Farewell Principal Julia Shea

As foreshadowed in previous editions of eNews, today marks the final day of official engagements for our outgoing Principal Julia Shea.

Julia took a bow on the Arts Centre stage during yet another spectacular performance in the Staff Dance today – highlights of which will be shared next week – and following tonight’s Valedictory Dinner, she will pass the baton to Richard Lisle who will be Acting Principal until Cherylyn Skewes commences in early January. Over the coming weeks, Julia will continue to work with Cherylyn and the School to ensure a smooth handover before she begins her next adventure in Melbourne.

We thank Julia for her enormous 9-year contribution to Saints Girls and wish her all the best. Here, she shares some reflections of her Saints Girls’ journey:

‘How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.’

Since 2014, I’ve tapped away at the keyboard writing eNews articles and usually the words have flowed quite freely. But as I sit down to complete this task for the final time, the words seem much harder to find.

Even though you won’t find it in any of the books written by A. A. Milne, the quote above is attributed to Winnie the Pooh, the soft-voiced, cuddly honey-loving bear who lives in the forest surrounded by the Hundred Acre Wood. And he was onto something! Often goodbyes aren’t a big deal – a quick wave and off you go. But when saying goodbye is hard, it means you’ve experienced something truly unique and special.

In 2016, our very talented Music Teacher Robyn Habel along with her Year 10 class composed ‘We Are St Peter’s Girls’. It’s a song that captures the very essence of what it is to be a Saints Girl and I’d like to highlight some of those unique and special things under the lyrics of what the girls call ‘the song about the School’.

We wear the crest to this day and follow in the Sisters’ way

Saints Girls is a school with a very proud history and rich traditions. I’ve had the privilege of leading the School for just 9 years of its amazing 128-year history. We are all custodians of this great School for only a brief chapter of its story. It’s important that the girls understand they are part of something much bigger than themselves, that they are here only because of the legacy of the amazing women that have come before them, and they in turn lay the foundations on which future generations of Saints Girls will thrive. Our founding Sisters were remarkable young women, and as a community, we will continue to unite under their values of courage, creativity and compassion. The Sisters were women ‘before their time’, and they established a school which today produces young women who similarly push the boundaries of their era – that’s special.

Sister, I will stand by you, underneath the white and blue

Saints Girls is a genuine sisterhood. Sisterhood is more than friendship. In a genuine sisterhood, all are accepted for who they are and inspired by all to be the best they can be. It’s defined by compassion, not competitiveness, by building each other up and not putting each other down. I see it every morning in the car park as our youngest girls walk hand-in-hand with a Year 12 girl to their classroom, when our young Old Scholars sit beside our current girls in the Library after school and help them through that tricky problem, when our most proficient musicians give of their time so generously to play with those who are just starting out. Having over 800 sisters – that’s unique!

That to those of us who have been given much, we will give now in return

Whenever I’m asked to describe Saints Girls in one word, I say ‘authentic’. We’re an unstuffy, unpretentious place instilled with a relaxed sense of excellence. And that groundedness affirms the notion that service to others is an individual responsibility. Our girls have a well-developed sense of moral agency – that’s special.

Patteson and Selwyn, Kilburn and Kennion, we are one

Schools are about connections and one of the places in which our girls find that connection, that sense of belonging, is in their House. One of the first things many Old Scholars will tell you is which House they were in and then they’ll reminisce about Choral Night in Year 12 and how they still can’t understand why they didn’t win! So yes, there is a genuine sense of rivalry across the Houses. But the extraordinary thing is the wonderful support that the Houses give to each other. It’s evident on Choral Night when each performance is met with thunderous applause. A girl’s House is very much part of her identity, but first and foremost, she is a Saints Girl – together we are one – that’s unique.

We will dare to dream our dreams, dare to be what we can be … We can make our mark upon this world

As I leave the School, the enduring memory of a Saints Girl for me will be her incredible sense of self-belief. Self-belief is so powerful. It gives you the audacity to shoot for the stars, the resilience to bounce back, the focus required to persevere. It stems from a School culture that promotes self-confidence, self-worth and autonomy. And because she truly believes that she can do anything to which she sets her mind, a Saints Girl will take the risk and dare to shape the changing world that surrounds her – that’s special.

I leave with immense pride in the young women that I have walked beside over the past 9 years. It has been a truly unique and special journey and I am indeed very lucky to have experienced something that makes saying goodbye so hard.

Sincere thanks for your support and friendship throughout my time at Saints Girls. I wish you and your family much joy and happiness in the years ahead.

Julia Shea
Principal

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From Our Chair of the Board

Following a flourishing 9-year partnership, St Peter’s Girls bids a fond farewell to Principal Julia Shea. Throughout almost 130 years of excellence in girls’ education, our School has never been in a better position, and we once again thank Julia for her immense contribution to this.

Julia leaves an indelible mark on the School, having worked tirelessly with the Board and the Senior Leadership Team to deliver major milestones across our Master and Strategic Plans. This includes the incredible transformation of the School’s buildings and facilities, and the establishment of our #EMPOWHER wellbeing, Career.Ready and Leadership Matters programs. These initiatives work together to support our girls through their schooling journey and beyond, and facilitate our fierce commitment to education as a lifelong companion for both students and staff.

We wish Julia all the best for her new role as Principal of Methodist Ladies’ College in Melbourne. Julia has said on many occasions, ‘Once a Saints Girl, always a Saints Girl’. As a proud parent of three Old Scholars and as our departing Principal, Julia will forever remain a key figure in the rich history of our School, and we trust that Saints Girls will always hold a special place in her heart.

Jeremy Schultz
Chair, Board of Governors

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From Our Head and Deputy Head Prefects

Over the past 9 years, Ms Shea has shaped Saints Girls to be the amazing School it is today. Under her leadership, the School has achieved incredible feats in many areas such as academics, The Arts and sport. She has taken Saints Girls from strength to strength and has played a key role in upgrading the education environment to focus buildings and facilities around curriculum.

In addition to her duties as a dedicated Principal, Ms Shea has gone above and beyond, acting as an inspiring role model for all the girls to look up to. We have no doubt that the girls will miss her for the person she is and the passion and warmth she has brought to the School. Ms Shea has not focused solely on academic results, but also on giving the girls an all-rounded education so that we can become strong women of character and influence. By introducing our three core values of courage, creativity and compassion, she has instilled fundamental principles that the girls are encouraged to live and lead by. Furthermore, she has always stressed the importance of service, teaching girls to give back to the community and to make the most of the opportunities we are given.

During the challenging recent years, Ms Shea has prioritised the girls and their wellbeing, inspiring them to remain optimistic and be grateful for all that they have. She has embraced adversity, and her open-minded and adaptable attitude has been a guiding light through hardships and uncertain times.

Despite her many achievements, including as an accomplished mathematician and an amazing Presentation Night speaker, she has always remained extremely humble and modest. The girls really appreciate her sense of humour and how she is willing to participate in activities that the girls enjoy such as the Staff v Student Netball and the Staff Dance, in which she is always the star of the show.

Ms Shea’s thoughtful efforts have made Saints Girls not only one of the leading girls’ schools in Australia, but also a nurturing and caring community that is like no other. So, from the bottom of our hearts, we want to thank you for your contribution, kindness, leadership and dedication to taking Saints Girls to a whole new level.

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Farewell Class of 2022!

Farewell to our fabulous Class of 2022 – what an epic last day of school with the Celebration Day Eucharist and Assembly!

We hope you enjoy more celebrations at tonight’s Valedictory Dinner, and we wish you all the best for your final exams and assessments. Always remember, you are and will forever be Saints Girls.

A send-off tradition is the Year 12 run through the School watched on by staff and younger students. Take a look at the Class of 2022 in action:

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Congratulations 2023 Student Leaders

There were stirring scenes on Wednesday as our 2023 Student Leaders were inducted in a Chapel Service where they received their badges of office from staff and our outgoing Prefects.

Families and fellow students watched on with pride as our new Prefects and other leaders pledged to serve St Peter’s Girls with distinction.

It was a moving occasion, and we can’t wait to see how the girls lead the School in 2023.

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Saints Girls’ Family Day – This Sunday!

Join us this Sunday 23 October for the Saints Girls’ Family Day!

From 11am to 2pm, Chiverton Lawns will host a fun-filled community gathering including face painting, a bubble artist, lawn games and more.

Fabulous food and coffee from ‘Snob Catering’ run by Old Scholar Steph Hannah (Patteson 2010) will have a delicious selection of items available to purchase such as popcorn chicken and chips, Vietnamese noodle dishes and poké bowls.

Our Friends of Rowing parents will be hosting a bar with refreshments including still and sparkling wine, beer and soft drinks.

We encourage all families to come along and enjoy our beautiful grounds at this relaxed community event.

BYO picnic blanket and/or chairs.

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Highlights of Term 3 at Saints Girls

Term 4 is already off to a flying start, but our girls are still on cloud nine following an action-packed Term 3.

Featuring Choral Night, Book Week, Sports Day, Girls in Tech and more, it was a terrific time to be at Saints Girls!

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Community Joy at Year 12 Breakfast

The final Friday of Term 3 saw Year 12 students and their families join staff on Chiverton Lawns for a special breakfast. Blessed with sunshine and coffee, the morning was a wonderful opportunity to gather informally as we near the end of the schooling journey for our Year 12 students.

It was lovely to reconnect with families and to see our girls relaxed, outdoors enjoying each other’s company. For even just an hour, the focus wasn’t on assignments, tests or deadlines but instead on friendships, laughter and memories. There was also a feeling of energy and excitement as families reconnected with other families and staff.

Thank you to all who joined us and to those who worked tirelessly behind the scenes. Events such as these continue to add to the wonderful sense community we have here at Saints, a community equally unique as it is special.

Lauren Sutton
Deputy Principal/Head of Senior School

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Regal Engagement for School Leaders

Head Prefect Sophie Norman and Deputy Head Prefect Chi Chi Zhao had the privilege of attending Government House over the holiday break.

The girls joined other school leaders from around the State and had the opportunity to meet with the Governor of South Australia, Her Excellency the Honourable Frances Adamson AC.

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Exhibition at South Australian Museum

As part of our commitment to Reconciliation, some Middle School classes have used the 50 Words Project to learn 50 words in Kaurna language and explore indigenous languages during their studies in Humanities.

The recent Year 7 History excursion to Warriparinga/The Living Kaurna Cultural Centre also included workshops on traditional weaving and learning about bush tucker in Kaurna language.

The Arabana Yanhi! Tanganekald Yan! exhibition is a wonderful opportunity for students to continue exploring indigenous languages. This is the first in a series of exhibitions at the South Australian Museum showcasing the efforts of two communities to combat the decline of their languages – Arabana of the western Lake Eyre region and Tanganekald of the Coorong region.

Explore original artwork by Aboriginal artists Lakota Milera-Weetra and the late Jacob Stengle (Karumapuli) made for the language flashcards that have been created in order to share, revive and promote Arabana and Tanganekald languages in their respective communities and across the State.

Free entry. Open daily until 26 March 2023.

Check out this exhibition and other amazing programs run by the South Australian Museum – click here

Kate McBride
Library and Information Services

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Junior School Pyjama Day – Next Week

Next Thursday 27 October, the Year 6 Ambassadors invite Junior School students to wear pyjamas to school and bring a gold coin donation to support the Solar Buddy ‘Light Up Vanuatu’ Service Learning campaign.

This initiative provides solar lights to children who have limited access to electricity, allowing them to study and read after dark. The Solar Buddy organisation will deliver the lights in kit form to our School next term, and the Year 6 students will assemble them and write a personal message to the children who will receive them. The lights will be delivered to Vanuatu later this year.

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Friends of Rowing – Season Opening Picnic

The Friends of Rowing invite you to attend the Season Opening Picnic on Sunday 30 October from 5 – 7pm on Chiverton Lawns. This event will be an opportunity to welcome our new and returning Rowing families for the 2022/23 season, as well as christen our newest boats!

All rowers are expected to attend, and Rowing families are encouraged. The event is open to the School community; Old Scholars and friends of the Rowing program are very welcome.

Tickets can be purchased via TryBooking – click here

$25 per adult
$20 per student/child

Tickets include nibbles, yiros and soft drinks. Refreshments will also be available for purchase.

Brynley Millward
Director of Rowing

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Friends of Rowing – Wine Fundraiser

Support the development of the Rowing Program at St Peter’s Girls’ School by purchasing from a fantastic selection of wines:

• Lambert Estate – Barossa Valley
• The Lane – Adelaide Hills
• Bird in Hand – Adelaide Hills
• d’Arenberg – McLaren Vale

Vintages are subject to change. In the event of wines being in short supply, we will contact you. Prices are only available for this fundraiser. Each wine can only be ordered by minimum purchase. Prices are inclusive of GST.

Purchases can be made from Sunday 23 October via TryBooking – click here

The campaign will commence on Sunday 23 October and run through until 11 December 2022 (no orders after this date can be accepted). Orders to be collected on Sunday 18 December from 11am – 3pm at St Peter’s Girls’ School. Wine can be collected after Sunday 18 December by prior arrangement; please contact Fiona McGregor, Community Relations – Events Officer via 8334 2225 or fmcgregor@stpetersgirls.sa.edu.au

Liquor Licence: #203237

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COVID-19 Updates

As you may be aware, a number of COVID-19 requirements have been lifted including mandatory isolation for those who test positive. Notwithstanding this, SA Health encourages anyone with symptoms to get tested and stay home until symptoms have cleared (usually five to seven days).

As there is no longer a set COVID isolation period, you must notify the School each day your child will be absent, or provide the expected period of absence.

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Road Safety Alert

The School has received reports of concerning driver behaviour on Hallett Road. This includes holding up traffic while waiting for cars to leave in order to park near the ELC, performing risky u-turns and parking in bus zones.

As our staff have no jurisdiction over public roads, the School will be asking the police to conduct regular patrols at peak times.

We implore all of our community members to support road safety and show courtesy to others.

From Our Principal

One of the things I love about my job is that every day is different. You’re never quite sure who is going to walk through the door or how opening an email can change the course of your day. There have certainly been some challenging days over the years, but they are far more easily negotiated when you remember why you went into this job in the first place – to spend each day with an amazing group of girls and young women who constantly inspire you with their accomplishments. No matter the school, all students should see the Principal as relevant, accessible and approachable. Which begs the question – how am I relevant? I asked our Reception girls for feedback by posing the question, ‘What is it that Ms Shea actually does?’ Here are some of their responses:

‘She’s in Selwyn House’.
Well I’m glad someone noticed the green M&M costume and fluffy green leg warmers! I know that my allegiance to a particular House hasn’t been viewed favourably by some, but the opportunity to be a parent and support my three girls, just as you support your own daughters, has been much appreciated. After all, being a Mum is the most important and the most challenging role that I’ll ever have. The fact that it’s caused some consternation shows just how passionate we all are about the House system. It plays a pivotal role in fostering vertical connection across the years and adds to the sense of belonging that underpins the unique culture of our School.

‘She stands at the pick-up zone and says hello to everyone who walks past.’
Incidental conversations help create a strong sense of wellbeing and connection. We might only chat about the weather or the latest footy results, but the camaraderie that comes from sharing a laugh cannot be overstated.

‘When someone is naughty, Ms Shea says, ‘Never do that again’, if you’re being mean and when you snatch things.’
Thankfully, I’ve only had to play the disciplinarian on a few occasions. Yes, we all make mistakes, girls and staff, including me. But Saints Girls is an inclusive, unassuming and unpretentious environment in which everyone is celebrated for who they are. And, if occasionally, someone needs a little reminder of that, then that reminder has been forthcoming!

‘She makes sure there are no snakes or any other dangerous animals in the playground.’
Well I think this might be beyond my job description! We’ve had possums breaking into the Chapel and bending the organ pipes and the odd koala taking up residence in the trees, but thankfully no snakes. Our location is truly unique. Nestled in the foothills and bounded by the tranquil bushland of Ferguson Conservation Park, the extensive use of glass in our building works has created spaces that are aesthetically appealing and harmonious with our natural world. Learning flows seamlessly between the indoors and the outdoors in a genuinely distinctive School environment.

‘Ring, Ring – because she rings the bell a lot – ding for learning, ding for recess, ding for lunch.’
Imagine how much chaos I could have created had I been in control of the School bell! It is, in fact, our wonderful Property Services Manager Paul Ziesing who programs the bell to ring and keep us moving through our school day. While the teaching staff are the ones who work closely with your daughters, all that we offer would not be possible without our unsung heroes, the non-teaching staff who sit in the background, yet who we know embody and live the values that define Saints Girls.

‘She helps all the children.’
That statement sums up the job. Being a Principal isn’t rocket science – whenever you face a difficult decision, you simply ask, ‘Which outcome will impact most positively on the girls?’ My role is to provide the staff, the facilities, the programs and, most importantly, to foster a culture in which the girls will thrive. It’s about having a deep personal commitment to create the enabling conditions that allow your daughter to be the best version of herself.

No matter what our youngest girls believe the job entails, holding the office of Principal is a great privilege. For me, the two non-negotiables when it comes to leadership are authenticity and humility. Leadership stems from individuality that is authentically and therefore sometimes imperfectly expressed. And as a leader, you must look to take a step back and allow others to shine. And whether it was in the classroom or in one of the many co-curricular pursuits, how brightly our girls have shone in recent years.

As indicated earlier, I’ll be taking leave from Monday 24 October. I’ll enjoy Celebration Day with our Year 12 girls at the start of next term (yes, one more Staff Dance!) and then ‘pass the baton’ to Richard Lisle who will be Acting Principal until Cherylyn Skewes commences in early January. Sam O’Brien will act in the role of Head of Middle School during this period. I will be back on site briefly on 15 and 16 December should you need to see me prior to my move interstate.

Have a fabulous break and I look forward to welcoming the girls back in full summer uniform on Monday 17 October.

Julia Shea
Principal

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Welcome to Our Next Principal

It was fabulous to welcome our next Principal Cherylyn Skewes to Stonyfell for a visit this week where she enjoyed meeting many of our students and staff, as well as touring our first-class facilities.

We’re looking forward to her official commencement here at Saints Girls in January!

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Year 5 Production – Final Show TONIGHT!

Tonight is the last chance to see our sensational Year 5 Production – Pirates of Penzance JR. The girls have been preparing to take the audience on this adventure for the past two terms, and are excited to thrill you with singing, dancing and joyful merriment in this wonderful Gilbert and Sullivan operetta.

You can be assured of a fun time as we celebrate beautiful maidens, bumbling policemen and not-so menacing pirates! Please come along and support our Year 5 stars!

Tonight at 7pm in our Arts Centre – tickets available at the door

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Tiny Dancers Light Up the Stage

Last Friday, our Reception and Year 1 students wowed the crowd with their energetic dance moves and colourful costumes!

They showcased skills such as rhythm and coordination, free movement, balance, working with props and teamwork. It was such a joyous morning, both on the stage and in the audience. Well done girls!

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Epic Term in Our ELC

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Car Park Protocols

It is important to remind families about our car park protocols, particularly during drop off and pick up.

If the car park is full and you are unable to enter, circle the block until it is clear to enter, find a park elsewhere or, where age-appropriate, meet your daughter in a surrounding street.

Please note that, unless special circumstances apply, parents of girls in Years 2 to 12 should not enter the car park to collect their daughters prior to 3.30pm. Parents of girls in Reception and Year 1 have exclusive use of the pick-up zone prior to this time for safety and traffic reasons.

Please also refrain from turning right into or out of the car park at peak times, and please do not queue in the car park’s lanes as this often prevents drivers who are legally parked from exiting.

We have also previously received complaints about cars being parked too close to or in front of driveways, or across from other vehicles in surrounding streets, making it extremely difficult for residents and other road users to navigate.

We ask all community members to please show consideration for others. Thank you for your cooperation.

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School Shop Notices

School Shop Opening Hours

Monday to Friday: 8am – 4pm (closed for lunch 12 – 12.30pm)

Parents can also order items via our Online School Shop

Summer Uniform Appointments

Summer Uniform Fittings are well underway. Our online booking system shows available time slots through to October. Middle and Senior School students are welcome to visit during their recess or lunch breaks.

Click here to access the calendar and select the time that best suits you (please include your daughter’s name).

Appointment times are filling fast, so your prompt attention is appreciated.

During the school holidays, the School Shop will be open on Friday 14 October from 9am to 4pm.

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COVID-19 Information

Under SA Health protocols, asymptomatic children who are close contacts can attend school or ELC, provided they undertake 5 Rapid Antigen Tests over 7 days and receive negative results.

Please also be reminded of these general requirements:

Should your child develop any symptoms, even mild ones, they must not attend school or ELC and should be tested for COVID-19. Those with symptoms who test negative using a RAT must undertake a PCR test to confirm that result.  Students who have previously tested positive and have completed isolation in the past 28 days do not need to undertake testing.

If your child tests positive to COVID-19, notify us immediately. Please also advise the type of test (RAT/PCR), the date your child’s test was taken and the date symptoms started (if no symptoms, note ‘asymptomatic’).

Please notify us via email or text:

Email: attendance@stpetersgirls.sa.edu.au
Text: 0428 601 957 (save to phone contacts as SPGS)

If you need to notify us over the phone, call the Front Office on 8334 2200.

If your child is too sick to attend school, they are therefore also too sick to be working remotely from home.

Please also note that SA Health strongly recommends face masks in schools when indoors for students across Years 3 to 12. The same advice applies for all adults, including visitors, except if it impedes the ability to teach or interact with children.

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Health Notification

The School has been notified of cases of hand, foot and mouth disease.

Symptoms include blisters in the mouth and on the hands and feet, a sore mouth before ulcers/blisters appear, fever, tiredness and loss of appetite.

The disease is generally spread by person-to-person contact and it usually takes three to five days before blisters appear. Blisters are infectious as long as they contain fluid. Faeces can remain infectious for several weeks.

Generally, no specific treatment is required but people with the disease should be excluded from childcare, preschool, school or work until all blisters have dried.

For more information, click here.

Lara Waltham and Sarah Wilkinson
School Registered Nurses

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School Medical Information Reminder

It is imperative that all medical information, including immunisations, is up to date on the School’s myLink parent portal.

Please follow this pathway to check and/or update details: myLink > Community Portal > My Details > select child name

If you have any questions, please email healthcentre@stpetersgirls.sa.edu.au

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General Absences from School

If your child will not be attending school/ELC due to illness or otherwise, please notify the School via one of the following methods and include the name of the ELC Room, Class or Home Group.

If emailing, feel free to ‘CC’ the teacher of the Room/Class/Home Group as well.

Please also provide a reason for the absence as the School requires this for government reporting purposes.

Text: 0428 601 957

Email: attendance@stpetersgirls.sa.edu.au

Phone: 8334 2200

It would be appreciated if notifications could be made prior to 9am.

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Sports News

GEORGIA BEATON CUP AND NETBALL PRESENTATIONS

On Saturday, the Georgia Beaton Cup returned to Saints Girls after a 2-year break, where our current Open A/B players took on an Old Scholars’ team in a Netball match. This year, we combined the event with a break-up and award presentation for our Year 7 – 12 netballers.

Georgia Beaton (Kennion 2007) is an Old Scholar and talented netballer, having represented not only the School but also South Australia and Australia at junior level, as well as playing for the Adelaide Thunderbirds and Contax Netball Club throughout her long and decorated career.

The match started with the current scholars getting out to an early 6 – 0 lead before the Old Scholars clawed their way back to be trailing 8 – 10 at quarter time. The second quarter was hotly contested with some spectacular defensive intercepts and solid shooting from both teams. The students took a 22 – 15 lead into the main break, then dominated the final half scoring 36 goals to 17 to run out eventual winners 58 – 32. The standard across both teams was high and the Old Scholars showed glimpses of their talent throughout the game.

At the conclusion of the match, the students were presented with the Georgia Beaton Cup. The Year 7 – 12 Coaches then took to the stage to speak about their team’s season and present their Coaches Award to the winners.

Congratulations to the award winners and thank you to all players who took part in the 2022 Netball season. The following Best and Fairest awards will be presented at the Sports Awards Assembly later in the year:

STAFF v STUDENT SOCCER

Game 5 of Staff v Student sport was Soccer where the staff took an early lead and threatened to score more, before the students showed their resilience and stayed competitive. A goal from Chloe Richardson pulled the students back into the contest, and when Aleesha Gray slotted home after a mazy run at Mr Lisle, the staff started to get nervous. Goals from Mr Eglinton and Mr Peak saw the staff team over the line with a 4 – 3 victory. Thank you to the Sport Captains for organising this initiative and congratulations to the students for winning the first Staff v Student Cup.

IGSSA ATHLETICS

Our Athletics team, which was unfortunately depleted with several girls away at National events for other sports, recently competed at IGSSA Athletics. In advance, we spoke with the girls about their targets for the day and identified that we had particularly strong U13, 14 and 15 age groups. These girls were committed to filling events, and with many solid performances, we were elated to take home the U15 pennant by 4 points, showing how everyone’s participation counted towards victory. Charlotte McAuliffe also took home the Di Burge Trophy previously held by Old Scholar Lakara Stallan (Kilburn 2021) as the fastest student on the day. Below is a list of place getters at the carnival:

STUDENT SUCCESS

Chloe Richardson (Year 8) attended Football Australia’s National Youth Championships for Soccer last week in Coffs Harbour. She was a part of the Football South Australia U14 team which she was honoured to Captain against New South Wales and Victoria. It’s been a busy year for Chloe who has been selected to represent South Australia four times in Soccer, Athletics, Cross Country and Touch Football.

TOUCH FOOTBALL

Congratulations to Eleanor Bartter and Julia Yang who have been selected to represent South Australia (SSSA) in U12 Touch Football.

NETBALL

Well done to Annie Warrick, Shea Forster, Mia Bennett and Madeleine Andrejewskis for winning the Combined Australian Netball Association competition whilst representing South Australian United Churches Netball Association (SAUCNA). Annie and Mia were also named the best players in the Final.

SAPSASA ATHLETICS

Congratulations to Lauren Disney, Lucille Trengove and Eleanor Bartter for their performances at SAPSASA Athletics. Eleanor won the Discus, Lucy finished 2nd and 3rd in 100m and 200m, and Lauren placed 3rd and 2nd in the 100m and 200m.

October Holiday Tennis Coaching

Would you like your daughter to improve her tennis skills ready for the summer of tennis?

If so, private or semi-private tennis lessons are available during the school holidays.

For more details, please contact Matt Ford via 0412 855 073 or ford.matt@bigpond.com

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From Our Head of Junior School

As we approach the end of another term, it’s incredibly gratifying to reflect on the growth and development our students have made in recent months. Parent-Teacher Interviews/Conversations and Student-Led Conferences this week have been fabulous opportunities to share and celebrate learning. We’ve rightly seen significant development in those things that are the easiest to quantify: knowledge and understandings associated with each subject. We can see these through work samples and assessments, or by asking direct questions of the girls to find out what they know, and they should be justly proud of their progress and achievements. However, equally as valuable, or perhaps even more so in the long term, are those skills and dispositions for learning and life which are not related solely to cognitive learning, and that are perhaps more difficult to grade. As the Year 3 – 6 girls were preparing for their Student-Led Conferences, it was wonderful listening to them talk about both the cognitive and non-cognitive skills they’re proud to have developed over the past term or two.

The International Baccalaureate programmes incorporate a set of ‘Approaches to Learning’ (ATL) within the frameworks. ATLs are skills and dispositions for thinking, communication, research, self-management and effective social interactions, all of which are necessary attributes for successful lifelong learning. They support students to view learning as something that they ‘do for themselves in a proactive way, rather than as a covert event that happens to them in reaction to teaching’. (Zimmerman 2002: 65). From the ELC onwards, our children begin to develop these through experiences and countless opportunities for practice provided by their teachers.

Importantly, this set of skills is not just from the domain of education. ‘The Global framework on core skills for life and work in the 21st century’, published in 2021 by the International Labour Organization, provides a similar list of essential skills and dispositions, over and above cognitive skills, for an effective and successful life post-school. The OECD Learning Compass 2030 (OECD, 2018) lists a similar set of skills. Social and emotional skills such as communication, collaboration and teamwork, conflict resolution, negotiation and emotional intelligence are high on the lists. Along with these are metacognitive skills including analytical and critical thinking, creative and innovative thinking, strategic thinking, problem-solving, decision-making, self-reflection and learning to learn. These together with digital tools and environmental awareness will assist students of today to positively navigate life and successfully participate in the workforce in the coming decades.

One of the best gifts we can give our children is an understanding of the broad range of skills and dispositions that sit alongside cognitive learning that will assist them to flourish in life beyond school. As is the case with all learning, it’s difficult to acquire skills without personally doing them, over and over again. Therefore, as the adults in their lives, we need to help them notice these abilities in themselves and others, set goals for their own development, give them plentiful opportunities to practice and improve, and have positive conversations with them about the progress they are making. Frequently, this means stepping back and enabling our children to work things out for themselves, letting them try out these skills and dispositions and grow from their mistakes as these are a natural and important part of learning. Thank you to our families who are showing our students the value of developing a broad range of skills and dispositions over and above the cognitive. Our girls are truly fortunate to be so well supported in developing skills for lifelong success.

Suzanne Haddy
Head of Junior School

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Girls in Tech Sparks STEM Inspiration

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Friday Night Fever at Disco Cabaret

Disco music filled the hallways of Saints Girls last Friday night as more than 120 girls got into the groove for their Cabaret Evening.

A huge congratulations to all students involved from Years 3 – 12 in this wonderful celebration of music. It was a joy to see such passionate, dedicated and talented girls and staff all working together to produce such a professional performance.

Thank you also to the Friends of The Arts who supported the event and purchased additional lighting for the evening.

Sally Rounsevell
Director of Music

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Strike A Chord – Broadcast of Champions

Esperanza’s 3rd place performance at the recent Strike A Chord National Chamber Music championship featured during a special broadcast of the event on ABC Classic FM this afternoon.

It will be available on the ABC Classic website for the next few weeks, so be sure to have a listen to the incredible musicianship of all ensembles who took part.

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New Notes at Junior Music Concert

On Tuesday, we celebrated the beginning of our Junior School girls’ music journey at Saints with the annual Year 2, 3, 4 Music Concert in the Arts Centre. Displayed on stage was a wonderful array of confident, enthusiastic and motivated girls who were so excited to share the work they have been learning in Music lessons for the past three terms.

At Saints Girls, we encourage all students to participate in music, knowing that what we offer in the Music Department will genuinely improve our students in not only their musical pursuits, but also across academics, leadership, wellbeing and teamwork.

How does music learning improve learning in Maths, English and Science? An extensive study was released in 2019 which found that students who studied music in primary school and into high school were almost one year ahead of their non-musically trained peers in their Maths, Science and English grades at the end of their schooling. This study received great interest on social media due to its large sample size (over 112,000 participants), the factors it controlled for (such as socioeconomic status) and the fact that it distinguished between the types of music learning (singing and instrumental).

Following this week’s concert, the girls felt uplifted:

‘I loved hearing the applause and playing my best.’ – Esther (Year 3)

‘It was great to be able to play with my friends.’ – Harper (Year 3)

Thank you to our Music Tutors who guided the girls over the past six months, and to our parents and School community who supported them at their fantastic performance.

Sally Rounsevell
Director of Music

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Year 5 Production Sets Sail Next Week!

Our Year 5 Production – Pirates of Penzance JR. – is on next Thursday 29 and Friday 30 September at 1.15pm and 7pm. The girls have been preparing to take the audience on this adventure for the past two terms, and are excited to thrill you with singing, dancing and joyful merriment in this wonderful Gilbert and Sullivan operetta.

You can be assured of a fun time as we celebrate beautiful maidens, bumbling policemen and not-so menacing pirates! Please come along and support our Year 5 stars!

Tickets now available via TryBooking – click here

Shelley Hampton
Year 5 Teacher

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World of Opportunities at Year 3 Travel Day

Our Year 3 students have been learning about mapping, navigation, geographical locations and landmarks as part of our ‘How We Organise Ourselves’ unit of inquiry. The central idea is that ‘Places have characteristics that can be represented in different ways’.

The girls have been exploring the characteristics Australia and various countries around the world, developing an appreciation of people’s connection to and perspective of places. This included opportunities to listen to ‘Little Yarns’ podcast episodes, enabling them to gain a deeper understanding and connection to the indigenous regions in Australia.

The unit culminated in a research study where the girls worked collaboratively with their peers in small groups to create an expo stand, showcasing their knowledge of their allocated country. These included China, India, Vietnam, England, Greece, Italy, Argentina, Japan, France and South Africa. The students worked hard to create an itinerary, brochure, map and flag, which they shared with their peers, buddies and members of staff during our ‘Travel Day’. It was an exciting activity for all involved, with the girls creating their own passports to ‘travel’ around to each country.

It was extraordinary to see them confidently communicating their new knowledge of these places around the world. In turn, they were so eager to listen to others, displaying an innate sense of curiosity to find out more. A special thank you to Garth Coulter for creating laser-cut stamps, contributing immensely to the authenticity of the travel experience. It was a wonderful conclusion to what was a meaningful and engaging inquiry for all.

‘My favourite part of the Travel Day was stamping everyone’s passport once they visited my expo stand, which was all about India.’ – Penny

‘I really enjoyed sharing my work with everyone, especially Mrs Smith. I now know so much more about geography and the world.’ – Mikayla

Sarah Mulraney and Monique McLeay
Year 3 Teachers

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Year 7s Nurture Nature and Culture Connections

Earlier this month, our Year 7 students visited the Sturt River (Warriparri) Nature Trail and the Living Kaurna Cultural Centre. They enjoyed exploring the trail which focuses on native flora and fauna species, human impacts, and the role and value of public art. At Warriparinga Wetlands, the girls experienced a Welcome to Country ceremony, bush tucker walks and a weaving workshop. They enjoyed the variety of activities throughout the experience where they were able to enhance their cultural awareness and understandings.

The girls shared:

‘I enjoyed the smoking ceremony at the beginning. It was very interesting to learn about how the indigenous people are welcoming to everyone.’ – Zoe

‘I liked learning about the different bush food and plants the Kaurna people used.’ – Lauren

‘I enjoyed weaving the baskets because it was a very leisurely activity and a fun way to learn more about Aboriginal culture.’ – Nishka

‘I liked learning about native plants and animals on the tour and walk.’ – Aleesha

‘The oldest oven pit in the area was an interesting sight to see and it gave me an idea of what life would’ve been like for Aboriginal people.’ – Shwethakie

Gregor Dingwall
Head of Humanities

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Out of the Blue Arts Journal – Enter Now

To celebrate the many talented individuals within our School community, the annual Out of the Blue Arts Journal is back on for 2022!

We are inviting all students from ELC – Year 12, Old Scholars and staff to submit their artistic creations for this year’s journal. These submissions can be made individually or collaboratively. The journal features a wide variety of art including photographs, drawings, paintings, poetry, cakes, dances, song lyrics and tapestry. If you think of anything else, feel free to email us.

For any media items such as music or dance, a still graphic of the work with a relevant QR code will be used. Any music or media must be owned by the artist or should use royalty-free music. In order to represent our whole community, your submissions can also be in any language (provided it is submitted alongside an English translation).

Our journal was a huge success last year, featuring over 175 submissions and selling over 180 copies. A celebration launch will be held in the School Chapel on Thursday 3 November.

The closing date for all entries is Friday 7 October (the first week of the school holidays). We are thankful for all entries, but due to the number of submissions that we receive, only our successful applicants will be notified. Your submissions can either be emailed to the Out of the Blue email or placed in the Out of the Blue boxes in classrooms (for Junior School students) or in the Library (for Middle and Senior School students).

The Out of the Blue Arts Journal Committee is looking forward to seeing all of your amazing pieces and celebrating the artists in our community!

Nathara Perera
Arts Journal Student Committee

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Family Day Fun – Save the Date

Join us on Sunday 23 October for the Saints Girls’ Family Day!

From 11am to 2pm, Chiverton Lawns will host a fun-filled afternoon with food trucks, a coffee van and other refreshments. Bring the family, a picnic rug, and catch up with old friends and new.

Save the date in your calendar now and keep an eye out in future editions of eNews for more details.

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Road Safety Alert

The School has received reports of concerning driver behaviour on Hallett Road. This includes holding up traffic while waiting for cars to leave in order to park near the ELC, performing risky u-turns and parking in bus zones.

As our staff have no jurisdiction over public roads, the School will be asking the police to conduct regular patrols at peak times.

We implore all of our community members to support road safety and show courtesy to others.

Introducing Our Next Principal

On behalf of the Board of Governors, it is my great honour to announce the appointment of our next Principal of St Peter’s Girls’ School: Ms Cherylyn Skewes.

Cherylyn has a wealth of educational and leadership experience from ELC to Senior School in both Adelaide and Melbourne. She holds a Master of Education (Curriculum and Administration Studies) and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. With core teaching expertise in Years 7 – 12 English and German, Cherylyn’s career journey boasts breadth and depth. After six years as Head of Middle School in a large metropolitan State school and a regional responsibility for girls in education, she was appointed to St Peter’s College in Adelaide where her leadership roles included Head of Da Costa House and Master in Charge of Athletics.

Following four years as Head of Senior School at Annesley College, she was tasked with creating a new sustainable, educational concept for the Annesley site. In 2012, Cherylyn became founding Principal of Annesley Junior School. In a highly competitive educational environment, Cherylyn’s inspirational vision for a future-focused education that nurtures learner inquiry, student agency and authentic learning drew teachers and families to Annesley, with the reimagined school continuing to grow. A highlight was the World Class Learners’ Project led by Professor Yong Zhao that saw the pedagogical foundation laid for the Innovation Station, providing a dedicated space to create and develop STEAM (Science Technology Engineering Arts Maths) skills.

In 2017, Cherylyn was appointed Principal of Leibler Yavneh College in Melbourne, an ELC to Year 12 Jewish school of 750 students. She was able to inspire the staff with a clearly articulated vision to improve the school’s State VCE ranking from the mid 20s to 7th place in 2021. Cherylyn also led the introduction of a student wellbeing program and a range of popular STEAM subjects. She was appointed as the first non-Jewish President of the Association of Jewish Principals, and was selected to participate in the inaugural Independent Schools Victoria Principals’ Learning Academy in 2021, led by Professor Ethan Bernstein, Harvard Business School.

In 2022, Cherylyn was invited to join the School Improvement Team at Independent Schools Victoria as a Principal Consultant where she works closely with educational experts and the Principals of 25 independent schools in Melbourne, developing and executing future strategies.

Cherylyn has an abiding passion for the holistic and future-focused education of girls, and a strong belief in the important and unique role that committed school communities such as Saints Girls play in the lives of our children. She and her family are extremely excited about returning to their hometown of Adelaide, and we are equally as delighted to welcome them to the St Peter’s Girls’ community, with Cherylyn commencing her role in January.

Cherylyn says, ‘I was struck by the parallels between the Sisters’ courage in leaving England to sail to the other side of the world along with their very modern educational philosophy prioritising creativity, the joy of learning and the ability to think for oneself, with the challenges we face almost 130 years on as we prepare students for an uncertain future. These core aspirations remain: the courage to innovate, the courage to take the lead in girls’ education, and the courage to provide Saints Girls with the 21st century skills and competencies to face the challenges of the future with confidence and compassion, leading lives of purpose and fulfilment. The Sisters’ dreams live on, and I feel honoured to be joining the community and the Saints Girls’ story.’

We once again thank Julia for her immense contribution and her continued leadership as she shares an expert handover with Cherylyn in the weeks ahead. We look forward to introducing Cherylyn to our wonderful community and can’t wait to see the legacy she will create as she leads the next chapter in our School’s remarkable history.

Jeremy Schultz
Chair, Board of Governors

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Sports Day – Full Results

Last Friday, our Year 4 to 12 girls travelled to the state-of-the-art Bridgestone Athletics Centre for our annual Sports Day. Despite what started as a wet, windy day, the students brought their energy and positive attitudes, participating in their events and representing their Houses with pride.

Upon hearing Kilburn announced as winners of both the Middle and Senior School Shields in addition to the Spirit Cup, the students wondered if a clean sweep was possible. However, a huge win in the Junior School Shield gave Selwyn the points they needed to take home the overall Page Shield, making this a clean sweep for Selwyn of Cross Country, Swimming and Athletics Shields in 2022.

Shields

Page Shield
1st Selwyn (4152), 2nd Kilburn (3805), 3rd Kennion (3577), 4th Patteson (2838)
Junior Shield
1st Selwyn (1478), 2nd Kennion (1241), 3rd Kilburn (1097), 4th Patteson (992)
Middle Shield
1st Kilburn (1485), 2nd Selwyn (1458), 3rd Kennion (1114), 4th Patteson (949)
Senior Shield
1st Kilburn (1223), 2nd Kennion (1222), 3rd Selwyn (1216), 4th Patteson (897)

Spirit Cup

Kilburn

Aggregate Cups

Year 4: Gold – Milli Richardson (100), Silver – Violet Tulloch (91), Bronze – Olivia Ianniello (90)
Year 5: Gold – Bonnie Qu (96), Silver – Emily Robinson (94), Bronze – Matilda Purvis (83)
Year 6: Gold – Lauren Disney (108), Silver – Lucille Trengove (94), Bronze – Jess Woods (90)
Year 7: Gold – Isla Fahey (101) / Gold – Phoebe Lucas (101), Bronze – Aleesha Gray (88) /  Bronze – Isabella H (88)
Year 8: Gold – Elodie de Wit (96) /Gold – Chloe Richardson (96), Bronze – Abigail Hawkes (71)
Year 9: Gold – Charlotte McAuliffe (120), Silver – Carys Kinsella-White (96), Bronze – Phoebe Russell (69)
Year 10: Gold – Amelia Lucas (98), Silver – Sophie Ricciuto (89), Bronze – Alice Braithwaite (84)
Year 11: Gold – Chloe Porter (98), Silver – Adelaide Murphy (86), Bronze – Willow Stewart-Rattray (82)
Year 12: Gold – Alexia Politis (96), Silver – Adele Eaton (68), Silver – Chase Hocking (68)

Records

Year 4 Discus – Violet Tulloch (SEL) 16m 50cm
Year 6 100m – Lauren Disney (KEN) 13s 41ms
Year 6 200m – Lauren Disney (KEN) 27s 93ms
Year 7 800m – Isla Fahey (SEL) 2m 24s 30ms
Year 7 Long Jump – Phoebe Lucas (KIL) 4m 45cm
Year 9 100m – Charlotte McAuliffe (SEL) 12s 28ms
Year 9 200m – Charlotte McAuliffe (SEL) 24s 51ms
Year 9 400m – Charlotte McAuliffe (SEL) 0m 56s 91ms
Year 9 Shot Put – Charlotte McAuliffe (SEL) 11m 20cm

Champion Athlete

Junior School: Lauren Disney
Middle School: Charlotte McAuliffe
Senior School: Chloe Porter / Amelia Lucas

Field Champion

Junior Field Athlete: Violet Tulloch
Middle Field Athlete: Phoebe Lucas
Senior Field Athlete: Chloe Porter

Track Champion

Junior Track Athlete: Lauren Disney
Middle Track Athlete: Elodie de Wit
Senior Track Athlete: Alexia Politis

St Peter’s Gift Winner:

Bonnie Qu

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From Our Deputy Principal /
Head of Senior School

It’s hard to believe another week has come to an end and there are only two more weeks of school left for Term 3. You could be forgiven for thinking the remaining weeks would be slowing down after a busy term, however the School is still abuzz with events, exams, camps and learning opportunities.

Throughout the term during #EMPOWHER lessons, our girls have investigated themes such as gratitude, leadership, mental fitness, managing anxiety and reducing procrastination. They have then been presented with a multitude of opportunities to test their new knowledge and skills.

Our Year 8 and 9 students have been studying and revising diligently in the lead up to their exams this week. They have learnt how they best study, what stops or distracts them, what they do to procrastinate and ways to avoid or reduce this. The lessons learnt in #EMPOWHER, while useful now as they undertake exams, will stay with them across their schooling journey and will be of immense benefit in their future years.

Another #EMPOWHER topic developed in the classroom and then demonstrated in our wider community has been gratitude. One such example this week was the Year 12 Food and Hospitality class. The students were tasked with planning for and putting on a cocktail evening for their families. When planning, the class reached out to discuss the possibility of also inviting their Home Group Teachers. While increasing their workload, the students still wanted to invite the additional staff as a way of thanking them. The evening was a great success and everyone enjoyed the experience.

Gratitude, along with leadership, was also evident throughout the 2023 Prefect application process. Over 40 Year 11 students put their hands up to lead our School community next year. What struck me as I read through the applications or listened during interviews was the gratitude each student demonstrated for their School, their teachers, peers, and experiences. We will be in very safe hands moving into 2023.

As we prepare for the final two weeks of school, we look forward to camps, Girls in Tech, IB trial exams, Assemblies, Arts performances and excursions. Of course, there will also be tests, assignments and revision, especially for the senior students. We approach these final two weeks confident that our girls are well equipped with the skills and knowledge to undertake all that is asked of them and to flourish while doing so.

Lauren Sutton
Deputy Principal/Head of Senior School

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Year 12 Chefs Cook up a Storm

On Wednesday evening, our Year 12 Food and Hospitality class held a contemporary cocktail dinner for parents and staff for our final summative group task. We collaborated as a class, selecting and trialling many canapé options that would be suitable for the night.

A total of 12 canapés were chosen, showcasing contemporary Australian cuisine. The delicious selection included truffle and mushroom arancini, pork dumplings, chargrilled lamb cutlets with chimichurri, and vanilla panna cotta served with raspberry jelly.

The food we presented was a combination of all we have learnt over the past year, displaying our progress throughout the subject. The night was deemed a great success, with fantastic feedback and positive compliments from our guests. As a class, we were very proud of our efforts and hard work, leading up to and on the night.

We also want to thank Saints’ staff and our parents for coming along and supporting us on our culinary journey.

Dayna Petruzzella
Year 12 student

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Aerobics Stars Crowned National Champions

Congratulations to our Aerobics teams who were among only 3 schools to represent South Australian in the FISAF Australia National Championships in Brisbane last weekend. We are ecstatic to share that Freaky Friday placed 1st in the Year 7 – 12 Pre-Choreographed (Advanced) division. The girls worked through many challenges during the year, and the team that participated in this prestigious contest was the effort of a merger between Freaky Friday and The Stars. Their high-energy performance put Saints Girls on the National podium for the first time in over a decade.

We had amazing results with Tinkerbells as well, who came 6th in the Year 7 – 9 Pre-Choreographed (Novice) division, demonstrating high levels of flexibility and strength. They received several compliments from judges, coaches and spectators for their stage presence and presentation. All team members worked incredibly hard throughout the 2022 season.

Going to the FISAF National Championships during my last year as Captain of the Aerobics program was something I never thought possible. Throughout my time, we have faced many challenges including the possible discontinuation of the program. But I knew the determination of the small group of 15 girls in 2020 would show the Aerobics program was one to be reckoned with. Fast forward to 2022, and we had more than 40 girls initially enrolled and were thrilled to compete at a National level.

I am so proud of the girls and their sportsmanship between each other and towards other teams. Every girl in our Aerobics program is very talented in what they do, demonstrating high levels of flexibility and strength every training and competition.

Maddi Harmer
Aerobics Captain

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Saints Girls Speak Out at State Finals

Communicating clearly and effectively is a skill for life; it sets you up for job interviews, presentations, and provides confidence meeting and talking with new people. Public speaking develops your ability to construct a powerful, coherent argument and challenges you to think on your feet.

So far this year, supported by Ms Smith, the Public Speaking students have competed in the Rostrum Voice of Youth, Plain English Speaking Award (PESA), Legacy Junior Public Speaking Award and UN Youth’s Evatt Competition. The girls have had a very successful year making every State Final!

I had the privilege to proceed to the State Final of Rostrum and compete alongside Chomilka Hattotuwa (3^rd place) in the PESA State Final. Alison Francis advanced to the State Final of the Legacy competition, and most recently, two teams consisting of Year 10s Alysa Trinh, Misha Yagnik, Emily McCorley and myself advanced to the State Final of the Evatt Model UN competition.

My participation in Public Speaking has improved considerably and my communication abilities have helped me gain confidence and allowed me to make social connections with like-minded people.

Ms Smith says, ‘I am so proud of every girl who has entered a Public Speaking competition. This form of speaking was a new experience for some, and they courageously stepped outside their comfort zone. They were compassionate, supporting each other, offering advice, tips and a helpful critical ear. They also demonstrated great creativity in crafting diverse speeches with emotion, insight and humour.’

Chloe Richardson, who competed in Rostrum, says, ‘This year, I have really enjoyed learning the many skills involved in Public Speaking and getting to know lots of new people in different year levels. The experience has helped my confidence when speaking to an audience and has taught me how to write an engaging speech.’

Alison Francis also recommends the experience: ‘The Legacy Public Speaking competition was an excellent opportunity for me to improve my confidence and overall ability to speak in front of an audience. It was a very welcoming and friendly environment where I got to know students from other schools across the State. All of their speeches were fabulous, and they were very valuable to listen to and use as inspiration for the future. I am looking forward to competing again next year!’

I highly recommend Public Speaking for all students in Years 7 – 12. It is a useful skill to have and provides you with the opportunity to explore and speak about world issues that interest you. The Un Voice Competition is coming soon for students in Years 7 – 10 (SA | UN Youth Australia). Please contact Ms Smith if you are interested.

Jessica Zhang
Year 10 student

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Numeracy Learning Mushrooms in ELC

In our ELC, we incorporate numeracy into our everyday through vibrant experiences such as map-making using directional language and storytelling.

Watch the rich learning involved as our children plot the locations of fungi found in neighbouring Ferguson Park, and use mathematical thinking to sort and classify the different types of fungi.

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Junior School Vacation Care – Book Now

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.

October 2022 Vacation Care Program

Places are limited, so secure your booking now – click here

Bookings close at 2pm next Friday 23 September. Each individual booking made after then will incur a late booking fee of $5.

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Year 5 Production: Set Sail for Our Must-Sea Show!

Our wonderful Year 5 Production is fast approaching. The girls have been preparing to take the audience on this adventure for the past two terms, and are excited to thrill you with singing, dancing and joyful merriment in this wonderful Gilbert and Sullivan operetta.

You can be assured of a fun time as we celebrate beautiful maidens, bumbling policemen and not-so menacing pirates! Please come along and support the Year 5 students!

The performances will be held on Thursday 29 and Friday 30 September at 1.15pm and 7pm.

Tickets now available via TryBooking – click here

Shelley Hampton
Year 5 Teacher

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Now Casting: THE WIZARD OF OZ

SHANE DAVIDSON PRESENTS is holding auditions for THE WIZARD OF OZ The Musical. Ages 8+.

Join Dorothy, the brainless Scarecrow, the heartless Tinman and the cowardly Lion as they sing and dance their way down the Yellow Brick Road to the Emerald City to meet the Wizard of Oz.

Auditions: Saturday 17 September 2022 (Drama Room, St Peter’s Girls’ School)
Season: 19 and 20 November 2022 (Holden Street Theatre)

For further information, please email shanedavidson@internode.on.net

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Pelican Productions Music Theatre Camp

Each year in January, many of our Music girls head off to Pelican Productions to participate in the annual Music Theatre Day Camp. This is a wonderful experience for students who have a passion for music theatre and a chance to connect and make friendships with others.

Students perform a series of songs from various musicals with full staging, lighting and costumes, culminating in performances at Michael Murray Centre for Performing Arts, Westminster School.

Students have the option of participating in the Spotlight program which runs over six days (Monday 9 January – Saturday 14 January) or the full Music Theatre Camp over two weeks (Monday 9 January with performances on 20, 21 and 22 January).

For more information – click here

Sari Noble
Music Teacher

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Out of the Blue Arts Journal – Enter Now

To celebrate the many talented individuals within our School community, the annual Out of the Blue Arts Journal is back on for 2022!

We are inviting all students from ELC – Year 12, Old Scholars and staff to submit their artistic creations for this year’s journal. These submissions can be made individually or collaboratively. The journal features a wide variety of art including photographs, drawings, paintings, poetry, cakes, dances, song lyrics and tapestry. If you think of anything else, feel free to email us.

For any media items such as music or dance, a still graphic of the work with a relevant QR code will be used. Any music or media must be owned by the artist or should use royalty-free music. In order to represent our whole community, your submissions can also be in any language (provided it is submitted alongside an English translation).

Our journal was a huge success last year, featuring over 175 submissions and selling over 180 copies. A celebration launch will be held in the School Chapel on Thursday 3 November.

The closing date for all entries is Friday 7 October (the first week of the school holidays). We are thankful for all entries, but due to the number of submissions that we receive, only our successful applicants will be notified. Your submissions can either be emailed to the Out of the Blue email or placed in the Out of the Blue boxes in classrooms (for Junior School students) or in the Library (for Middle and Senior School students).

The Out of the Blue Arts Journal Committee is looking forward to seeing all of your amazing pieces and celebrating the artists in our community!

Nathara Perera
Arts Journal Student Committee

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Old Scholar Musical in Stonyfell Spotlight

Earlier this year, Old Scholar Erin McKellar (Patteson 2013) premiered her very own musical, A Box of Memories at the Adelaide Fringe. The award-winning show is now returning under the direction of international director Narelle Yeo, presented at St Peter’s Girls’ School Arts Centre.

Co-written with her father Duncan and with music composed entirely by Erin, this intimate show features an all-Adelaide line up that presents perspectives on what it means to live with dementia, from diagnosis through to the end-of-life. During a series of vignettes, it follows the story of Lizzy, a woman in her 70s, experiencing changes in memory and at the beginning of a life-impacting diagnostic experience.

The Friends of The Arts will be supporting the event selling refreshments.

Venue: St Peter’s Girls’ School Arts Centre
Dates: Sunday 18 September 7.30pm
Tickets: $45 via TryBooking – click here

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Family Day Fun – Save the Date

Join us on Sunday 23 October for the Saints Girls’ Family Day!

From 11am to 2pm, Chiverton Lawns will host a fun-filled afternoon with food trucks, a coffee van and other refreshments. Bring the family, a picnic rug, and catch up with old friends and new.

Save the date in your calendar now and keep an eye out in future editions of eNews for more details.

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Road Safety Alert

The School has received reports of concerning driver behaviour on Hallett Road. This includes holding up traffic while waiting for cars to leave in order to park near the ELC, performing risky u-turns and parking in bus zones.

As our staff have no jurisdiction over public roads, the School will be asking the police to conduct regular patrols at peak times.

We implore all of our community members to support road safety and show courtesy to others.

Sports Day: and the Winner is…

Congratulations to SELWYN on taking out Sports Day 2022!

House spirit was in full flight at the state-of-the-art Bridgestone Athletics Centre today as eager athletes dominated the track and field. As always, the novelty events were a hit, and the Year 12 costumes lived up to the hype with colour and creativity.

Well done to the girls, staff and parents on yet another fantastic Sports Day!

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Winter Interhouse Goes Down to the Wire

Excitement reached fever pitch at our annual Winter Interhouse and the results went down to the wire!

House pride beamed throughout the carnival as the girls battled it out across Aussie Rules, Badminton, Netball and Soccer.

Well done to all players and student supporters who showed such terrific competitive spirit. For all the event recaps, head to the Sports News section.

House Shields:
Aussie Rules – Kennion
Badminton – Patteson
Netball – Kennion
Soccer – Kilburn

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SACE Dancers CONNECT with Crowds

Congratulations to our SACE Dancers on their powerful performances this week of CONNECT, highlighting the central theme of connection through diverse styles of choreography.

The show explored the importance of human connection, particularly during a global pandemic, to environment, history, others and ourselves.

The Stage 2 Dancers, supported by Stage 1, dedicated much time and effort preparing for their performance assessment, and we commend them on their outstanding work.

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Year 9 Arts Collab Night

Last week, the Year 9 Arts students presented an outstanding display of Dance, Drama, Music and Visual Arts to an enthusiastic audience in the Arts Centre.

The entertaining evening featured self-devised group pieces from the Drama and Dance students as well as solo instrumental items from Music students and a vibrant Visual Arts display in the foyer.

We congratulate all girls for their creativity and dedication to this collaborative project.

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Disco Cabaret Evening – Next Friday!

Friday 16 September, 7pm
Arts Centre

It’ll be a case of Friday Night Fever at our upcoming Cabaret, with disco the theme this year. The evening will feature our Junior Choir, Concert Choir, Just Jazz, In-Ta Jazz, Enchante, Chamber Choir, Concert Band, Senior Strings and Stage Band. In addition, our Artist in Residence David Goodwin will be on keys, Old Scholar Erin McKellar (Patteson 2013) will be a feature vocalist and we’ll even have a dance floor for attendees to strut their stuff!

Tables of 8 will be available as well as regular auditorium seating, with tickets $10 for adults and $5 for children. The Friends of The Arts will be supporting the event selling refreshments and nibbles.

To book your tickets – click here

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From Our Director of Teaching and Learning

As we welcome the start of spring, our School is abuzz with much activity amongst all year levels. Term 3 marks the beginning of preparations for the next coming academic year. Our Year 12 girls have engaged in conversations regarding SATAC applications for the tertiary enrolment process, and online exam readiness. Girls in Years 7 – 11 have had subject counselling and selected subjects for 2023 study. The girls’ selections then inform the construction of our 2023 School timetable, a process which is now well underway. Our Subject Expo held at the start of the term contributes to this process and gives our girls and families an opportunity to see and hear first-hand the options available both in subject areas as well as tertiary institution offerings. Choosing the right subjects that motivate and excite our girls is paramount in assisting them to discover new interests and advance their strengths, as well as preparing for life beyond school.

Year 8 and 9 girls have begun their exam preparation as well. The exams provide an opportunity not only to practise the skillset required for examination assessment, but the accompanying skills of organisation, punctuality, time management, resilience, self-awareness, and the importance of rest and reset time. Developing skills over the girls’ Middle School years helps them in preparation for their Senior School study and, importantly, helps to minimise the stress or worry many girls feel in relation to exams. I know the girls will approach this period with the planning and revision it requires. Already through my short time as a member of this community, I have been thoroughly impressed by the attitudes and work ethic demonstrated by the girls. They exemplify what it means to be principled, knowledgeable and balanced learners. These attributes will assist each and every girl to achieve their best in their studies and help their holistic growth.

Kate Morgante
Director of Teaching and Learning

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Another String to Violin Virtuoso’s Bow

We are thrilled to hear that Old Scholar Sophie Rowell (Kilburn 1992) has been announced as the Artistic Director of the Melbourne Chamber Orchestra (MCO) from 2023.

Sophie is one of Australia’s most respected and recognisable violinists and is the current Concertmaster of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. She is well known to national audiences for founding the Tankstream Quartet, later appointed to the Australian String Quartet, as well as winning the ABC Young Performer’s Award in 2000. She is in high demand as a teacher, and her ongoing role at the Australian National Academy of Music also aligns perfectly with MCO’s long-standing commitment to emerging musicians.

Sophie says, ‘I am extremely honoured to have been given the opportunity to lead the Melbourne Chamber Orchestra as its Artistic Director from 2023 and hope to build on the legacy of performance excellence that my wonderful predecessor William Hennessy has left for us. I see a future of exciting possibilities that only an orchestra with the flexibility and commitment of MCO can achieve and I can’t wait to get started sharing my artistic vision with you all. Thank you to my dear colleagues at the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra for their support and encouragement as I begin the next chapter in my musical life.’

We have been delighted to welcome Sophie to Saints Girls to collaborate, teach and inspire our Music students when she visits Adelaide, and our vocal ensemble Esperanza were fortunate to catch up with her at the recent Musica Viva ‘Strike a Chord’ National Chamber Music championship in Melbourne.

Well done to yet another Saints Girl who’s making her mark on this world!

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Culture and Collaboration with Aboriginal Artist in Residence

This term, we were fortunate to host Scott Rathman as our Aboriginal Artist in Residence as we worked towards a refresh of the mural on the OSHC building. Our Reconciliation Action Plan ambassadors, Year 6 Art Leaders and a selection of Year 11 artists workshopped ideas and symbols with Scott to form the design of the new mural. The symbols and patterns chosen represent what School life means to the students: a place of growth and self-development, connectedness through a strong community and important relationships that will shape the people they will become.

Scott is an Arrernte descendant who has lived most of his life on Kaurna land. The rich design in his works is a tribute to his grandmother who was a member of the Stolen Generation and overcame so much in her life to be an amazing role model. His curiosity to explore and understand his cultural background is the passion that drives him to continue to look at new ways to combine the traditions of his heritage with designs of the present day.

Scott enjoys creating artworks in public places to remind people that Aboriginal culture is still as important today as it has always been. We love the unique design that represents the past, present and future through Scott’s contemporary creative design and expression.

Sarah Casson
Art Teacher

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Guitar Ensemble Enthrals Young Fans

On Thursday morning, the Guitar Ensemble performed for the ELC students and staff.
They started with a lilting traditional folk song and the well-known ‘Amazing Grace’. Later in the set, the ensemble had the children clapping and moving to a funky Jamaican tune, and bopping to the hit song ‘Happy’ made popular by Pharrell Williams.

The students were excited to see five guitars performing together and enjoyed looking at the instruments up close. The members of the ensemble, ranging from Years 9 – 11, also had a lovely time interacting with their young and enthusiastic audience!

Robyn Habel
Music Teacher

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Year 5 Production: Set Sail for Our Must-Sea Show!

Our wonderful Year 5 Production is fast approaching, with just three weeks to go. The girls have been preparing to take the audience on this adventure for the past two terms, and are excited to thrill you with singing, dancing and joyful merriment in this wonderful Gilbert and Sullivan operetta.

You can be assured of a fun time as we celebrate beautiful maidens, bumbling policemen and not-so menacing pirates! Please come along and support the Year 5 students!

The performances will be held on Thursday 29 and Friday 30 September at 1.15pm and 7pm.

Tickets now available via TryBooking – click here

Shelley Hampton
Year 5 Teacher

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Now Casting: THE WIZARD OF OZ

SHANE DAVIDSON PRESENTS is holding auditions for THE WIZARD OF OZ The Musical. Ages 8+.

Join Dorothy, the brainless Scarecrow, the heartless Tinman and the cowardly Lion as they sing and dance their way down the Yellow Brick Road to the Emerald City to meet the Wizard of Oz.

Auditions: Saturday 17 September 2022 (Drama Room, St Peter’s Girls’ School)
Season: 19 and 20 November 2022 (Holden Street Theatre)

For further information, please email shanedavidson@internode.on.net

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Pelican Productions Music Theatre Camp

Each year in January, many of our Music girls head off to Pelican Productions to participate in the annual Music Theatre Day Camp. This is a wonderful experience for students who have a passion for music theatre and a chance to connect and make friendships with others.

Students perform a series of songs from various musicals with full staging, lighting and costumes, culminating in performances at Michael Murray Centre for Performing Arts, Westminster School.

Students have the option of participating in the Spotlight program which runs over six days (Monday 9 January – Saturday 14 January) or the full Music Theatre Camp over two weeks (Monday 9 January with performances on 20, 21 and 22 January).

For more information – click here

Sari Noble
Music Teacher

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Out of the Blue Arts Journal – Enter Now

To celebrate the many talented individuals within our School community, the annual Out of the Blue Arts Journal is back on for 2022!

We are inviting all students from ELC – Year 12, Old Scholars and staff to submit their artistic creations for this year’s journal. These submissions can be made individually or collaboratively. The journal features a wide variety of art including photographs, drawings, paintings, poetry, cakes, dances, song lyrics and tapestry. If you think of anything else, feel free to email us.

For any media items such as music or dance, a still graphic of the work with a relevant QR code will be used. Any music or media must be owned by the artist or should use royalty-free music. In order to represent our whole community, your submissions can also be in any language (provided it is submitted alongside an English translation).

Our journal was a huge success last year, featuring over 175 submissions and selling over 180 copies. A celebration launch will be held in the School Chapel on Thursday 3 November.

The closing date for all entries is Friday 7 October (the first week of the school holidays). We are thankful for all entries, but due to the number of submissions that we receive, only our successful applicants will be notified. Your submissions can either be emailed to the Out of the Blue email or placed in the Out of the Blue boxes in classrooms (for Junior School students) or in the Library (for Middle and Senior School students).

The Out of the Blue Arts Journal Committee is looking forward to seeing all of your amazing pieces and celebrating the artists in our community!

Nathara Perera
Arts Journal Student Committee

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Old Scholar Musical in Stonyfell Spotlight

Earlier this year, Old Scholar Erin McKellar (Patteson 2013) premiered her very own musical, A Box of Memories at the Adelaide Fringe. The award-winning show is now returning under the direction of international director Narelle Yeo, presented at St Peter’s Girls’ School Arts Centre.

Co-written with her father Duncan and with music composed entirely by Erin, this intimate show features an all-Adelaide line up that presents perspectives on what it means to live with dementia, from diagnosis through to the end-of-life. During a series of vignettes, it follows the story of Lizzy, a woman in her 70s, experiencing changes in memory and at the beginning of a life-impacting diagnostic experience.

The Friends of The Arts will be supporting the event selling refreshments.

Venue: St Peter’s Girls’ School Arts Centre
Dates: Sunday 18 September 7.30pm
Tickets: $45 via TryBooking – click here

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Scholastic Book Club

One of the best gifts any parent can give a child is the love of books and the benefits of
independent reading for fun. Children who read at home, or are read to, have a head start
on reading success in school.

Place your Issue 5 order online via the Scholastic Australia LOOP website to select some great books for as little as $3.

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Road Safety Alert

The School has received reports of concerning driver behaviour on Hallett Road. This includes holding up traffic while waiting for cars to leave in order to park near the ELC, performing risky u-turns and parking in bus zones.

As our staff have no jurisdiction over public roads, the School will be asking the police to conduct regular patrols at peak times.

We implore all of our community members to support road safety and show courtesy to others.