Issue no. 30
From the Principal
A challenge for the holidays…
Dr Richard Harris has become a household name following his role in the amazing rescue of a group of boys and their soccer coach from a flooded cave in Chiang Rai, Thailand. On the back of that experience, one may think it normal for him to advocate for greater safety measures to be invoked when planning activities for our children. So it was with a sense of irony that, in his acceptance speech for joint-Australian of the Year, Richard urged all Australians, in particular young Australians, to be more adventurous. He stated, “Kids need to be allowed to find their own boundaries and to discover their limits, so I plan to spend this year encouraging kids to do just that, to find the inner explorer. And it is equally important to ask parents to relax a little and let them have a bit of rope. Outdoor activities really do promote physical and mental wellbeing, and it’s critical that kids can test their own limits.”
My father was a School Headmaster in the Tasmanian state system. His first appointment as Headmaster was at King Island District High School. And so I started school on the island now famous for its dairy products! It was a very rural environment. I have memories of climbing trees, searching for tadpoles in the creeks, making mud pies and patting the resident blue-tongue lizard (it used to sit in the sun on the back step each afternoon). Most days, I’d be covered in dirt from head to toe. There was no agenda, just pure, unscripted play – an opportunity to explore without adult interference or any other expectations.
From the very early years, our girls are enrolled in numerous organised activities. All over the world, children are spending less and less time playing in favour of extra-curricular opportunities, with one UK study suggesting that 88 percent of children participated in organised activities four to five days per week. This is backed up by some sobering research from the Lego Foundation that found one in five children is ‘too busy’ to play. The research also revealed extra-curricular involvement dominated family life, particularly for families with two or more children. A busy, organised activity schedule can put considerable strain on parents’ resources and families’ relationships. In short, family time ‘takes a hit’.
I loved playing sport as a kid; the piano lessons not so much! And yes, I trained, played and practised with the time commitment increasing commensurate to the level at which I was competing. But I still had unprepared time available.
Play combines problem-solving, creativity, risk-taking, adventure, curiosity, joy, imagination and collaboration. The apparent randomness of play may be its secret genius, teaching our children flexibility and adaption. These skills continue to evolve over a lifetime but are critically developed in one’s youth. We musn’t lose sight of the value of play.
It’s been an incredibly busy term. Don’t fall into the trap of scheduling every minute of the upcoming break. Leave time to play.
Science Centre – almost open for business
Stage 6 of the Master Plan is almost complete! Over the break, the roof on the Elizabeth Pike Art Centre will be replaced. Under the guidance of our Acting Head of Science, Emily Gough, and Lab Technician, Anne Sinclair, our amazing Property Services team will move the Science equipment from the Sarah Wing into its new home, and from day one of Term 4, we’ll be open for business. The teaching and learning that will take place inside this transformational facility will cement Saints Girls as a leader in STEM education.
I’m delighted to announce that Professor Tanya Monro will officially open the Science Centre on Friday 18 October. Tanya is a leading physicist who became Australia’s Chief Defence Scientist in March this year. Prior to that, she was the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Research and Innovation, at the University of South Australia. Her research is in the field of photonics, with a focus on sensing, lasers and new classes of optical fibres. We’re lucky to have such an inspiring and highly-credentialled female scientist join us on this wonderful occasion. The official opening is a student-focused event, and there will be separate opportunities for parents and other community members to tour the new building, with those details to be released in the near future.
The opening will be part of a massive two days of celebration as we mark our 125th anniversary. Also on the Friday, we’ll have the ‘Generations’ photo where we’re inviting all the Old Scholar Mums and Grandmas of current girls to come in for morning tea and a tour of the School. The girls will mark the occasion with a special Assembly and cutting of the 125th anniversary cake. Please note that external media may be present at both the Science opening and special Assembly.
And of course, on Saturday 19 October, it’ll be time to ‘frock up’ for the 125 Gala Ball at Adelaide Oval. So rest up over the holidays…Term 4 is starting with a bang!
Julia Shea
Principal
Ponytail Project – Top Chop!
I give my heartfelt thanks to the St Peter’s Girls’ School community for supporting the Ponytail Project so well with their generous donations.
In conjunction with House Charity work, the girls raised close to $30,000 for Cancer Council SA – an outstanding effort that will make a difference for many South Australians.
On Wednesday, almost 70 girls ‘rocked the chop’ by parting with their locks for this vital cause. In addition to the funds raised, the girls’ ponytails have been donated to make wigs for cancer patients.
Thanks to Stationinetyfive and Orbe for donating their time to make the day such a success.
Final House totals:
Kennion $9994
Kilburn $7728
Patteson $5537
Selwyn $4919
Well done to all involved!
Dr Thomas Barclay
Science Teacher
4X4 – Saints Girls Retain Athletics Shield
Saints Girls have taken out the coveted IGSSA Athletics Shield for the fourth year running!
Some outstanding individual performances backed up with some great relay finishes ensured Saints led all day to secure the title once more.
Adding to the overall Reid Shield, Saints also retained the Field event title, as well as claiming age group pennant wins in the U15, U16 and Open divisions.
Rose Pittman (Year 12) won the Di Burge 100m Champion Runner event to add her name to previous Saints Girls’ winners: Anna Ramsay (1998), Margaret Gayen (2009, 2010 and 2011), Rebecca Slimming (2012) and Christine Gayen (2013 and 2014).
Final Results:
1 St Peter’s Girls 1951
2 Immanuel 1750
3 Pembroke 1742
4 Concordia 1605
5 Westminster 1527
6 Wilderness 1510
7 Walford 1464
8 Pulteney 888
*Scotch and Seymour were unable to compete
Congratulations on this incredible team achievement!
Year 5 Production Goes Off with a Bang!
This week, our Year 5 Production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang JR. has been transporting audiences to a world of wonder and delight.
Based on the beloved film and the record-breaking West End production, the students’ show traces the adventures of a magical car that flies through the air and sails the seas.
Well done to our Year 5 students, the backstage crew and our talented staff for bringing this fantastic musical to life!
Ticket prices:
Adult $17
Student/Concession $12
Family (2 Adults/2 Children) $42
The final show will be held in the Arts Centre at 7pm tonight, with tickets available for purchase at the door.
Introducing Our Co-Curricular Captains for 2020
Congratulations to the following students who have been appointed in Co-Curricular leadership positions for 2020:
Music
| Head Chorister | Isabelle Norman |
| Choristers | Charlotte Bleby, Michelle Rupert, Ellen Zhang, Emily Loh and Madison McGregor-Simms |
| Band Captain | Charlotte Bleby |
| Strings Captain | Faye Ma |
Sport
| AFL | Isabella Bernardi |
| Athletics | Olivia Kelly |
| Badminton | Amelie Dunda |
| Basketball | Emma Matheson |
| Cross Country | Matilda Braithwaite |
| Hockey | Olivia Goldsmith |
| Lacrosse | Millie Wilkin |
| Netball | Hannah Freeman |
| Rowing | Captain – Hannah Keough Vice Captain – Hattie Maerschel |
| Soccer | Ellie Anderson |
| Softball | Aroha Munroe |
| Swimming | Lara Wakeham |
| Tennis | Annabel Baldwinson |
| Touch Football | Hannah Freeman |
| Volleyball | Georgina Keough |
| Water Polo | Fiona Lethbridge |
Clubs
| Chess | Emily Loh |
| Environment Club | Sara Peak |
| Student Library Initiatives Club | Charlotte Sellars |
| Technical Theatre Club | Madison McGregor-Simms |
Year 9 Happy Campers
They don’t call it ‘Challenge Camp’ for no reason. Without knowing what was in store for us, the Year 9 cohort headed obliviously, with much excitement, out to the bush. Blissfully unsuspecting, I imagined a few short walks with a backpack and some gentle paddles along a stream, but camp was so much more than that. The physical challenges that became emotional challenges helped me to grow and bond in unexpected ways with my classmates – an experience that will be remembered and retold for many years to come.
I learnt so much about my own limits, strengths and resilience, and the journey brought me closer with respect and appreciation for all the girls. – Tia Bailey
The last two days of camp were spent at Woodhouse where we came together with the other classes. Our class came straight from hiking and set up our tents. The first activity was rock-climbing. The rock-climbing wall was very high and we learnt how to belay each other. This was a very fun but challenging experience as we had to completely put our trust in each other and persevere through the climb, even when we thought we couldn’t keep going. The next activity was abseiling. We climbed up multiple stories of ladders to reach the top of the tower, which we had to abseil off. Stepping backwards off the tower was a tough task but, once we did it, it was an amazing experience. Imogen was particularly fearless at the climbing and abseiling.
At night, after a barbecue dinner, all three classes sat around the campfire, and we participated in a riff-off. It was a very close battle, and the teams sang songs of various themes such as Australia, Christmas and even One Direction. Next, we had a talent show. Our class performance consisted of Chi Chi doing a magic trick, Anushka being thrown into the air (and then caught), and we finished with Rose doing the splits. We also quoted Mr Bassett with his catchphrase, “How good? So good!”
The next day, we woke up early and went off to our last activity: high ropes. There were many courses of varying difficulties and it was a very memorable experience where we improved our teamwork skills. Before we left camp, we had one last meeting where we selected beads to symbolise our days. Our class really enjoyed camp; it was an incredible experience where we challenged ourselves and worked together. – Chi Chi Zhao
On Thursday and Friday of camp week, the Year 9 Home Groups spent the last two days at the Woodhouse Activity Centre. We split into two groups and did high ropes, rock-climbing and abseiling. We traversed the treetop courses and climbed and abseiling on the climbing wall. All of the girls did really well and tried to complete a goal over the two days, each facing their own individual challenges. The Home Groups shared a feast on Thursday night, prepared by the camp instructors and teachers, before having a riff-off and a talent show later in the evening. – Emily Teague
Year 10 Campers Reach Great Heights
I had an awesome time on Year 10 camp, trying new things and pushing myself out of my comfort zone. The week was challenging but it was very rewarding and heaps of fun. We went mountain bike riding, did hikes and day walks, and had the opportunity to try new things such as rock-climbing and abseiling.
Although I had a hard time with some activities, like mountain biking, it was good to learn a new skill, and everyone was really supportive. Going through all kinds of activities together with the Home Group made us a lot closer, and we had the chance to bond and learn much more about each other. It was an awesome experience that taught us independence, resilience and camaraderie. It’s a shame our camp years have come to an end!
Victoria Thorp
Year 10 student
EDGE Receptions A-maze Principal
This term, the girls in Reception EDGE have been using their engineering skills to solve and design solutions to a range of problems and tasks using Lego. The girls have built famous landmarks, taken inspiration from picture books and tried to make the most indestructible Lego towers they could. They have used their creativity, critical thinking and collaboration to trial, adapt and experiment.
The final week saw the girls design a tricky marble maze which they invited Ms Shea to try to solve. The girls enjoyed teaching and watching Ms Shea battle her way through their intricate mazes.
Becca Burton-Howard
EDGE Coordinator
Old Scholars’ Generations Photo – Friday 18 October
To acknowledge the Old Scholars’ connection and highlight the importance of generations in the School’s rich history, there is an opportunity to capture a moment in time with a photograph of current students with their Old Scholar mothers and/or grandmothers.
Please join us for morning tea on Chiverton Lawns at 10am prior to a group photograph with your daughter and/or granddaughter.
We encourage you to bring an item of School memorabilia to wear, e.g. blazer, hat, badge or gloves.
You are then invited to join in the School Assembly at 12.25pm in the Arts Centre for the official cutting of the 125th birthday cake.
RSVP by Monday 14 October to Megan McCormack via mmccormack@stpetersgirls.sa.edu.au or 8334 2239.
Space School Information Evening
St Peter’s Girls’ School is offering students the opportunity to join the CASE Space School International Study Program in December 2020.
Students return with big dreams and lasting confidence, inspired by the ultimate STEAM experience at NASA.
CASE Space School is an amazing opportunity for students seeking to pursue success in a STEAM career. Students will be immersed in enriched and exclusive space science activities to explore the multi-facets of STEAM. Students will also learn and engage in an inspiring personal and leadership development program to truly empower them for changing times.
Space School is an engaging, hands-on adventure. Students learn about space travel and the development of space-related technologies, and are led through several simulated missions.
Students are meticulously cared for by dedicated Group Managers who are trained and certified by the California Association for STEAM Education. All Group Managers are Working with Children and Australian Federal Police checked, and hold current CPR, asthma and anaphylaxis certification.
A combined Alliance of Girls’ Schools information evening will be held on Wednesday 30 October in Hender Hall, Wilderness School, where students and parents can learn more about the program. Click here to RSVP.
Staff Member’s Brave Steps for Beyond Blue
On Friday 20 September, Coastrek ran a hiking event to raise funds for Beyond Blue – ‘Hiking to change a life.’
I am very passionate about breaking the stigma for men and women around mental health, and fostering the change to be accepted when speaking about mental health issues. In a team of four, we chose to take on the 60km trek from Parsons Beach to Goolwa. The first 30kms was extremely taxing physically – steep rocky inclines, dense bushland and cliff climbs to name a few.
While the second 30kms was more flat ground, this was the most mentally-challenging part. We were absolutely exhausted, muscles strained, blisters all over our feet and the pain sometimes was intense. My tendon injury in my ankle/foot went from twinging most of the way to agony in the last 17.5kms, and with nothing left but sheer determination to finish, I found myself a large stick as a crutch and pushed on through.
The rain came in steady, heavy and we finished in the dark, soaked to the bone – absolutely physically and mentally exhausted, but so intensely proud that we managed such an accomplishment.
While I go to the gym and also train for improved stamina, no amount of training could have prepared me for this challenge. When your body says ‘no more’, most of it is sheer determination and willpower to make it across that finish line.
It was a privilege to hike to change a life, and all up so far, the Adelaide teams combined have raised $876,397 for Beyond Blue. To all those battling depression, anxiety, or those who have been affected by mental health in some way – this medal, is for you.
Sarah Fuller
IT Department
Badminton Player Shuttles into State Selection
When I was 10, my parents wanted me to play a sport instead of sitting at home all day. I chose to play badminton because it was the sport that my dad used to play and enjoy.
I started playing once a week, and my parents increased my training sessions throughout the years. It was quite difficult at the start to hold my racquet correctly (and hitting the shuttle over the net), but I enjoyed the process of learning.
I currently train four times a week, and I aim to make it to the Quarter-Finals in this year’s U15 Championships.
Yang yang (Xin Yi) Gu
Year 8 student
Food and Hospitality Girls Cook up a Storm
Last week, the Year 12 Food and Hospitality girls – Ankita, Olivia and Claudia – designed and cooked up a fabulous lunch for the whole Year 12 cohort and Home Group teachers. It was an event that was wholeheartedly enjoyed by all the invited staff and students, and it was a great challenge achieved by the three girls. Cooking for approximately 65 people is not an easy task! The menu consisted of vegetarian and pork dumplings, chicken and vegetarian Indian curries, fried and steamed rice, as well as salad.
Ankita Rajbhoj
Year 12 Food and Hospitality student
Awards Stick with Talented Lacrosse Players
During the 2019 Lacrosse season, a number of Saints Girls played for Burnside Lacrosse Club across all the Junior age groups and also in the Senior Women’s competition. At the Junior Presentation Day on Sunday 15 September, Burnside Lacrosse Club presented awards to the following students:
Dani Cox – Most Valuable Player in U13 Division 1
Millie Wilkin – Best and Fairest in U18
“I have really enjoyed playing lacrosse this season, it felt amazing to make it into the Grand Final! It also felt amazing to receive my award, and I couldn’t be happier with my achievements.” – Dani Cox
“We had a rough start to the season, as the majority of girls in the U18 Burnside team had never played with each other before and some never played at all. However, as the season progressed, we all developed our skills and got to know each other. We ended up 4th on the ladder, however, after playing an extremely intense Semi-Final, managed to place 3rd, which was a great effort from all the girls. This season, I have met so many new people and have learnt so much, so to win Best and Fairest was an honour.” – Millie Wilkin
Congratulations Dani and Millie!
Young Musos Shine in Spotlight
Each year at the end of our instrument immersion program, our Junior School girls have the opportunity to share their learning with parents and friends at the annual Years 2, 3, 4 Music Concert. After only 18 hours of tuition and perhaps 20 hours of practice, our very brave students perform several songs on their recorders, string and band instruments. Every year, I am amazed at their confidence. It is hard to comprehend getting up in front of an audience after having only played an instrument for 18 weeks and putting on a concert. What an achievement!
Our families now make the exciting decision: will our daughters become members of the Saints Girls’ Music family? Will they join one of our many amazing ensembles and participate in the numerous opportunities that music affords our girls at Saints? I hope they do.
Sally Rounsevell
Director of Music
Raising Dough Pizza Fundraiser
On Monday night, staff, students and their families came together for a pizza night at the Feathers Hotel. This was organised by the girls travelling to Cambodia in December for the Service Learning Trip. The restaurant recently launched an initiative where, upon request, they will donate $10 to a charity for every pizza sold. The girls promoted this evening in Chapel, Assemblies and in the eNews, and produced a great turnout. In total, the girls raised $1,123 from the pizzas and raffle money! We are on track to raising our required total and hope that you will support us in upcoming fundraising initiatives.
Ellie Anderson
Year 11 student
Reception and Year 1 Dancers Dazzle
The Reception and Year 1 Dance Concert was a sea of colour and excitement!
The cheeky, playful lions from Miss Lesiw’s Reception class took to the stage holding each other’s tails and then danced to the song ‘I Just Can’t Wait to be King’. Miss Karvonen’s vibrant and enthusiastic Reception class were graceful Arabian princesses, using colourful scarves to move to the song ‘Arabian Nights’ from Aladdin.
The Year 1 girls from Mrs Liddy’s class were blue and red mini Lego figures, all showing a different emotion on their Lego head. Their dance, to the ‘Catchy Song’, showed what happens when mini Lego figures left on the bedroom floor come to life! An energetic performance to LoliRock’s ‘Higher’ was given by Mrs Sandercock’s class. Their creative and expressive movement to a poem written together with our very talented Dance Teacher Kirsty Battersby was based on the idea that emotions could have colours.
An enormous thank you to Kirsty. Dance classes are enjoyed immensely by the students who are encouraged to be creative thinkers, collaborative workers and confident performers through dance.
Reception and Year 1 teachers
Chess Club Makes its Move
This year, Chess Club has been a new experience for the whole team. After having lost some players at the end of last year, we decided to refocus and rebuild, and enter a team of four into the Division 3 competition. Our team has focused on building up the skills of the top players, developing and nurturing new players, and trying to build consistent focus throughout the entire game. We also looked to find out what was the main weakness of each player, such as losing the Queen too early, then coming up with solutions to these problems. On behalf of the girls, I’d like to thank George, our Coach, for all of the time and effort he has put into the team for many years, as he has decided to retire from Chess coaching after this season. For the whole time I’ve been involved in the Chess Club, George has been there to guide and help us to be competitive against other schools, so, thank you.
Rachel Banham
Chess Captain
Mind Over Matter for Rowing Squad
In Week 8, the Senior Rowing squad had their first workshop of the 2019/20 season, with sport psychologist Geof Boylan-Marsland. This is the second season that Geof has been engaged as part of the support team for the Senior Rowing Program at St Peter’s Girls. He will run a series of workshops with the squad, covering sport psychology topics including culture-setting, mindfulness, communication and ‘critical conversations’, resilience and race-preparation.
Although these sessions are designed to assist the Senior rowers in developing successful mindsets and behaviours that will assist with their sporting performance, they also develop transferable mental skills and strategies that these students can take into their broader academic and personal lives. It is true what they say, mens sana in corpore sano.
Brynley Millward
Director of Rowing
You’re Invited! Friends of Rowing Season Opening BBQ
Sunday 27 October from 5 – 7pm on the School grounds
$25 per adult
$20 per rower/child
(includes yummy chicken, lamb or falafel yiros, nibbles and soft drinks)
Bubbly, white wine, red wine and beer available on the night for purchase.
Join us as we welcome all of our new and returning rowers and their families to mark the opening of the 2019-2020 season.
Tickets available via www.trybooking.com/BEZUT
Junior School Vacation Care – Countdown is On!
Our next awesome instalment of Junior School Vacation Care is almost here. We have some great activities guaranteed to keep the children entertained through the break. With an array of excursions and on-site adventures, there is plenty of fun to be had.
Vacation Care Program – October 2019
Places are limited, so please click here to secure your booking now!
Portable Chargers – Fundraising for Cambodia Trip
To support fundraising for the Cambodia Service Learning Trip, the fundraising team is selling portable chargers for just $40 via www.trybooking.com/BEYTR.
We are all very excited to take part in this trip, making life-long memories and seeing the impact of our fundraising in a community where we can improve the quality of life.
School Shop Reminder – Summer Uniform
With Term 3 complete and a change from winter to summer uniform imminent, it’s time to dig out those summer dresses to ensure they still fit, or to upgrade if necessary.
The School Shop will be open on Thursday and Friday of the second week of the school holidays (10 – 11 October) from 9am – 4pm.
Summer uniform is required from the first day of Term 4.
Please call the School Shop on 83342228 or email schoolshop@stpetersgirls.sa.edu.au to book a uniform fitting appointment.
School Shop
Mary Poppins Flies into Town!
Three Saints Girls will be watching their favourite nanny fly into town during the school holiday production of Mary Poppins – The Broadway Musical by Shane Davidson Presents from 4 – 6 October in the Arts Centre at St Peter’s Girls’ School.
The lead roles will be played by adults. Emma Bargery is the quintessential Mary and her chimney-sweeping friend Bert is played by Brady Lloyd. Both have years of theatre experience.
Year 5 student Eliza Brill Reed won the role of Jane Banks after being called back with 16 other girls. Year 3 students Lois Burton-Howard and Sophie Wiggins are part of the ensemble, singing and dancing their way through the show. Year 6 students Milana Troon, Kate Thomas and Lara Maione play a variety of ensemble roles.
The show has many wonderful songs which include ‘Practically Perfect’, ‘A Spoonful of Sugar’, ‘Feed the Birds’ and ‘Let’s Go Fly a Kite’. One of the highlights will be the company number of ‘Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!’, where the cast spell out the letters at lightning speed!
Performances: 4 October at 7pm, 5 October at 2pm and 7pm, and 6 October at 4pm in the Arts Centre at St Peter’s Girls’ School.
Tickets are selling fast via www.trybooking.com/BEKEF
Australian Made: The Partners of Veterans Association – SA
2pm Sunday 29 September
The Band of the 10th/27th Battalion, Royal South Australia Regiment will be performing a concert – Australian Made – on Sunday 29 September, featuring music from Australian artists who have helped shape our great nation.
Tickets: $15
Venue: St Peter’s Girls’ School Arts Centre
For tickets, click here, or contact Chris on 0468 786 241, Angela on 0416 221 328, or Linda on 0417 081 150.
Sports News
NETBALL
Year 4 Blue – Saints 13 defeated Seymour Green 4
In the last game for the term, the girls came out strongly. They played a great team game, making space, bringing the ball down the court and scoring. Very strong in defence with deflections and rebounds. Well done to a special bunch of girls – Aleiyah Abraham, Amelia Massicci, Charlotte Hocking, Madeleine Andrejewskis, Rishita Raghav, Romana, Wei Ning Khoo, Zoe White, and Cleo Connor (unfortunately sick), Enya Ouyang (away) and Maddy Sims (injured). Thank you to all the parents for their support throughout the term. A very proud Coach. – Karen Braund (Coach)
VOLLEYBALL
The 8/9 Volleyball girls had a very successful day on Tuesday, winning the minor round of the schools’ Knockout Volleyball competition, advancing to the State Knockout competition next month. The girls competed against a variety of schools and approached every game with the same energy, strength and intent to play their best. The girls maintained this positive mentality, never dropping their heads. Even when they would lose a set, they were able to fight back. The girls were undefeated all day and truly deserved every single win. The whole team is excited to have advanced to the next round, and as the Coach, I know that if the girls bring their A game on the day and play the volleyball I know they are capable of, then we have a really good chance of winning. – Victoria Neale
We are now looking forward to Wednesday when the girls will ‘Rock the Chop’ during lunch, with hairdressers from Orbe salon in Norwood donating their time to trim the ponytails the required 10cm. The hair removed will not be wasted, being donated to make wigs for cancer sufferers. On the same day, the School will also donate the results of additional Kilburn House Charity fundraising. The total of more than $24,000 going to Cancer Council SA highlights the contribution the girls are making to their community through the Service Learning Program at St Peter’s Girls.
Our Early Learners’ Centre enjoyed a landmark occasion on Wednesday as we combined our annual Grandparents and Special Friends’ Afternoon Tea with the official opening of our ELC Community Garden.
Being prepared to respond to a variety of challenges is an important life skill, and one that our students are only likely to improve at through experience.
