Enews – Week 1, Term 2 2018

Issue no. 12

From the Principal

Welcome back to Term 2. During the break, I spent a couple of days visiting schools in Melbourne to look at their new Science centres. As we enter the detailed design process of our new building, it’s valuable to reflect on the journey that other schools have travelled and, in particular, to hear of the things that have worked really well, along with those they would change now they’ve seen their laboratories in action. Given the reality that 80% of funds for capital works in independent schools are sourced via donations or loans, it was also interesting to talk to the schools about their fundraising campaigns. Two of the schools ran incredibly successful campaigns, covering half the cost of their projects with donations. One of those schools raised a staggering $20m. Admittedly, both those schools were boys’ schools. Unfortunately, the culture of philanthropy is not as well established in girls’ schools. The generosity of our donors is pivotal to bringing the Master Plan to life, and we look forward to your continued support via the upcoming annual giving appeal and the Long Lunch in September.

One of my roles outside of Saints Girls is to serve on the Executive Committee of the Alliance of Girls’ Schools Australasia (AGSA). For the past 18 months, I’ve had the additional responsibility of chairing the convening committee of the AGSA Biennial Educators’ Conference which is being held in Adelaide this weekend. It will be officially opened by Senator Penny Wong tomorrow night, bringing together approximately 300 delegates and sponsors, all of whom are passionate about the distinctive work of girls’ schools and the empowerment of young women. We’ve been fortunate to secure an outstanding line up of international and Australian presenters, and I look forward to sharing some of their insights with you following the conference. However, we’ve gone one better with renowned American commentator Peggy Orenstein by arranging for her to talk directly to you on the important but at times confronting topic of girls and sex. It’s a real coup to attract such a high-profile international speaker to Adelaide and I urge you all to register your attendance at www.trybooking.com/360063.

As we head towards the Federal election, the debate on school funding will intensify. There is a lot of misinformation out there and the graphic below helps clarify the situation. It’s one to keep handy for those passionate dinner party discussions when you and your guests don’t quite see eye to eye!

Best wishes for what will be an extremely busy term. I look forward to seeing many of you at ‘Saints Girls and All That Jazz’ next Friday night.

Julia Shea
Principal

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#EMPOWHER Update

On Monday during Assembly, girls in Years 7 – 12 learned that their next topic in the #EMPOWHER wellbeing program is stress management. During this series of sessions, they will learn to recognise what their stress signs and triggers are, as well as a number of effective, practical techniques for reducing their stress levels. One is learning how to change their ‘stress mindset’. Stress mindset is the overarching belief held by an individual about whether stress is enhancing (something which helps them deal with life’s challenges, give their best performance, and to meet a tough situation with focus) or debilitating (something harmful, threatening and needing to be avoided).

Girls will be encouraged to view stress as enhancing rather than debilitating which in turn will improve their coping abilities. According to Health Psychologist Kelly McGonigal, if we are able to change our mindset about stress, we can even make stress our friend.

You can find more information about stress and stress management here:

http://raisingchildren.net.au/articles/teenagers_stress.html
https://www.successful-parenting.com/talking-to-kids-and-teens-about-stress/
https://www.ted.com/talks/kelly_mcgonigal_how_to_make_stress_your_friend

Nicole Letch
School Psychologist

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Golden Time for Saints Girl

The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award provides the opportunity for young individuals to invest in a personal challenge through exploring personal limits and acknowledging achievements.

The Gold Award is attained by completing objectives and tasks in the following five main areas:
• Volunteering by undertaking service to individuals or the community
• Physical challenge by improving in an area of sport, dance or fitness activities
• Developing practical and social skills and personal interests
• Planning, training for and completion of an adventurous journey abroad
• Staying and working away from home for five days, doing a shared activity

After attaining my Bronze and Silver Awards in previous years, this year I successfully completed the criteria to be awarded my Gold Award. This was presented to me by the Earl of Wessex, Prince Edward at an intimate service during the school holidays. I was one of only 15 young participants in the State to achieve the award. The afternoon allowed us personal time with His Royal Highness to discuss my journey in achieving the award, and the benefits and opportunities it afforded me. It was an absolute honour to share my achievement with Prince Edward, who was very engaging with a wonderful sense of humour and wit. It was an experience I will never forget.

Whilst the award provided me with a sense of achievement, it has also led to a new sporting opportunity in my life: surfboat rowing. Having researched the sport and liking the appeal, I contacted the Somerton Surf Life Saving Club expressing my desire to try this unique and extreme water sport. Within weeks, I had spurned the formation of the inaugural Under 19 female surfboat rowing crew and was appointed captain of the Somerton Sisters. I row in stroke position with three other rowers behind me and our male sweep and coach. Due to the nature of the sport and as a prerequisite to compete, one has to be a qualified lifesaver, so we all had to complete our Bronze Medallion (beach version). Once accredited, we were then required to perform beach patrol during the summer months. I also decided to further enhance my qualifications by becoming a qualified swim instructor at the same time.

Soon we were competing in carnivals around the State including at Robe and Southport, and forging our name amongst other clubs, even competing in the U23 ladies’ division. In March, we competed in the State Surf Life Saving Championships where we won silver in our U19 division and gold in the surf boat relay. As a result, our crew qualified to travel to Perth in April representing SA and Somerton Surf Life Saving Club in the Australian Surf Life Saving Championships (Aussies). Despite the lack of experience and relatively short time together as a crew in comparison to the strong eastern state-based crews who have frequent exposure to strong surf conditions, and after battling through high waves and excessive winds, we finished 4th out of 24. This was an incredible achievement and a fantastic experience, and we are now preparing for “worlds” later this year.

A further highlight has been winning the Australian Navy Award experience for the best video highlighting the synergies between camaraderie, teamwork and honesty demonstrated in surf boat rowers and navy personnel. We were the successful team in winning the award throughout the entire State.

The 4am wake ups for trainings down at the beach in 10 degree weather and the tough ergo sessions are part of the camaraderie I would never trade for. The beach culture and strong bond with all club members and competing clubs and crews, the sense of community whilst on beach patrol, the sense of self-worth and pride in having formed my crew demonstrate the benefits and rewards from hard work and persistence. I have forged many great friendships for life and have met so many inspirational and admirable people along the way. But most importantly through this journey I have discovered that by pursuing my passion I am now more motivated and focused to achieve and realise my goals in life. It takes considerable courage and a body pumping full of adrenalin to row 500m out to sea only to be hit by five metre waves, at times tossing your oars out of the boat and occasionally capsizing the boat (hence the helmets), but I wouldn’t have it any other way. The benefits socially, physically, mentally and personally have been immeasurable and has made me a more confident, driven individual in all aspects of life, putting me in good stead for life’s future challenges.

Chanel Stefani
Year 12 student

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IB Diploma Information Night

A special information night will be held on Tuesday 22 May where IB Diploma Coordinator Carolyn Farr will introduce and explain the IB Diploma to interested members of the community. During this hour-long session, she will outline the structure of the programme, subject options, how it is assessed and what kind of student is well suited to IB. She will share some recent statistics and research, and perhaps even dispel a few myths. You will also have an opportunity to hear from graduates and current IB students.

Students are encouraged to attend, and members of the public are also welcome.

Watch this video for a taste of IB at Saints Girls:

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Head Prefect Faces the Chop

On Thursday 17 May I am cutting off all my hair and shaving my head, and I am asking for your support.

I am doing this as part of the World’s Greatest Shave for the Leukaemia Foundation, and will donate my hair to Variety as part of their Hair with Heart Campaign which provides specialised wigs to those with alopecia or cancer.

Just today, 35 Australians have been diagnosed with blood cancer and 14 Australian lives have been claimed by it. In fact, it is Australia’s third most common cause of cancer death, claiming more lives than breast cancer or melanoma. The Leukemia Foundation makes a difference by funding patients to seek the treatment they need, providing support for their families and by conducting research to discover safer and more effective treatments that will save lives.

So far, those who have sponsored me have helped raise a tremendous $5,116 but the goal is $6,000 and there are only two weeks left, so I need your help!

Please head to my fundraising page below and help contribute to the lives of Aussies suffering from blood cancer by sponsoring me. I am also asking for as many students as possible to come to the Arts Centre at lunchtime on Thursday of Week 3 with a gold coin donation to join me as I complete the World’s Greatest Shave.

There are very few people who haven’t been touched by cancer either in themselves, a friend or a loved one. As individuals, cancer can make us feel powerless but with combined efforts, change can be made.

Just click here to sponsor me today: http://my.leukaemiafoundation.org.au/antoniakirstenparsch

Thank you for your generosity.

Antonia Kirsten-Parsch
Head Prefect

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Important Music Dates – Term 2

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Junior School Book Fair

In Week 5 (28 May – 1 June), we will have our annual visit by Scholastic Book Fair in the Junior Library. This pop-up bookshop event is a wonderful opportunity for students to purchase books to take home. Students will browse books in their Library lesson and formulate their wish list. Books and stationery will be for sale at the following times:

Before School   8.10 – 8.30am
Lunch   1.15 – 1.45pm
After School   3.30 – 4pm

The fair will run from Monday lunchtime to Friday lunchtime. All purchases will benefit our Library as Scholastic will donate books to our collection. We look forward to seeing you at the fair!

Helen Smith and the Year 6 Library Leaders

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SACE and IB Visual Arts

During Term 1, the Year 11 SACE and IB Visual Arts students were inspired by Sarah Norman, an Old Scholar who is an emerging visual artist. Her main focus is portraiture and the human form. Her work is solely based upon photography, and she mainly use lead pencil and black pen in her works.

The students researched her pieces and this inspired their development of ideas. The portrait image that the students used in their final pieces was based on an original photograph that the student had taken of a person who is significant in their life. The image chosen could have been part of a face or a whole face. Students could choose what medium they would use in their final piece, but there needed to be some similarities to Sarah’s work.

The students thoroughly enjoyed researching Sarah’s works. Some of them created a time-lapse of their creative process:

Amanda Fang Time-lapse
Isabelle Reynolds Time-lapse

Kirsten Mansfield
Visual Art Teacher

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Creative Commemoration of WW1

Throughout Term 1, our Year 9 students researched the origins and nature of World War One. As part of their assessment, they were asked to research a significant land battle for Australia and present their findings on the aims, weaponry, leadership and outcomes in the form of a film trailer. The students were challenged to use primary footage, recreations, sound editing, colour and music accurately and evocatively to convey the significance of some of the most tragic battles of World War One such as Lone Pine, the Nek, Fromelles and Passchendaele. Students were also required to reflect on why these battles are still significant to Australia, especially in 2018, the centenary of the war’s conclusion.

Due to the Year 6 History curriculum’s attention to 20th century Australia and their upcoming visit to the Australian War Memorial in Canberra, these students were invited to be the audience for the Year 9s who shared these trailers and explained to the younger students their research and creative aims. The sharing of learning across Sub-Schools was an enriching experience, allowing the Year 9s to justify their choices and the Year 6s to make links to their current curriculum. Some insights from the Year 6s included:

“This was a great opportunity for us to learn from some of our older peers while also making some new connections. We asked the Year 9s why they chose to focus on particular battles and what they had found most interesting in the research process”.

“Their use of limited colour and black and white imagery helped to set the scene and make us visualise such a time; sometimes it felt like we were there”. (Ruby, Naomi and Claudia, 6SBR)

Representatives from both classes were able to reflect on their experiences as part of our ANZAC Day Assembly to start Term 2. Our guest speaker, Brigadier Ellis Wayland of the Kensington sub-branch of the RSL, had the following to say about what the students shared:

“I was just so impressed with my visit. The maturity and confidence of your girls was simply inspiring. They do great credit to your School. Thank you again for taking the initiative to include St Peter’s in the ANZAC commemoration”.

Many thanks to the students of 9SRI and 6SBR for making this shared learning opportunity such a worthwhile experience.

Gregor Dingwall
9SRI History Teacher and Head of Humanities

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PE Girls Catch a Wave

On Thursday and Friday during the last week of term, the Year 11 PE class travelled to Moana beach for a surfing experience. We were taught by a ‘Surf and Sun’ instructor, learning about dangers such as rips and how to use them to our advantage. We also learnt how to stand up on a board using the proper techniques while executing turns and changing speeds. The five of us all did very well and were all able to successfully catch waves, and as a result surf. A challenge we all experienced was the sweep of the waves as the weather was very windy, which made it difficult and tiring pushing against the waves. We had an amazing experience learning many skills despite the challenges we faced.

Check out our skills in this Surfing Video.

Tahlia Towers, Sivi Sivasuthan, Brooke Elliott, Chloe Deieso, Molly Lucas
Year 11 PE students

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Home Run for House Teeball

On the last day of Term 1, the Interhouse teeball competition was held on the top oval. Girls had practised their skills during their lessons and were keen to see which was the most successful House. With results drawn from the number of runs divided by the number of outs, girls were keen to build their run score without getting many outs.

The teeball captains assisted the younger year levels by encouraging them and helping them understand the rules.

Year 3 Winners – Selwyn
Year 4 Winners – Kennion
Year 5 Winners – Kilburn
Year 6 Winners – Kennion

Overall Winners – Kennion

All teams showed good spirit.

Pauline Noblet
Junior School PE Teacher

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Thinking About Joining The Club?

Do humans have souls? Is the mind a physical thing? These are just some of the questions we discuss at Philosophy Club. This time last year, I walked into the first meeting having never studied Philosophy before. In 2017, this club was formed, and the minds of girls from various year levels were opened to the world of Philosophy. The club is open to all girls in Years 7 – 12; we meet at lunch on Fridays for discussions on various philosophical questions. Last year, five girls from the club were selected to compete in South Australia’s first Philosothon competition and though many of us had never studied Philosophy before, our team came second and will be competing at the national final later this year. Philosophy Club is so enjoyable and a great way to get to know girls in other year levels while having thought-provoking discussions. In addition, Pocket Points are awarded to those who attend. For girls who have never studied Philosophy before, or girls who are studying it, the Philosophy Club is a great way to learn, have fun and, in essence, challenge your thinking!

Holly Wallman-Craddock
Year 9 student

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Years 11 and 12 Academic Conferences

Given the number of parents likely to be making appointments to see Year 11 and Year 12 teachers early next term, we have decided to add an extra date.

Tuesday 8 May after school will be for Year 12 academic conferences. Thursday 17 May after school is the new date for Year 11 academic conferences. Hopefully this will increase flexibility and teacher availability.

I look forward to seeing you at these evenings.

Nigel Scoggins
Director of Teaching and Learning

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Soul Food Dished Up by our Families

A huge thank you to all the generous Senior School families who cooked soups and main courses for about 70 people in dire need of a home-cooked meal at the St Mary Magdalene Drop in Centre on Saturday 25 March. They worked in the kitchen and front-of-house, providing three courses and fellowship to the centre patrons.

As the saying goes, it takes a village, and without the generosity of our School community through food and monetary donations, this could not have come together. Not only were three courses provided but there was food left over to give the patrons take aways, which is always much appreciated.

Our thanks to Vanessa and Rob Zito, Eve, Michaela and Barney Habel, Vaiju and Aditi Tamhankar, Wendy Lindsay, Amy Li, Jane and Hannah Brown, and Susanna and Luke Anderson for heating, stirring, serving and washing up on the evening with good grace and many laughs.

We will be asking Middle School families for food donations for our next rostered night which is Saturday 16 June.

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Movie Magic to Support Fiji Mission

This year, for the first time, St Peter’s Girls’ School is sending 21 students to Fiji in the hopes that they will assist with the education of the younger generation and sustainability of the island. The girls we be spending two weeks there and, in order to achieve these goals, we aim to raise $1,500 through a special Movie Fundraiser. We will be screening the highly-anticipated ‘Avengers: Infinity War’, part one of the conclusion of this popular series. Tickets are on sale via www.trybooking.com/VGRJ and the movie will be held at the Capri Theatre on Goodwood Road at 3pm tomorrow, Saturday 5 May.

Individual ticket: $20
Soft Drink + Golden Gay Time or small popcorn + ticket: $22.50
Alcoholic Beverage + Small Popcorn or Golden Gay Time + ticket: $24

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A Touch of Blue – Tonight!

For Alumni 2014-17

This event continues to grow and this year we invite all Old Scholars from Alumni 2014-17 to join in a fun evening with former classmates.

Tonight will begin on the School’s new Library deck with drinks and cocktail food. Bus transport will then be provided for anyone who wishes to continue the evening at the Feathers Hotel, Burnside.

Tickets are $15 per person and bookings are via www.trybooking.com/TJZM.

We hope to see you tonight!

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Ladies’ Night Out

If you’re up for a fun evening, why not book a ticket to the Ladies’ Night Out? To be held on Friday 18 May from 7 – 10.30pm in the Arts Centre at St Peter’s Girls’ School, tickets are $50 each and include bubbles on arrival, finger food and a gift bag.

Join other like-minded community members for a night of fun, whilst playing a key role in supporting our Master Plan!

A fundraising raffle will be drawn on the night and bar facilities will be available.

Tickets via www.trybooking.com/UFUW

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Don’t Miss ‘Saints Girls & All That Jazz’!

Time is running out to secure your ticket for one of the biggest music spectaculars the School has ever seen: ‘Saints Girls and All That Jazz’

Our celebrity Artists in Residence, Ross Irwin (The Cat Empire) and Emma Pask (‘The Voice’) will join our talented Music students for a concert not to be missed next Friday night. Media identity and jazz enthusiast Keith Conlon will also join us as compère.

With just 100 seats left, book now via www.trybooking.com/UUMN.

Check out this video to hear more about this exciting event:

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Totally 80s Trivia and Disco Night

 
Join us for a ‘Totally 80s Trivia and Disco Night’ on Saturday 16 June at 7pm in the St Peter’s Girls’ School Gym.

Tickets $25 per person (includes welcome drink)

Paella • Raffle • Trivia • Games • Prizes

• DJ playing 80s Disco • BYO food only

Book tickets at www.trybooking.com/VGUH

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Audition Notice – SHANE DAVIDSON PRESENTS

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast JR. – OCTOBER 2018 PRODUCTION – Ages 8 to 16

SHANE DAVIDSON PRESENTS is holding auditions for their production of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast JR. which will be held in the Arts Centre in the first week of the October school holidays. Auditions are 10am – 3pm Saturday 12 May.

The show boasts beautiful songs such as Belle, Beauty and the Beast, Gaston and Be Our Guest, and some huge dance sequences. It has many lead roles but also many smaller roles to encourage younger children aspiring to take on bigger roles in the future. Four performances will be staged from 5 – 7 October, and most rehearsals are 10am – 1pm on Sundays at Saints Girls.

Directors: Shane Davidson and Ben Francis (and Vocal Coach)
Choreography: Sarah Humeniuk

We are looking for a talented cast to take on the main roles, minor leads and chorus.

For further information please contact Shane Davidson via shanedavidson@internode.on.net or 0447 259 098.

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Sports News

The Winter Season officially gets underway this week. All students are reminded to check notice boards for team selections and other relevant information. Sports fixtures, maps to venues and results can also be found on the myLink parent portal.

If you have any news items or sporting success stories please email them to me via nfuller@stpetersgirls.sa.edu.au.

CROSS COUNTRY FUN RUN

A reminder that the House Cross Country Fun Run will be held on Friday 18 May (Week 3). You should have received a separate letter indicating the times for each year level. Parents are welcome to attend and should meet at Bell Yett Reserve. Fundraising is encouraged, with some wonderful prizes on offer. All money raised will be used by the Saints Sport Support Group to assist with the development of sporting programs and facilities.

Students can create an online profile, and all fundraising and prizes must be ordered online at www.schoolfunrun.com.au.

ATHLETICS

In the last week of Term 1, the Years 8 – 12 Athletics team had an outstanding performance in the State’s highest division: A1 finishing overall runner up behind Trinity College, meaning we placed 2nd from over 80 Schools. We had 18 Standard Certificates issued for performances that were rated in the top 5% of the State. This is an outstanding effort, and the following students placed in the top 3 in their events:

Rose Pittman – Open 400m 1st, 800m 1st, Relay 3rd
Hannah Brown – Open Relay 3rd, Long Jump 3rd, Triple Jump 3rd
Nicolette Miller – Open Discus 1st, Open Shot Put 1st, Javelin 2nd
Thandi Murada – Open 1500m 2nd, 1000m Steeplechase 3rd
Jemimah Simpson – Open Relay 3rd
Holly Cunningham –  Open Relay 3rd
Millie Wilkin – U16 400m 2nd
Charlotte Sellars – U16 Discus 3rd
Keeley Fahey – U15 Javelin 1st
Charlotte Cohen – U15 Relay 2nd
Ehi Oyugbo – U15 90m Hurdles 1st, Relay 2nd, 100m 3rd, High Jump 3rd
Stephanie Smalls – U15 Relay 2nd
Hannah Freeman – U15 Relay 2nd, 400m 3rd
Olivia Kelly – U14 Relay 1st, High Jump 2nd, Shot Put 2nd, 100m 3rd
Portia Maerschel – U14 Relay 1st, 400m 1st, 80m Hurdles 1st, Long Jump 1st
Imogen Elliott – U14 1550m 3rd
Alexia Politis – U14 Relay 1st
Efua Yawson – U14 Relay 1st
Lucy White – U14 Triple Jump 3rd

SOFTBALL

Good Luck to Aroha Munroe (Year 10), Tesse Parker (Year 10) and Kellie Bested (Year 9) who are competing in the Australia Softball Cup being held at West Beach.

Aroha has also been selected in the Softball SA Dragons Junior League team travelling to Singapore at the end of June to represent Australia at the Little League International Asia-Pacific Championship. They will compete against up to six other countries for the title, with the winning team going on to represent the region at the Little League World Series in early August in Kirkland, Washington USA.

TRIATHLON

Well done to Matilda Braithwaite (Year 10) who competed in the individual Triathlon Championships at Penrith in NSW. She finished 21st in her age group.

VOLLEYBALL

Congratulations to Charlotte White (Year 10) who has been selected in an Australian Junior team that will travel to the USA to contest the High Performance Championships in Tulsa, Oklahoma from 24 – 28 July. The delegation will depart Australia on 19 July for a preparation camp, college visits and cultural experiences, and will arrive back in Australia on 31 July.

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