Issue no. 36
From Our Deputy Principal / Head of Senior School
In Term 1 last year, Paul de Gelder, an ex-Navy clearance diver who lost an arm and a leg in a shark attack in Sydney Harbour, visited the School and spoke to girls in Years 6 to 12. Despite the challenges Paul faced in rebuilding his mental and physical health, his underlying message to the girls was clear: ‘Improvise, Adapt and Overcome’.
Given our current circumstances, it is timely to reflect upon his message. There is no doubt that the initial announcement of a lockdown of six days and a return to online learning threw everyone a little off centre. However, a flexible approach and willingness to adapt was demonstrated by our staff and our girls, who today transitioned back to our online platforms. Despite the absence of students in classrooms, it was evident there was much laughter throughout lessons and that both the staff and the girls were genuinely happy talk to each other. To the parents who sent emails of support, these were greatly appreciated. With that said, we are very much looking forward to welcoming the girls back to the School on Monday morning.
After our first experience of remote learning, the School developed online fitness sessions that can be utilised by the girls during Home Group. The ‘Witness the Fitness’ resources, which can be accessed by clicking here, provide a video-guided, 20 minute, equipment-free workout that can be completed at home. My thanks to Olivia Goldsmith and Millie Wilkin for their willingness to film over 80 exercises. I encourage the School community to make use of these resources in any future lockdown experience.
Year 11 Camp
Last week, the Year 11 students attended their Leadership Camp at Glenhaven. The girls were energised, enthusiastic and wholeheartedly embraced a variety of challenges including high ropes, giant swing, initiatives, obstacle course, tower building and a blind-folded leap of faith from the top of a telegraph pole. Importantly, the camp required them to collaborate, problem solve and negotiate. These are skills that are crucial throughout the many events they lead in Year 12. It was a pleasure to spend time with the girls and I am confident they will lead the School exceptionally in 2021.
Kate Mortimer
Deputy Principal / Head of Senior School
Microsoft AI for Good Schools Challenge
A pair of Artificial Intelligence students have won 3rd place in the Microsoft AI for Good Schools Challenge, outscoring hundreds of teams around the country.
Year 10 Business, Enterprise and Technology students Genevieve Lochowiak and Chi Chi Zhao were also crowned State champions in September.
Their concept ‘DIVE’ – Drones In Voicing Emergencies – is a sophisticated system aiming to prevent and detect bushfires.
It follows the creative endeavours of another team of Saints Girls who won the National title last year with their concept of an AI midwife to support pregnant women living in remote communities and developing countries.
Fortune Favours the Brave!
Our 1st VIII Rowing squad put our new boat ‘Courage’ to the test for the first time at the weekend, claiming victory in the Round the Island Regatta at West Lakes. Congratulations girls, looking forward to a fantastic season!
Dance Choreography Evening
For the past eight weeks, Year 9, 10 and Stage 1 Dancers have been using skills learnt throughout the year to create their own choreographic works. For each year level, this has had a different focus: Year 9 ‘Raising Awareness About a Social or Political Issue’, Year 10 ‘Integrating Technology and Dance’, and Stage 1 tackled the theme ‘Trapped’ as soloists.
Completely their own movement, theme, lighting and costuming ideas, the girls explored some very relevant and topical issues such as gender equality, mental health, homelessness, deforestation and body image.
It was very powerful to watch these dancers perform their own work and express these concepts through dance, for a live audience (luckily). Some having years of dance experience and some with very little, everyone was celebrated and encouraged. I was very impressed by and proud of all dancers involved.
Kate Burnett
Head of The Arts
At the Heart of Year 3
The Year 3 students have been learning about the choices people make that affect their health and wellbeing. They have been focusing on the different body systems and their interconnectedness. This term, the girls have had a number of special guests come into the classroom to assist their understanding of the vital roles organs play in their bodies.
Dr Christine Smith ran a session in the Science Centre about the nervous system. She spoke about the brain, spinal cord, nerves, and how the nervous system is the body’s communication system that controls much of what your body does.
Clare Gaskell ran an interactive session in the Science Centre where she dissected a lung and a heart. This presentation really captivated the students and got them thinking more deeply about the role of the circulatory system. Clare explained the circulatory system is made up of blood vessels that carry blood away from and towards the heart. Arteries carry blood away from the heart and veins carry blood back to the heart. The circulatory system carries oxygen, nutrients and hormones to cells, and removes waste products like carbon dioxide.
We have been fortunate to have had expert parents come in and share their knowledge. Carla Valmorbida, a nutritionist, helped us learn more about the importance of a healthy diet, unveiled the hidden sugar in our lunchboxes and helped us understand the role of nutrition in having a healthy body. Alison Robinson also ran an informative session about the circulatory system. Thank you to the University of Adelaide Simulation Department for the equipment that was lent. The girls were all captivated by the interactive presentation which involved CPR on their teddies.
We have been extremely impressed by the girls’ knowledge and enthusiasm this term. Another element that has really touched us has been the commitment and eagerness of parents and staff to assist the girls with their learning.
These meaningful parental and Sub-School connections should be celebrated as this is something that our School does so well.
Mark Routley and Lizzy Mitchell
Year 3 Teachers
Parents’ & Friends’ Association AGM
Our P&F AGM took place on Monday 16 November in our Food Tech Centre and was very well attended. After the formalities, members enjoyed some socialising, refreshments and nibbles on the Science rooftop.
We were so fortunate to be able to come together in these uncertain times to celebrate our successes together as a group. As always, it was a reminder of what an amazing and supportive community of volunteers we have here at Saints Girls.
At the AGM, as President, I had the opportunity to present Principal Julia Shea with a cheque for $40,000 to go towards the fit-out of our new Media Hub. Digital media has never been more important, not only in education but also in the wider world. Throughout 2019 and 2020, the Parents’ and Friends’ Association has been fundraising for our state-of-the-art facility which is already being enjoyed by our students. In the photo, P&F Secretary Danielle Palmieri is holding the plaque that has now been placed beside the Media Hub.
We would like to thank our teams of volunteers and staff connected to the School who always make our P&F events possible.
Bronwyn Bartter
Parents’ and Friends’ Association President
Junior School Vacation Care
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 onsite adventures and excursions, there is plenty of fun to be had.
December 2020 / January 2021 Vacation Care Program
Places are limited, so click here to secure your booking now!
Year Level Parent Reps for 2021
There have been many fantastic events planned by our community groups and year levels this year, especially over the past few months. We’ve also received great feedback in the Community Relations Office from our new families, relaying that everyone has felt included and welcomed into our community.
We are now recruiting and looking forward to receiving nominations for Year Level Parent Representatives for 2021!
We’ve simplified our structure and this will not be an onerous or time-consuming task in 2021. This is, however, a great way to socialise and connect with other School families. In early 2021, the Community Relations Office will communicate information to all Year Level Parent Reps, along with the representatives of all community groups at the School. This collaborative information will set the scene for 2021 and give you the opportunity to appropriately plan your social calendar for your year level.
Thank you to our 2020 Year Level Parent Reps for all your hard work and dedication this year!
We are looking to recruit 2 to 4 parents per year level. If you are interested in becoming a Parent Representative for 2021, please contact me in the Community Relations Office for more information via 8334 2244 or mwestgate@stpetersgirls.sa.edu.au.
Melissa Westgate
Foundation Manager
Saints Girls on Social Media
Celebrate Saints Girls by staying connected with us on social media.
Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/stpetersgirls
Follow us on Instagram: www.instagram.com/stpetersgirlsschool
Enjoy fun and uplifting news and content, like this snapshot of our girls in action:
*Facebook and Instagram require account holders to be at least 13 years of age.
Sports News
SOFTBALL
Middle – Saints 0 defeated by Walford 21
For our last game of the year we played Walford for the Intercol trophy. The girls played an amazing game against the very experienced Walford side, which contained four A-grade players. Special mention to Kate Thomas who put her hand up to give catcher a go! Although we could not win back the Intercol trophy, each player had at least one highlight in their game and I hope they continue to play and rebuild our strong Softball program. Great effort girls. – Kellie Bested (Softball Captain)
TENNIS
This week saw a limited number of games played to finish the season. Fantastic work to all players and I hope as many of you continue with Tennis next year, to maintain your individual progress, as well as represent Saints. – Ruby Deakin (Captain)
Division 1 Blue – Saints 6-36 defeated Pembroke 0-15
Singles: Bridgette Leach 6-0, Ariel Spartalis 6-4, Eva Young 6-3, Adele Eaton 6-5
Division 2 – Saints 5-34 defeated Pembroke 1-17
Singles: Ayanna Roy 6-3, Sapphire Moser 6-0, Eva Chassiotis 6-1, Alison Francis 4-6
Division 3 Blue – Saints 6-36 defeated Walford 0-5
Singles: Chloe Richardson 6-0, Elodie De Wit 6-4, Shirley Liu 6-0, Olivia Reynolds 6-0
Division 4 – Saints 5-28 defeated Wilderness Blue 1-18
Singles: Nathara Perera 6-0, Kaylah Park 6-0, Amy Hu 4-6, Freya Hermann 0-6
Junior Division 1 – Bye
Junior Division 3 – Saints 3-20 defeated Pembroke 3-16
Singles: Beatrice Tolley 4-1, Emily L 3-4, Ziyuan Qin 4-3, Grace Cao 3-4
TOUCH FOOTBALL
Open A – Saints 3 defeated by Pembroke 4
The Open A girls played a strong last game against Pembroke on the weekend. The girls worked really hard this game, using many tactics learnt in training including arrows and twins. Holly Cardone was able to score a try in the first half and assist Grace Richards in her great try. Poppie Goldsmith was able to catch Pembroke offside and run through a hole leading to a perfect try. Special mention to Willow Stewart-Rattray who did an amazing job in defence throughout the entire game! Overall the girls played a great last game to finish off the season, well done! – Holly Cardone (2021 Captain)
Open B – Saints had a bye
Open C – Saints 0 defeated by Wilderness 4
The girls worked really hard in our final game of the season, up against one of the toughest, if not the toughest team in our division. Despite the end result, we worked well defensively, however, could not keep up with some of their faster runners. It was great to see the improvements we have made over this term in our attack, as we finally got the hang of rucking down the field. Thanks to all girls who have played this term, it has been a great season! – Isobel Yelland
Middle A – Saints 0 defeated by Wilderness 6
This week the Middle A team played against Wilderness in an intense game. In the first half our defence was not as strong as it was in the second half. Amy defended very well on the wing and Daisy and Alice Braithwaite constantly defended the middle. Our rucking was good, however, we lost ground quite easily close to the try line. Mathilda Thomas did make a try, however, the umpire called it as a touch by the opposition. In training this week we should focus on our attacking and on finding a good plan to use in games on the try line. – Naomi Singh
Middle B – Saints 3 drew with Pembroke 3
The Middle Bs tied against Pembroke last Saturday. Amelia Lucas scored one try by weaving through the defence with great speed and Charlotte McAuliffe scored two tries through strong rucking and attacks at defensive players. This was a good game to end our season. Although we were ahead 3-2, Pembroke were able to score by the final siren to tie. Our defence was strong and held up against some of their fast runners.
Middle C – Saints 2 defeated by Mercedes 6
Once again, we improved this week as a team but had a difficult game with the opposition having many older girls and fast runners. We made some good passes in the first half and Charlotte McAuliffe scored two excellent tries with her quick speed down the wing. Our defence really helped us keep their scoring opportunities low but we were beaten by a better team. – Emily Ketteridge
VOLLEYBALL
Middle A – Saints 1 defeated by Pembroke 2 (24-26, 26-24, 9-15)
A traditional rivalry in the Open teams appears to be carrying through to the Middles. Both teams were neck and neck all game and if one team got a few points ahead, the opposition pegged them back. Both teams were using their 3 hits rather than playing the ball straight over which is a great sign they are looking to improve their skills. We were a little quiet and hesitant at times, which exposed us in the 3rd set when the pressure was on. There are a lot of promising signs for this team, with some great spikes and good serving. Looking to work on consistency and focus, this team will be a force to be reckoned with in the future. – Alistair Keough (Coach)
Middle B – Saints 3 defeated Pembroke 3-0 (25-18, 25-20, 25-17)
The Middle Bs carried their pre-match cheering for the previous matches on to the court with them. There was great energy as well as good attempts to set up play. Lots of confidence and teamwork allowed the girls to set up some good plays. Jenna Maione served well and Stephanie Andrejewskis was a great team player, supporting all the girls with her cheering. Again, a lot of promise in this team and the enthusiasm is infectious. Great game girls! – Alistair Keough (Coach)
Middle C – Saints 3 defeated Pembroke 0 (27-25, 25-16, 25-15)
Saints’ Middle C Volleyball team played Pembroke, and won 3 sets to 0. The girls played a great game, exhibiting excellent teamwork and enthusiasm, and it was clear how much their skills have improved over this season. – Ava Loechel (Coach)
Middle D – Saints 1 defeated by Pembroke 2 (16-25, 15-25, 26-24)
The Middle D Volleyball team were unfortunately defeated. The girls played such a great game, managing to win the last set, and really showed how much they have improved over this season. Serving was the best it has been, and the girls showed a real enthusiasm for the game. – Ava Loechel (Coach)
Year 6 Blue – Saints 3 defeated Wilderness 0 (25-20, 25-21, 15-13)
The girls played one of their best games and gelled incredibly well as a team, supporting each other throughout the match. Everyone’s serving has improved, especially Keira See serving deep, and Eala Arthur-Slattery, who did some amazing short serves that the opposition struggled to return. The team can sometimes lose focus after the first set, but it was clear at the beginning of the second set that they were determined to win again. The girls are clearly striving to improve their skills, which was evident in this set as some of the girls attempted to dig more balls instead of setting them back over the net on the first touch. Sienna Dellapace’s newfound net skills were able to bring us back, and we were able to win the second set. In the third set Millie McDonald and Abiola Ajao worked well together, using two touches and helping each other on the court. This, along with some more incredible serving, allowed us to take the set only by two points. This was our first 3 set win which the girls were super excited about. Although this season is being cut short, I hope to see the girls progress next year for those starting Middle School volleyball. Again, great work girls! – Georgina Keough (Student Coach)
Year 6 White – Saints 1 defeated by Seymour 2 (25-19, 19-25, 20-25)
The girls played an amazing, yet tough, game against Seymour. The team started strong in the first set, excited to get the game underway with some amazing digs and sets from Nethushi Ratnayake and Ashmitha Ramesh over the net, which resulted in Saints winning the first set. Seymour brought pressure in the second set, but Jiahui Zhang’s strong serves allowed Saints to gain important points. However, the pressure and great skills from Seymour unfortunately led to Saints losing a close set. The girls were so determined to win the game and take home the final set. Amelia Olesen and Chiara Ranasinghe hit some amazing shots over the net, and the whole team had great energy. The girls showed improvement in their skills and went for every ball that Seymour hit over, which showed commitment and courage. Unfortunately, Seymour was able to win the close last set which meant they had won the game. The girls should be so happy with how they played and have shown so much improvement which is great to see as a coach. – Dayna Petruzzella (Student Coach)
Year 5 Silver – Saints 2 defeated Wilderness 1
Another great game on Friday night where the girls won against Wilderness. The girls continue to amaze me with their improvement and progress each week. The girls’ serving has become stronger and more consistent, and the setting and digging has also improved in accuracy and height. All the girls should be proud of how far they have come and continue to keep up the good for the rest of the season! – Toni Christiansen (Student Coach)
WATER POLO
Open B – Saints 14 defeated Loreto 1
The girls played a fierce game of polo and quickly took the lead. Willow Stewart-Rattray showed off some great skills consistently turning her defenders to shoot multiple goals. Sophie Dansie was fantastic on the wing, and scored again and again. – James Powers (Coach)
Open C – Saints 5 defeated St Ignatius 0 (by forfeit)
Year 7/8A – Saints 11 defeated St Ignatius 0
A great way to end the year with all the girls putting in a strong effort over the whole field for the entire game. Best players were Alice Braithwaite and Claudia Pearce. Both girls worked very hard in defence and supported each other well in attack. Great win this week! – Nikki Miller (Coach)
Year 7/8B – Saints 7 defeated Wilderness 6
It was a very close game this week with the girls fighting hard until the end to finish with the victory. The girls’ team-work, game awareness and the structure of their attack has improved significantly over the last few games which has created better opportunities for successful shots at goal. It was pleasing to see how the defence practise we did in training was very effectively translated into the game. Well done girls! – Nikki Miller (Coach)