Here we are at the end of a busy Term 1. The year commenced with our annual Welcome Drinks on the lawns and from that moment, the term has unfolded at an extraordinary pace, marked by a wide range of events and achievements from our wonderful students.
A highlight, as always, was our much-loved Choral Night. This long-standing tradition is a powerful expression of our Saints Girls’ Sisterhood. The courage our students showed as they took to the stage combined with the creativity evident in each performance, was truly inspiring. With rehearsals beginning last year, this event is a testament to the dedication of both students and staff. Congratulations to Patteson for winning Choral Night for the second year in a row.
This term, we were proud to host our annual Girls in Tech event, welcoming over 130 Years 5 and 6 students from surrounding primary schools to learn, to have fun and to be inspired by technology. This initiative provided an invaluable opportunity for girls to explore the many possibilities available to them in STEM fields through hands-on activities and motivational guest speakers. It was rewarding to see such curiosity and enthusiasm as students engaged with new ideas and future pathways.
Our Swimming Carnival was another memorable occasion, held at the newly renovated Adelaide Aquatic Centre. Congratulations to Selwyn for winning the event, but beyond the results, the camaraderie and House spirit were what stood out. Students cheered one another on with genuine encouragement, whether in the 50m Freestyle or the Crocodile Relay. The support for one another, regardless of House, is a hallmark of the strength of bonds between girls of all ages at our School.
I would like to congratulate our rowers on their outstanding success at the Head of the River. Winning eight races overall and once again achieving the highest number of wins in the Schoolgirl crew category is a remarkable accomplishment. The sea of blue along the banks of West Lakes, with families and students showing their support, was a powerful reflection of School pride. As Principal, I was especially proud to receive the following email from a parent of a fellow Independent School:
Morning Principal Cherylyn,
I wanted to share something I witnessed on Saturday at Head of the River. A small group of your girls – some rowers and some in school uniform – were already halfway down the riverbank heading towards the start line when an elderly couple stopped them to ask where the PAC tent was. The couple were clearly hot and a bit overwhelmed, carrying chairs and bags and facing what must have felt like a long walk. Without hesitation, the girls changed direction. They picked up the couple’s chairs and bags and walked them down to the tent so they wouldn’t have to struggle to find it themselves. It was such a simple, generous act, but a really lovely one to see. As a [School Name] parent, I was genuinely impressed. Moments like that say a lot about the kind of young people a school is shaping. Congratulations as well on what looked like a fantastic rowing season, and on the culture your school is clearly fostering in its students.
Best, [Parent Name]
In Week 9, our Senior students participated in the Ponytail Project, an initiative that speaks strongly to our value of compassion. Our girls demonstrated a deep understanding of empathy and generosity, making a meaningful difference to the lives of others. The event drew a crowd of spectators to the Food Tech Deck, filling the area with laughter, encouragement, and the surprise of new haircuts. The Ponytail Project was another great success, with the students raising $13,059 for the Cancer Council.
To end Term 1 on a high, St Peter’s Girls retained the Summer Intercol Trophy for the third year running. The competition against Walford came down to the wire. Going into the Volleyball matches on Saturday morning, the score stood at two-all. There were six Volleyball matches in play, and Saints Girls took a commanding 3-0 lead after the first round. Our Senior B’s then sealed the deal, winning in a thrilling three-set match, meaning we retained both the Volleyball Intercol trophy and the Belinda Rosser/Jan MacDonald Trophy three wins to two. It was a very exciting week, with girls from both schools displaying outstanding skills and competing with honour.
As we look ahead to Term 2, there is a growing sense of anticipation surrounding the opening of the Emily Centre. This state-of-the-art facility will provide further opportunities for our students to learn, to connect, and to thrive, and we look forward to it becoming an integral part of school life.
Thank you to our staff for their dedication and care, to our students for the energy and positivity they bring to each day, and to our families for your continued support. I wish you a Happy Easter and a safe and restful term break.
Cherylyn Skewes
Principal
