, and the Adelaide University just to name a few.

The feedback from employers was overwhelmingly positive and all the girls are to be congratulated for the way in which they represented their school, their family and themselves in the wider community.

Thanks needs to go to all the employers who made this experience possible for our students and also to all of the staff who gave willingly of their time to visit students in the workplace.

Karen Alderson
Careers Counsellor

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Growth and development seminars for parents and students

Parents of students in Reception to Year 7 are invited to attend the upcoming growth and development seminars on Tuesday 28 July. The seminars are intended for parents and their daughters and will be held in the Humzy Theatre.

6:40pm: Session 1 – Where did we come from?
Open to families of students in Reception to Year 4 and will look at the reproductive process in an appropriate manner for children of this age group.

7:30pm: Session 2 – What’s happening to us?
Open to families in Years 5-7 and will look at the stages of puberty relevant to this age group.

If you would like to attend one of these sessions with your daughter, please email Jess Geraghty at Student Services at jgeraghty@stpetersgirls.sa.edu.au detailing the session/sessions that you would like to attend and the number of people attending.

Anne Mitchell
Head of Junior School

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Languages on the world stage

As part of the Languages curriculum, students in Years 6 to 10 this year have been using a language software program called Language Perfect, which particularly focusses on improving vocabulary in the target language.

Points are awarded for knowing the correct meaning of the words and the questions cover reading, writing and listening tasks. Extra points are given for knowing the meaning of words studied some time previously, thus giving credit for words committed to long-term memory, rather than simply cramming vocabulary into short-term memory.

To motivate students, each year the Language Perfect team conducts a World Championship, to see which student can answer the most questions over the course of 10 days. This year the Championships ran from 18 to 28 May and about 300,000 students from more than 1000 schools around the world participated.

Six students from Saints Girls received an award in the Language Perfect World Championships. Firstly, our top achiever was Holly Wallman-Craddock in Year 6. Holly answered an impressive 5,507 questions in the 10 days and placed in the top 5% in the World Championships, thus earning a Silver Award.

Two students achieved Bronze Awards and placed in the top 10%. Grace Edwards answered 3,626 questions and Isabelle Norman answered 2,749 questions. Three students achieved Credit Awards for placing in the top 20% in the Championships; Sarah Carrodus answered 2,761 questions, Antonia Kirsten-Parsch answered 1,704 questions and Sophie-Louise Shearwood answered 1,415 questions.

As a school, we answered nearly 60,000 questions. For many girls this was something they did outside of lesson time and it was wonderful to see so many of them enthusiastic about learning vocabulary! We look forward to even more girls taking part in the championship next year.

Cindy Pitkin
Head of Languages

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Enrolment news

Welcome to all new students and their families who have commenced at our School and Early Learners’ Centre this term. This week we have welcomed many new families to our ELC and 24 new students to our School, including 18 girls who have transferred from the ELC to Reception. Additionally, it is special to acknowledge that we are hosting eight international visitors this term, who are attending the School on cultural exchanges from Korea, China and the United Kingdom.

ELC and School tours will once again be available this term and are being held on Thursday 30 July and Saturday 8 August commencing at 9.30am. Tours are undertaken by Heads of Sub-Schools and assisted by student guides, enabling prospective families to view our facilities and learn more about our curriculum choices.

During this term, further planning for classes in 2016 will be undertaken and should you be considering a placement for a daughter not already enrolled in the ELC or School, please contact me to discuss this further on vmiller@stpetersgirls.sa.edu.au.

Virginia Miller
Director of Admissions & International Student Welfare

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Year 6 Canberra Study Tour

During Term 2, our Year 6 students visited the National Capital for a five-day tour, jam-packed with the sights and sounds of everything Canberra has to offer. The study tour brought to life the inquiry unit on Civics and Citizenship, based on the Central Idea, ‘A government based on democracy allows its citizens to express themselves.’

The Australian Government recognises the importance of all young Australians being able to visit the National capital as part of their Civics and Citizenship education. To assist families in meeting the cost of the excursion, the Australian Government is contributing funding under the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate program towards those costs. The rebate is paid directly to the School upon completion of the excursion.

Since the trip, the girls have been using the inquiry process to research individual topics of interest, which were sparked by their experiences while they were in Canberra.

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Parenting seminar

The Parenting Ideas Club is hosting a new online parenting course, commencing Monday 27 July 2015.

Raise Happy Families Program
Build an Emotionally Intelligent Family with the Family Charter

Join experienced parenting educator Michael Grose for the three-week, online parenting program. Michael will give parents the tools and the game plan to create a harmonious family culture, where parents and children feel valued, respected and supported, all from the comfort of home.

The course involves five sessions, covering topics such as what a strong family looks like, what the emotional intelligence charter is and how it can be used, as well as how to conduct successful family meetings.

For further details, visit www.parentingideasclub.com.au/raise-happy-families-program or contact 03 5983 1798.

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Mothers’ Club update: amphitheatre complete

Have you had a chance to check out the amazing amphitheatre overlooking the courts since our return to school?

What an incredible space this has become! It has been transformed from an unused site to a beautiful area that we know will be used for many events, classes, lunch spot and more.

I imagine many will enjoy sitting there on a Saturday morning, complete with deck chair (yes, this has even been thought of!) and a coffee in hand, while cheering on the girls playing netball or tennis.

Why not hold your next year level parent catch up there on a Sunday afternoon. The kids can play on the courts while you meet new friends and old.

The Mothers’ Club is so very proud to be associated with this space, having contributed $22,000 to the project. This donation could not have been made possible without the generosity of our community and of course the hard work by the Mothers’ Club in organising our events.

A very big thank you must also go to the entire Property Services team, in particular Liam Blanden and Paul and Ned Ziesing, including casual staff Jarrad Farnsworth, Angus Gebhardt, Charles Gebhardt and Angus Robinson. The team worked tirelessly on this project over the break, even during the rain. At one stage, the brick cutter was set up under one of the school marquees as the team raced to finish the project in time for the start of Term 3.

We must also thank contractors Retaining Wall Industries and Jon Moore, for the beautiful stonework. The large agave plants were donated by Year 2 parent Danielle Palmieri’s neighbours, Karen and Rick Nunes-Vaz. This was a wonderfully generous gift. Last but my no means least, Andrew Rosser – for his enthusiasm for the project.

Keep an eye out over the coming weeks for our next instalment to this space – there is no stopping a dedicated group of ladies, once they are on a roll.

Fiona McGregor
Mothers’ Club

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Tickets now available for the Winter Cabaret

The St Peter’s Girls Winter Cabaret music concert will be held from 7pm on Saturday 8 August (Week 3).

The Australian Army Band Adelaide will be a guest performer at our concert. In addition to performing a set featuring an eclectic program of music from traditional Concert Band repertoire, World War I music to top 40 songs, the band will also combine with our own Senior Concert Band to play a magnificent finale. This will include a high impact fanfare and music from the original Star Wars movies.

In preparation for the concert, the Army Band has invited us to rehearse at their Warradale Barracks Band Room on 28 July. This will be a wonderful opportunity for our girls to play alongside professional musicians and get a glimpse of how military bands operate.

As well as the Concert Band, the Winter Cabaret will also feature the Chamber Ensemble, Senior Strings, Junior Choir and Concert Choir, Stage Band, Senior Rock Band, Year 8/9 Percussion Ensemble and Senior Percussion Ensemble, as well as several Year 12 soloists.

Friends of the Arts will have platters and drinks available for sale on the night.

Proceeds from the concert will be donated to Legacy.

When: 7pm, Saturday 8 August 2015
Venue: Arts Centre, St Peter’s Girls’ School
Tickets: $15 adults or $10 concession

Tables of 10 will be set up in the lower area of the Arts Centre or general admission seats can be booked in the top section.

Bookings are now open: visit www.trybooking.com/IFHQ

We look forward to seeing you there.

Sally Rounsevell
Director of Music

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An invitation to Strong and Proud Aboriginal Women’s Night

An invitation from PAC

Listen, laugh, learn and connect with two engaging and beautiful Aboriginal women as they share their life stories…

Alitja Rigney is a Narrunga Kaurna Elder. She grew up at the Point Pearce Mission on the Yorke Peninsula, South Australia, in the 1940s. During a long and outstanding career as an educator, she became the first Aboriginal female school principal in her state. Alitja Rigney was awarded a doctorate from the University of South Australia in 1998. Aunty Alice, as she is also known, is treasured by PAC and we are grateful to her for her guidance and support.

Pilawuk White has had an extensive and interesting career as a teacher and artist. She shares with our students and staff to bring a better understanding of Aboriginal cultures. This includes exploring the variety and styles of languages and cultures through art, music and her Black Bream Dreaming. Together with her son, Old Scholar Niwili White Forrest, Pilawuk designed and completed the outstanding canvas which features prominently at our Red Centre entrance. Pilawuk will have her artwork on display (and available for purchase on the night).

When: Tuesday 4 August 2015
Time: 7-9pm (Women only)
Where: Piper Pavilion, PAC
Cost: $30.00 per person (includes light refreshments, coffee, tea and wine)
An organisation may consider booking a table (10 places at each) Seats limited!

Event booking RSVP to: http://www.trybooking.com/144482

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National Tree Day

National Tree Day is on this Sunday and it is a great time to reflect on how we can help the environment and ensure that we are doing all we can to protect it.

The Environment Club has been doing some pretty exciting things this year, mostly behind the scenes, to make sure that our message of environmental conservation is heard around the school.

Have you seen that tree near the Junior School Library yet? If you haven’t, you really should have a look… This week, in celebration of National Tree Day, keep an eye out for the surprise we have been planning all year that will be popping up on the tree.

Happy National Tree Day! We hope that you are able to plant a tree in your local area to show your support.

Jaida Bouhamdan
Environment Club

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Student success

Fiona Lethbridge recently entered the Speech & Drama division of the Adelaide Eisteddfod. Fiona recited the poem, ‘Fire’, written by Jackie French and Bruce Whatley and was awarded third place in the 13 and under poetry/prose event. Congratulations, Fiona!

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Sports update

Important dates for Term 3

Saturday 8 August
Winter Interhouse (Year 7 to 12)

Wednesday 19 August
Soccer Play-offs (Year 7 to 12)

Friday 25 August
Rowing information night

Saturday 29 August
Badminton, Hockey and Netball play-offs (Year 7 to 12)

Sunday 30 August
Come and Try Rowing. Scotch Boatshed on Torrens River (Year 6 to 12)

Tuesday 1 September
SAPSASA District Athletics (Year 4-7 selected students) at SA Athletics Stadium

Friday 4 September
Sports Day (Year 4 to 12) at SA Athletics Stadium

Monday 7 September
Rowing training commences (Year 10-12) at West Lakes

Tuesday 8 September
Rowing training commences (Year 7-9) Scotch Boatshed on Torrens River

Wednesday 9 September
Gymnastic Gym For All Challenge at Gym SA, Marion (Year 3 to 7)

Wednesday 23 September
IGSSA Athletics (Year 7 to12 for selected students) at SA Athletics Stadium

Sport news

If you have any notable news items of sporting achievements – we would love to hear from you. Simply email Neil Fuller on nfuller@stpetersgirls.sa.edu.au

While we do our best to convey all information we wish to remind everyone that the Sports Draws can be found on the School website and students are again reminded to check the notice board for any further news.

Sports fixtures are also now available here:

Badminton
Hockey
Lacrosse
Netball
Soccer
Junior Basketball
Junior Hockey
Junior Netball
Junior Soccer

Athletics training

In the lead up to Sports Day, we are able to provide athletic training on Wednesday and Friday mornings (from 7.30am). There will be options for students to work on sprints, middle and long distance running, as well as throws and jumps (except high jump).

Interested students should advise Mr Fuller if they wish to attend.

Netball – Junior Interhouse

Late last term students in Year 6 participated in the inaugural Junior School interhouse netball competition. The afternoon was enjoyed by all, with some friendly House rivalry.

The final placings were:
1st – Patteson
2nd – Selwyn
3rd – Kilburn
4th – Kennion

Calisthenics

Charlotte Yandell (Year 9) was selected to represent SA at the National Calisthenics Team competitions held in July.

By coming third in the South Australian Graceful Girl competition, she also won the right to perform her solo routine in the Graceful Girl competition at the National level.

The best 22 girls in Australia performed their Solo Graceful Girl routines with Charlotte placing fifth overall and the South Australian team winning in the National Team’s competition.

Swimming

Congratulations to Annie Baldwinson (Year 7), who won two medals at the State Short Course Championships last week. She claimed a bronze in the 200m breaststroke and silver in the 100m breaststroke.

Shania Morgan (Year 10) also swam at the State Short Course Swimming Championships and recorded some excellent results for her age, including personal best times in every event. She finished first in the 50m, 100m and 200m breaststroke, third in the 4 x 50 metre medley relay and fourth in the 100m individual medley and open 200m breaststroke.

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