Issue no. 21
From Our Director of Teaching & Learning
If I am honest in my reflection, growing up I did not aspire to be a teacher. I had dreams to be everything from a physiotherapist to a medical scientist, then an actor or maybe a journalist or environmental advocate. However, with a passion for science, post school I chose to study Biomedical Science and pursued graduate research in reproductive physiology.
During this time, I tutored undergraduates in Chemistry, Biology and Anatomy as one of my part-time jobs. I enjoyed my work in the laboratory, my research area was contemporary and I had excellent supervisors who were helping me pave a future career in medical research. However, as time went on, I realised how much I looked forward to planning my tutor sessions and the satisfaction I got from explaining concepts in a way that allowed a student to finally grasp a concept. I liked drawing diagrams on whiteboards, the laughs from my daggy jokes or anecdotes and most of all forming positive relationships with my students. I loved science and ultimately decided that sharing this love through teaching was what I was meant to do, a decision for which I am still grateful.
Today marks World Teacher’s Day. It is an opportunity to celebrate and thank our teachers for their important role in our community and the positive impact they have on the lives of our girls. There is a well-known saying that states ‘the quality of an education system cannot exceed the quality of its teachers.’ This global day of observance acknowledges the invaluable contributions of educators to society. For our School it serves as a reminder of our educator’s dedication, hard work and the profound impact they have on shaping the future of our country and world.
Think of the multiple roles that our school’s educators fulfil within and outside of the classroom; mentor, facilitator, leader, counsellor, collaborator, innovator, advocate and role model. They are the nurturers of each girl’s potential and their guides in a rapidly changing world. Our educators empower the girls to develop critical thinking and reasoning, embracing new technology and instructional strategies to engage students and improve outcomes.
I, along with the whole Senior Leadership Team, am grateful for all that our educators do and the amazing people that they are. We thank them for their commitment to our community to ensure each girl discovers their talents and reaches their goals.
I encourage you all to take the time to thank an educator today for their service and dedication to the girls of our school.
Kate Fryer
Director of Teaching & Learning
From Our 2024 Head and Deputy Head Prefects
When appointed as Head and Deputy Head Prefects of our School, something that was important to both of us was understanding the term leadership. To us, leadership is more than the title. It means supporting others in their success but also helping them learn from their mistakes. It means having the ability to approach a challenge with an open mindset and encouraging those around us to take up the vast range of opportunities our School has to offer. Most importantly, it is about being a positive role model and an approachable leader for each and every student here at St Peters’ Girls.
We are extremely grateful to have been given this amazing opportunity and hope that, alongside the prefect team, we can make 2024 a brilliant year for the school. As a leadership team, we are passionate about continuing to develop the school’s sense of inclusivity and connection. We will strive to build stronger relationships between all year levels through our initiatives. Furthermore, we recognise the amazing opportunities that our school provides and understand the privilege of being a Saints Girl. We aspire to encourage students to give everything a go and to truly immerse themselves in all the school has to offer.
We are both incredibly grateful for the guidance we have received from the previous and current leaders and we aim to uphold their determination to best represent the school and its values of creativity, courage, and compassion.
As we approach the upcoming year, we are really looking forward to building relationships with all members of the school community. Whether it be in the classroom, walking through the corridors or at events we hope that you will come and chat to any of the prefect team. We can’t wait to get started!
Daisy Kennett & Sophie Ricciuto
Head Prefect & Deputy Head Prefect 2024
![](https://enews.stpetersgirls.sa.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Leaders-Induction-W.jpg")
Heads of Year Level – Staffing Announcement
It is with a sense of excitement that we are pleased to announce the following staff have been appointed into the positions of Heads of Year commencing in 2024.
Year 7 Alastair Eglinton
Year 8 Emma Cother
Year 9 Joni Combe
Year 10 Clare Gaskell
Year 11 Emily Moxon
Year 12 Dan Searle
Working in partnership with Home Group Teachers and the Heads of Middle and Senior School, the Heads of Year will be responsible for the care and wellbeing of every student in their respective cohort. The Heads of Year will play a pivotal role in fostering students’ sense of belonging and will be responsible for overseeing the holistic development of each Saints Girl under their care. We wish these staff all the very best in their new positions.
A Night of Reflection and Celebration at Valedictory Dinner
On Friday evening the Year 12 Cohort, their families and staff came together to acknowledge and celebrate the graduating class of 2023 at the Valedictory Dinner. After a jam-packed fun day at school, the evening provided students, parents and staff a chance to enjoy each other’s company in a relaxed atmosphere at the National Wine Centre. Addresses by School Principal Ms Cherylyn Skewes, Head Prefect Ellie Humphrey and Deputy Head Prefect Ruby Richards provided moments of reflection, a chance to dream about the future and opportunities and to offer thanks and gratitude to all who have supported the girls across their journey. President of the Old Scholars Association Ms. Rebecca Farquhar (Selwyn 1988) officially welcomed the class of 2023 as Old Scholars of Saints and presented 12 students who have been with us since ELC with a commemorative photo. The night was a wonderful time to come together as a community to farewell the girls. We wish them all the very best as they prepare to finish final assignments and undertake exams.
Saints Science Success!
On Friday night in Week 1, students from across the state came together to celebrate the Oliphant Science Awards winners at Brighton Performing Arts Centre. Two students from Saints Girls were prize winners on the evening. Arabella Morgante (Year 4) was awarded second prize in the Year 3-4 Science Writing category for her project ‘Eating Insects: Yuck or Yum?’. Zoe Curtis (Year 6) was awarded first prize in the Year 5-8 Photography category for her project ‘Bust a Move’ and third prize in the Year 5-8 Scientific Inquiry category for her project ‘Does it Dance’. Zoe was also awarded second prize in the Year 5-8 category of the Department of Education Young Scientist Award. This award is the among the highest accolades a student can achieve in the Oliphant Science Awards. Arabella and Zoe were named prize winners out of over 2000 projects submitted this year. Congratulations to both girls on their outstanding efforts this year and we can’t wait to see how their scientific curiosity grows into the future.
Also, in an impressive demonstration of skill and precision, Emily Hocking secured the 12th position nationally in the 2023 RACI Titration Challenge. This challenging contest, organised by Australia’s premier professional body for the chemical sciences, tasks participants with performing an acid-based titration to pinpoint the concentration of an unidentified acid, where the finest of margins dictate the accuracy of results. Emily’s exemplary performance showcases not only her adeptness in the field but also her dedication to the art of chemistry. Congratulations, Emily, on this outstanding achievement!
Sophie Dolling and Melissa O’Loughlin
Scientist in Residence and STEM Innovation Leader
Year 8 Debating Grand Finalists
We are immensely proud to congratulate our Year 8 Debating Team 2 on reaching the SADA Intermediate B Grand Final. Their road to the final was marked by an undefeated performance in the preliminary rounds, where they debated such diverse topics as expressing regret over the fast fashion industry’s growth and examining the potential impact of ChatGPT on education. In the Grand Final, the girls mounted an impressive challenge but narrowly missed securing the win. Congratulations to Year 8 Team 2 on a superb debating season – we hope to see you return to the debating arena next year!
Year 3s Get Radicool with Reptiles
In Year 3, the girls have recently finished learning about how human actions can preserve or endanger living things in our ‘Sharing the Planet’ unit of inquiry. The girls have been investigating reasons why living things become endangered and extinct, identifying the features of living things and classifying them based on these attributes. They have come to appreciate the responsibility and role we must play as human beings in the survival and preservation of living things on our planet.
As a final learning experience, the girls were lucky to come face to face with reptiles this week, in a hands-on session focused on respect, understanding, conservation and the natural world. The session was led by Nadia who was accompanied by her daughter, from Radicool Reptiles, who were engaging, informative and inspirational in their delivery of interesting facts about reptiles. The girls learnt so much about an array of different reptiles and specific species as they came to realise there are some strong stereotypes and misconceptions about these creatures which are unfair and often untrue.
So much fun was had holding the pythons, Marley and Ziggy and learning how to handle them with a gentle touch. Some of the other animals they handled on the day included the freshwater turtle, freshwater crocodile, blue tongue lizards, bearded dragons and geckos. The girls learned about reptiles, conservationb and the impact we can have on our natural world. This both solidified and built upon their learning from our inquiry. Many of them were excited to come away from the experience with a new-found love for reptiles!
Sarah Mulraney
Year 3 Teacher
Year 11s Make Delicious Gift Treats
The Stage 1 Food and Hospitality students have been creating gift baskets for a family member or friend. The gift baskets are Spring themed. They are designed to be affordable, healthy and include a variety of preserved foods. The group worked collaboratively to design and create the gift boxes filled with ten Spring inspired treats to enjoy. We were also tasked with creating labels and packaging that met the Spring theme of the gift basket. Each gift box includes an assortment of dehydrated fruits, jams and biscuits such as Turkish delight, kale chips, dehydrated fruits, either strawberry or raspberry jam, spiced nuts, German spiced biscuits, shortbread, sugar cookies, herb lavosh and lavender tea.
We are really excited to give these to a family member or friend!
Charlie Piper and Ashlyn May
Year 11 Students
Scholastic Book Club Issue 7
Get ready for Christmas by giving the gift of reading. This issue Scholastic are offering 50 additional titles at 60%-80% off. Access the sale through the LOOP online shop. Keeping presents a secret is easy, simply select gift order when selecting books to purchase. When the books arrive staff will send a notification and leave orders at reception for collection. You can place your child’s order at Scholastic Australia LOOP website or using the LOOP app, which can be downloaded from the App Store or Google Play.
Browse Issue seven here
Friends of Rowing Season Opening Picnic
The Friends of Rowing invite you to attend the Season Opening Picnic on Sunday 29 October from 5 to 7pm on Chiverton Lawns. This event will be an opportunity to welcome our new and returning Rowing families for the 2023/24 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 here
$30 per adult, $25 per student/child
Tickets include nibbles, yiros and soft drinks. Refreshments will also be available for purchase.
Brynley Millward
Director of Rowing
Cyber Security Awareness Month
October is Cyber Security Awareness Month (CSAM), a time for all Australians to improve their cyber security knowledge and take action to protect their information and devices.
The theme for 2023, ‘Be cyber wise – don’t compromise’, encourages you to take 4 simple steps to be more cyber wise:
- Update your devices regularly
- Turn-on multi-factor authentication
- Backup your important files
- Use passphrases and password managers.
You can get involved by accessing the resources and guidance for Cyber Security Awareness Month 2023. Complete a quiz to test your cyber security knowledge, watch a video about Cyber Security Awareness Month and access guides to improve your cyber security.
Tracey Guyers
IT Manager
Shane Davidson Presents – The Lion King JR
Join us in this magical spectacular production as we take to the Pridelands and join the circle of life with fantastic music, big dance routines and wonderful tunes such as I Just Can’t Wait to be King, Can You Feel the Love Tonight, He Lives in You and Hakuna Matata.
With a wonderful cast, including 25 girls from Saints, and a vibrant array of wonderful costumes, face paint and eye-catching headgear for all the characters, this show will entertain all ages.
Tickets now on sale – click here to book.
School Shop Notice
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. This is now accessible via the Flexischools platform which also administers our Online Tuck Shop. To sign in or sign up to Flexischools, click here
Bushfire Action Plan
It is important to remind families about the School’s Bushfire Action Plan.
The policy was developed in consultation with the CFS, MFS, Department for Education and other stakeholders to ensure staff and students are prepared in the event of an emergency.
For more information, you can access our Bushfire Action Plan on the myLink parent portal by clicking the ‘School Documents’ menu item, followed by the ‘Whole School’ tab.
School Health Centre Notices
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
COVID-19 Information
Please find the latest guidance from SA Health:
- It is strongly recommended that students stay home if they have cold or flu-like
symptoms, and test for COVID-19. - Whether they receive a positive or negative result, they should stay home until symptoms subside (usually five to seven days).
- While face masks are no longer mandated, they are an important physical barrier to help stop the spread of COVID, particularly when indoors.
If your child tests positive to COVID-19, please inform the School. Please also notify the School each day of absence, or provide the expected period of absence.
You can notify us via one of the following methods. Please 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.
Email: attendance@stpetersgirls.sa.edu.au
Text: 0428 601 957 (save to phone contacts as SPGS)
Phone: 8334 2200
For more SA Health information, click here
Please note that if your child is unwell, they should remain home until they have recovered, irrespective of the illness.
Absences from School
If your child will be absent from school/ELC or is arriving late or leaving early, please notify the School via one of the following methods:
Text: 0428 601 957
Email: attendance@stpetersgirls.sa.edu.au
Phone: 8334 2200
Please ensure to include your child’s name, the name of the ELC Room, Class or Home Group and the reason for the absence ie illness/appointment/family/sport etc.
If notifying via email, feel free to ‘cc’ the teacher of the Room/Class/Home Group as well.
It would be appreciated if notification is received prior to 9am.
Sports News
Sport Results
Monday 16 October – Tuesday 24 October
AFL
Year 4-6 Blue: Saints (80) v Seymour Green (10)
Best Player: Anisha Pahuja
Superwomen: Alice Bigg
Year 3-4 White: Saints (0) v Seymour (20)
Best Player: Poppy Begley
Superwomen: Edwina Christo
BASKETBALL
Open A: Saints (24) v Walford Senior B (15)
Best Player: Addison Rice has improved a lot since term 1 and had the confidence to take some shots that paid off! Good work Addy!
Superwoman: Isabella Sanders-Wills encouraged her teammates to cheer on the sideline and lead by example on the court by following rebounds aggressively.
Middle A: Saints (35) v Seymour Middle A (29)
Best Player: Charlotte Dodd for great driving and scoring
Superwoman: Isobel McArthur awesome rebounding and team game.
Middle B: Saints (9) v Seymour Middle B (40)
Best Player: Gracie Calvert showed great control dribbling down the court and attacking the basket.
Superwoman: Lucy Tulloch did a great job on her first game of basketball and even scored a goal!
Middle C: Saints (7) v Concordia Middle C1 (38)
Best Player: Imogen Wallace
Superwoman: Rishita Raghav applied great pressure in defence throughout the game with lots of steals which created scores for the team!
Middle D: Saints (6) v Concordia Middle C3 (42)
Best Player: Christina Zhu
Superwoman: Si Cheng for getting a few defensive blocks on players much taller than her and getting a great score from the midrange!
WATER POLO
Open A: Saints (11) v Pembroke Open A (2)
Best Player: Ayla Blaskett
Open B: Saints (6) v St Dominic’s (8)
Best Player: Marcella Tolley
Superwoman: Sophie Ryan
Middle A: BYE
CRICKET
Senior A: Saints (82/2) v Pulteney Senior A (67/3)
Senior B Blue: Saints (127/6) v Seymour Senior B (107/12)
Best player: Jasmine Segredos scored 21 with the bat, was positive with her running and lead in the field.
Superwoman: Grace Mayen built a strong partnership with Georgie Williams, positive running between the wickets, and was willing to take risks with the bat.
Senior B White: Saints (79/8) v Walford Senior B (96/13)
Best player: Sylvie Flavel for a hattrick and two direct hit run-outs.
Superwoman: Sophie Ricciuto was positive in the field, great behind the stumps and bowled beautifully.
TENNIS
Senior Open A: Saints (1/26) v Scotch Premier League (9/68)
Best player: Ayanna Roy
Superwoman: Leah Huynh
Experienced: Saints (1/10) v Scotch (4/17)
Best player: Wan Shun (Cynthia) Fong
Superwoman: Brilliant tennis by all girls especially Cynthia and Jessica Dong’s doubles with a close score of 5-6.
Intermediate Blue Saints: (6/28) v St Andrews White (0/0)
Best player: Forfeit by St Andrews
Superwoman: Forfeit by St Andrews
Beginner Blue: Saints (3/14) v Seymour Blue (3/10)
Best player: Rachel Gong
Beginner White: Saints (1/7) v Seymour White (4/18)
Best player: Matilda Mollison
Senior Division 2: Saints (30) v Concordia Div 2.1 (29)
Best player: Ziyu (Jerrie) Wu
Superwoman: Yuon (Kaylah) Park (Played 3 games!)
Senior Division 4.1: Saints (0/14) v Pembroke Div 4 Green (6/30)
Best player: Olivia Clarke came within two points of victory on Saturday. She was competitive, played in good spirit and stayed after her match to support her teammates.
Superwomen: All players! We only had four girls this week and they all gave their best and were supportive of each other.
Senior Division 4.2: Cancelled
Senior Division 4.4: Internal game
VOLLEYBALL
Senior A: Saints (3/65) v Westminster Senior B (0/33)
Best player: Annabel Keough
Superwomen: Januri Wagaarachchi played really well for her first time in Open As. Not only does Januri have great skills, she supports her teammates throughout the game.
Senior B: Saints (3/69) v Immanuel Senior B4 (0/41)
Best player: Lauren Pearce
Superwomen: Shea Forster and Alysa Trinh – playing against a quiet team of five made it very easy for our team to drop the energy and skill level. When put on the bench, Shea and Alysa cheered for every point to uplift the team spirit.
Senior C: Saints (3) v Walford Senior C (0)
Best player: Amelia Sutherland
Superwoman: Sophie Upton
Additional coach’s comments: Shout out to Sophie Ryan for coming to the game even though she’s injured.
Middle A: Saints (3) v Walford Middle B (0)
Best player: Lily Forby was consistent all-round. Great serving runs putting pressure on the opposition.
Superwoman: Vi Anh (Angelina) Tran played a real captain’s game with lots of voice and organisation of the team around the court.
Additional coach’s comments: Great skills shown by the whole team! Amy Wang stepping up to As like she’s been there all season – a great addition to the team. Excellent serving and attacking, all stemming from good passing and defence. Awesome work girls!! Great team commitment shown by Nishka Soodan for coming out to support the team while injured – fingers crossed it’s only a minor injury.
Middle B: Saints (1/61) v Seymour Middle B (2/75)
Best player: Ashmitha Ramesh had a very good game and was Most Valuable Player. She made some great serves and was calm and controlled in court.
Superwoman: Madeleine Battye showed great energy throughout and good support for the team, she was brilliant in lifting team spirit.
Middle C: Saints (1) v Westminster Middle C2 (2)
Best player: Alexis Ridge had the most presence on court, helping her friends and encouraging everyone.
Superwoman: Nefertara David was at first hesitant, but with a little encouragement she was engaging with the team and had a big overall impact on the court.
Middle D: Saints (0/45) v Immanuel Middle C4 (3/75)
Best Player: Aoife Carty
TOUCH FOOTBALL
Middle A: Saints (8) v Pembroke Middle B (1)
Best Player: India Goodall and Abbey Phillips
Superwomen: Maisy Ion and Eliza Brill Reed; Maisy’s skills have really developed, she had good vision and was in position looking for gaps which resulted in her scoring a try. It was Eliza’s first game; she listened, was active and helped her player covering for her when they fell down. Eliza scored her first try. She looked for the gap and with her speed was able to break the defence.
Middle B: Saints (0) v St Dominics 1 (7)
Best player: Eva Murphy
Superwoman: Emma Sayers for giving guidance to players that were having their first game on the touch field.
Additional coach’s comment: Although we were defeated, all girls put themselves out there and were able to work as a team and identify areas to work on for next week. Commendations go out to the girls who played their first game. I look forward to the season and seeing where the group of driven players will go!
Open A: Saints (0) v Marryatville 1 (6)
Best Player: Lucy Mitchell
Superwoman: Elodie de Wit for stepping up to play in the Open A side as they were short on players
Open B: Saints (0) v Wilderness School Senior A1 (15)
Best Player: Cleo Hart
Superwoman: Phoebe Russell
Open C: Saints v Seymour 2 – Lost on forfeit.
